The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 6, 2012)
'Zero nuclear' policy would betray Aomori govt on reprocessing plant
再処理稼働へ 「原発ゼロ」は青森への背信だ（9月5日付・読売社説）
Japan is aiming to achieve a nuclear fuel cycle that can reuse the spent fuel generated from nuclear power plants.
日本は、原子力発電所から出る使用済み核燃料を再利用する「核燃料サイクル」政策の実現を目指している。
The reprocessing plant being constructed by Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, would be an essential part of this policy, and one major challenge for starting operations at the plant has been overcome.
日本原燃が青森県六ヶ所村に建設してきた再処理工場は、その要である。稼働へ向け、大きなヤマ場を越えた。
The construction of the plant began in 1993 and has cost more than 2 trillion yen so far.
１９９３年に着工し、２兆円以上の建設費が投じられてきた。
The process of vitrifying highly radioactive waste to allow for stable storage had been difficult in the final experimental stages, but test operations have finally succeeded and the plant will be finished after the government completes safety checks and other necessary steps have been taken.
高レベル放射性廃棄物を安定保管するため、ガラスで固める工程が最終試験段階で難航していたが、ようやく試運転に成功した。政府の安全確認などを経て完工する。
The plant is meant to contribute to the efficient use of uranium resources and reduce radioactive waste. We believe it should be put into use as soon as possible.
ウラン資源の有効活用や放射性廃棄物の減少に貢献する施設である。早期の稼働が求められる。
However, the meandering discussions occurring in the government and ruling Democratic Party of Japan over the shift away from nuclear power are cause for concern. The question of whether the reprocessing plant will ever be started is now up in the air.
懸念すべきは、政府・民主党の「脱原発」論議の迷走だ。再処理工場を稼働させられるかどうか、それ自体が問題になってきた。
===
Immediate consequences
If the "zero nuclear" policy, currently seen as a leading option in the government's Energy and Environment Council, were adopted, the path to reusing spent nuclear waste would be barred. Operating the reprocessing plant would be meaningless.
政府のエネルギー・環境会議で有力選択肢に浮上している「原発ゼロ」になれば、使用済み核燃料の再利用の道は閉ざされ、工場を動かす意味がなくなる。
The about 3,000 tons of spent nuclear fuel that has already been transferred from nuclear plants around the country to Rokkasho would have no place to go.
再処理工場に全国の原発から搬入された約３０００トンの使用済み核燃料は行き場を失うだろう。
The Aomori prefectural government has demanded, in line with a memorandum exchanged with Japan Nuclear Fuel, that if the plant is not made operational, the spent fuel must be taken back by the power companies operating nuclear plants.
青森県は、日本原燃と交わした覚書を踏まえ、工場を稼働させない場合は、すべてを各電力会社が引き取るよう求めている。
If this happened, all of the nation's nuclear plants would be filled to capacity with returned spent fuel, which would leave no room even to bring in new nuclear fuel to run the plants. Under such circumstances, no local government would consent to restarting a suspended nuclear reactor.
そうなれば、各地の原発は戻された使用済み核燃料で満杯となり、交換用の新たな核燃料を持ち込む余地さえなくなる。これでは、立地自治体も、原発を再稼働することに同意はすまい。
This could result in immediate confusion, well ahead of the future goal of "zero nuclear power."
将来の「原発ゼロ」どころか、直ちに混乱しかねない。
Aomori Gov. Shingo Mimura last month submitted a request to the government urging it to show a "realistic and feasible policy course," and questioned the wisdom of the "zero nuclear" option. The governor described the nuclear fuel cycle as "an essential policy to support a nation lacking in natural resources."
青森県の三村申吾知事は先月、政府に対して「現実的に実行可能な方針」を示すよう求める要望書を提出し、「原発ゼロ」に疑問を呈した。核燃料サイクルについても「資源に乏しいわが国を支える重要な政策」と述べた。
===
Govt owes Aomori answer
The governor's requests were apparently aimed at urging the government and the DPJ not to casually adopt the "zero nuclear" policy. We think the governor was quite right to express such views. The government should respond sincerely.
政府・民主党が安直に「原発ゼロ」政策に転換しないよう、クギを刺したものだろう。当然の見解表明と言える。政府は、青森県に誠実に対応すべきだ。
Reprocessing technology is a right granted to Japan as an exception by the United States, which is sensitive about nuclear proliferation, under the Japan-U.S. Nuclear Energy Agreement. This right would be lost with the "zero nuclear" policy.
再処理技術は、核拡散に敏感な米国が日米原子力協定で日本に特別に認めた権利でもある。この権利が「原発ゼロ」で失われる。
Nuclear technologies that have been nurtured would surely wane, and no new human resources in this industry would be developed.
無論、これまで培ってきた原子力の技術が衰退し、新たな人材も育たなくなる。
Recycling spent nuclear fuel under strict controls would also be helpful in preventing the fuel from being converted for military use.
使用済み核燃料を、厳しい管理の下で確実に再利用することは軍事転用を封じるのに役立つ。
China, South Korea and other countries are expanding their use of nuclear power. We believe the "zero nuclear" option would undermine Japan's voice in the international community.
中国、韓国などは原発利用を拡大している。「原発ゼロ」は日本の発言力を低下させるだけだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 5, 2012)
（2012年9月5日01時07分 読売新聞）
2012/09/07
2012/09/06
大阪維新の会 大衆迎合的な公約が気になる
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 5, 2012)
Osaka Ishin no Kai's populist pledges a cause of concern
大阪維新の会 大衆迎合的な公約が気になる（9月4日付・読売社説）
The question of whether the election pledges of Osaka Ishin no Kai (Osaka restoration group) are feasible cannot be dispelled.
実現可能な公約なのか疑問は拭えない。
The group recently unveiled the final version of its policy statement for the next House of Representatives election. The policy statement is dubbed "Ishin Hassaku" (eight-point policy platform).
大阪維新の会が、次期衆院選公約「維新八策」の最終版を公表した。
Osaka Ishin no Kai plans to form a new party in the middle of this month with participation of at least five incumbent Diet members. Sixteen percent of respondents to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey said they would vote for Osaka Ishin no Kai in proportional representation contests of the next lower house election, following the largest group--21 percent--who said they would vote for the Liberal Democratic Party. Osaka Ishin no Kai is likely to be at the eye of the storm in the election.
維新の会は、現職国会議員５人以上の参加を得て今月半ばに新党を結成する方針だ。読売新聞の世論調査では次期衆院選比例選の投票先で、維新の会は１位の自民党２１％に次ぐ１６％だった。“台風の目”となりそうだ。
Some points of Osaka Ishin no Kai's election pledges are commendable. For example, it says Japan should join the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework.
維新八策は環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加を打ち出すなど、評価できる点もある。
On the other hand, some pledges that seem to have come off the top of their heads are conspicuous. "Halving the number of seats in the lower house" is one example. Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who heads Osaka Ishin no Kai, said it is necessary to make lawmakers think about the country as a whole, including foreign policies and security, by expanding electoral districts through integration of single-seat constituencies.
一方で、思いつきのように見える公約も目立つ。たとえば「衆院議員定数の半減」だ。維新の会代表の橋下徹大阪市長は、小選挙区を統合して拡大し、国会議員が外交・安全保障など国全体を考えるようにする必要があると言う。
===
Seat cuts easier said than done
However, it would be extremely difficult politically to realize this idea under the current divided Diet. In fact, the Democratic Party of Japan still has not been able to fulfill its pledge to eliminate 80 lower house seats allocated under proportional representation. It is understandable if Osaka Ishin no Kai's ideas are mid- and long-term proposals, but it should be cautious about making the ideas campaign pledges.
だが、衆参ねじれ国会の下で実現するには大きな政治的コストがかかる。現に民主党は衆院比例選定数８０削減を公約しながら、依然実現できないままだ。中長期の問題提起ならわかるが、公約にすることは慎重であるべきだろう。
Making the consumption tax a local tax and abolishing distribution of tax revenues to local governments, which is entailed by the former, are also open to question.
消費税の地方税化とそれに伴う地方交付税の廃止も疑問だ。
Given the harsh reality of state finances, how could it be possible, if consumption tax revenues are allocated to local governments, to cover social security costs, which are increasing by as much as about 1 trillion yen every year?
財政事情が厳しい中、消費税収を地方財源に回して、一体どうやって毎年１兆円前後も増加する国の社会保障費を賄うのか。
Osaka Ishin no Kai also needs to clarify whether it supports laws for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, which were enacted based on an agreement between the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito.
民主、自民、公明３党の合意をもとに成立した社会保障と税の一体改革関連法に対する賛否も、明らかにする必要がある。
Tax revenues allocated to local governments help adjust the disparities among local governments' finances. Hashimoto said how to handle the situation after tax allocations to local governments are abolished will be left to coordination among local governments and a third-party committee. However, it will not be so easy.
地方交付税には、自治体の財政格差を調整する役割がある。橋下氏は、廃止後の対応を自治体間や第三者委員会の調整に委ねると言うが、そう簡単にはいくまい。
===
Nuclear power stand dubious
As for economic policies, Osaka Ishin no Kai stresses "strengthening competitiveness" and calls for "building a system to end dependence on nuclear power generation." However, if the country moves away from nuclear power, energy costs will surge, and this could accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries. It should be explained how a growth strategy and an end to dependence on nuclear power generation can be compatible.
経済政策では、「競争力の強化」を強調し、「脱原発依存体制の構築」も訴えている。脱原発依存を進めればエネルギー費用は増大し、産業の空洞化が加速しかねない。成長戦略と脱原発依存をどう両立させるか、説明が要る。
As a basic policy, Osaka Ishin no Kai stipulated in its policy statement the introduction of a system to elect prime ministers by popular vote, which requires a constitutional amendment.
基本方針として、憲法改正が必要な首相公選制を明記した。
Israel once introduced this system but eventually abolished it after politics were thrown into turmoil. Osaka Ishin no Kai said it will prevent the system from becoming something like a popularity vote, but we doubt whether this is possible.
ただ、この制度に関しては、一度導入したイスラエルで政治が混迷した末に撤廃されている。「人気投票的になることは防ぐ」というが、そんなことが可能なのか、疑問符を付けざるをえない。
It is worrisome that Osaka Ishin no Kai, which claims it "will change Japan's system," presents these pledges in a highly populist tone.
「日本の国の仕組みを変える」と訴える維新の会が、こうした大衆迎合色の濃い公約を提起している点は、気がかりだ。
In the previous lower house election in 2009, the DPJ set out an array of policies aimed at appealing to the public and pledging that it would be able to squeeze out a hefty 16.8 trillion yen in fiscal resources by rearranging the state budget. This has since caused considerable confusion and should be taken as a lesson.
前回衆院選で、民主党が国民受けを狙った政策を並べ、予算を組み替えれば１６・８兆円もの財源を作れると公約して大混乱を招いたことを教訓とすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 4, 2012)
（2012年9月4日01時19分 読売新聞）
Osaka Ishin no Kai's populist pledges a cause of concern
大阪維新の会 大衆迎合的な公約が気になる（9月4日付・読売社説）
The question of whether the election pledges of Osaka Ishin no Kai (Osaka restoration group) are feasible cannot be dispelled.
実現可能な公約なのか疑問は拭えない。
The group recently unveiled the final version of its policy statement for the next House of Representatives election. The policy statement is dubbed "Ishin Hassaku" (eight-point policy platform).
大阪維新の会が、次期衆院選公約「維新八策」の最終版を公表した。
Osaka Ishin no Kai plans to form a new party in the middle of this month with participation of at least five incumbent Diet members. Sixteen percent of respondents to a Yomiuri Shimbun survey said they would vote for Osaka Ishin no Kai in proportional representation contests of the next lower house election, following the largest group--21 percent--who said they would vote for the Liberal Democratic Party. Osaka Ishin no Kai is likely to be at the eye of the storm in the election.
維新の会は、現職国会議員５人以上の参加を得て今月半ばに新党を結成する方針だ。読売新聞の世論調査では次期衆院選比例選の投票先で、維新の会は１位の自民党２１％に次ぐ１６％だった。“台風の目”となりそうだ。
Some points of Osaka Ishin no Kai's election pledges are commendable. For example, it says Japan should join the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework.
維新八策は環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加を打ち出すなど、評価できる点もある。
On the other hand, some pledges that seem to have come off the top of their heads are conspicuous. "Halving the number of seats in the lower house" is one example. Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, who heads Osaka Ishin no Kai, said it is necessary to make lawmakers think about the country as a whole, including foreign policies and security, by expanding electoral districts through integration of single-seat constituencies.
一方で、思いつきのように見える公約も目立つ。たとえば「衆院議員定数の半減」だ。維新の会代表の橋下徹大阪市長は、小選挙区を統合して拡大し、国会議員が外交・安全保障など国全体を考えるようにする必要があると言う。
===
Seat cuts easier said than done
However, it would be extremely difficult politically to realize this idea under the current divided Diet. In fact, the Democratic Party of Japan still has not been able to fulfill its pledge to eliminate 80 lower house seats allocated under proportional representation. It is understandable if Osaka Ishin no Kai's ideas are mid- and long-term proposals, but it should be cautious about making the ideas campaign pledges.
だが、衆参ねじれ国会の下で実現するには大きな政治的コストがかかる。現に民主党は衆院比例選定数８０削減を公約しながら、依然実現できないままだ。中長期の問題提起ならわかるが、公約にすることは慎重であるべきだろう。
Making the consumption tax a local tax and abolishing distribution of tax revenues to local governments, which is entailed by the former, are also open to question.
消費税の地方税化とそれに伴う地方交付税の廃止も疑問だ。
Given the harsh reality of state finances, how could it be possible, if consumption tax revenues are allocated to local governments, to cover social security costs, which are increasing by as much as about 1 trillion yen every year?
財政事情が厳しい中、消費税収を地方財源に回して、一体どうやって毎年１兆円前後も増加する国の社会保障費を賄うのか。
Osaka Ishin no Kai also needs to clarify whether it supports laws for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, which were enacted based on an agreement between the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito.
民主、自民、公明３党の合意をもとに成立した社会保障と税の一体改革関連法に対する賛否も、明らかにする必要がある。
Tax revenues allocated to local governments help adjust the disparities among local governments' finances. Hashimoto said how to handle the situation after tax allocations to local governments are abolished will be left to coordination among local governments and a third-party committee. However, it will not be so easy.
地方交付税には、自治体の財政格差を調整する役割がある。橋下氏は、廃止後の対応を自治体間や第三者委員会の調整に委ねると言うが、そう簡単にはいくまい。
===
Nuclear power stand dubious
As for economic policies, Osaka Ishin no Kai stresses "strengthening competitiveness" and calls for "building a system to end dependence on nuclear power generation." However, if the country moves away from nuclear power, energy costs will surge, and this could accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries. It should be explained how a growth strategy and an end to dependence on nuclear power generation can be compatible.
経済政策では、「競争力の強化」を強調し、「脱原発依存体制の構築」も訴えている。脱原発依存を進めればエネルギー費用は増大し、産業の空洞化が加速しかねない。成長戦略と脱原発依存をどう両立させるか、説明が要る。
As a basic policy, Osaka Ishin no Kai stipulated in its policy statement the introduction of a system to elect prime ministers by popular vote, which requires a constitutional amendment.
基本方針として、憲法改正が必要な首相公選制を明記した。
Israel once introduced this system but eventually abolished it after politics were thrown into turmoil. Osaka Ishin no Kai said it will prevent the system from becoming something like a popularity vote, but we doubt whether this is possible.
ただ、この制度に関しては、一度導入したイスラエルで政治が混迷した末に撤廃されている。「人気投票的になることは防ぐ」というが、そんなことが可能なのか、疑問符を付けざるをえない。
It is worrisome that Osaka Ishin no Kai, which claims it "will change Japan's system," presents these pledges in a highly populist tone.
「日本の国の仕組みを変える」と訴える維新の会が、こうした大衆迎合色の濃い公約を提起している点は、気がかりだ。
In the previous lower house election in 2009, the DPJ set out an array of policies aimed at appealing to the public and pledging that it would be able to squeeze out a hefty 16.8 trillion yen in fiscal resources by rearranging the state budget. This has since caused considerable confusion and should be taken as a lesson.
前回衆院選で、民主党が国民受けを狙った政策を並べ、予算を組み替えれば１６・８兆円もの財源を作れると公約して大混乱を招いたことを教訓とすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 4, 2012)
（2012年9月4日01時19分 読売新聞）
2012/09/05
米大統領選 ロムニー氏の再生策は本物か
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 4, 2012)
Is Mitt Romney the answer to U.S. economic, fiscal problems?
米大統領選 ロムニー氏の再生策は本物か（9月3日付・読売社説）
There are just over two months left until the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 6.
米大統領選は、１１月６日の投開票まで、あと２か月余りに迫った。
The Republican Party, aiming to reclaim the office after a four-year absence, held its national convention in the state of Florida last week and officially nominated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as its president and House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan as its vice president.
４年ぶりの政権奪還を目指す共和党がフロリダ州で党大会を開き、ロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事とライアン下院予算委員長を正副大統領候補にそれぞれ指名した。
In his acceptance speech, Romney sharply criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's administration for its mismanagement of the country. He pledged to rebuild the struggling U.S. economy to "restore the promise of America," an apparent dig at Obama.
ロムニー氏は、指名受諾演説で、オバマ政権の失政を厳しく批判し、経済を立て直して「米国を再生させる」と公約した。対決色を鮮明にしたと言える。
Romney is a "small government" advocate, a policy line that would attempt to boost the economy with a variety of tax cuts and regulatory easing while drastically cutting back on federal spending, including social security programs.
社会保障など連邦政府の歳出は大幅に削減する一方、幅広い減税策や規制緩和によって、民間活力を通じた景気浮揚を図ろうとする「小さな政府」路線である。
For instance, he pledged to make the United States energy self-sufficient, expand trade, create 12 million jobs through assistance to small and midsize businesses, slash the nation's huge fiscal deficit, oppose cuts to the defense budget and abolish Obama's reform of the health care system.
具体的には、エネルギー自給の推進や貿易拡大、中小企業支援を通じた１２００万人の雇用創出計画、巨額の債務削減、国防予算の削減反対、オバマ政権の医療保険制度改革の撤廃などを挙げた。
===
Obama under pressure
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party does not see defense spending as untouchable when cutting expenditures to rebuild government finances.
民主党は、財政再建に必要な歳出削減では国防費も例外扱いにしていない。
The party has staked out a position that, as much as possible, will not cut federal spending for the underprivileged, including low-income earners and senior citizens, and emphasize correcting income disparities.
格差是正を重視し、低所得者や高齢者など弱者への政府支出は極力削らない立場だ。
However, the U.S. economy has been stuck in slow gear, and reverberations from the debt crisis in Europe have made its future uncertain. The U.S. unemployment rate has never gone below the 7.8 percent mark it stood at when Obama took office. Recently, it has hovered between 8 percent and 8.5 percent.
米国は、景気減速が続いており、欧州債務危機の影響を受けて、先行きも不透明だ。
失業率はオバマ大統領の就任時の７・８％を下回ることなく、８％台前半に高止まりしている。
The U.S. fiscal deficit has exceeded 1 trillion dollars for four straight years. Obama needs effective policies to quickly boost the economy, as well as restore the health of government finances in the medium- and long-term.
財政赤字は４年連続で１兆ドルを超えた。当面の景気浮揚と中長期的な財政再建で、実効性ある政策が求められよう。
Although Romney claims he could do both, simultaneously cutting taxes drastically and reducing the country's huge debt seems incompatible. He needs to clearly state what steps he would take to cut the federal deficit without losing tax revenue. This will undoubtedly be a major issue in the remainder of the campaign.
ロムニー氏の唱える、大幅減税と巨額の財政赤字減らしは、両立し難く見える。歳入を減らさずに赤字は減らせるという道筋を具体的に明示する必要がある。選挙戦で争点になるのは間違いない。
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is scheduled to kick off its national convention in the state of North Carolina on Tuesday, where it is expected to stress party unity during the march toward Obama's reelection.
民主党は４日からノースカロライナ州で党大会を開き、大統領再選へ挙党態勢をアピールする。
===
Parties agree on Asian issues
Recent polls have shown Obama and Romney in a dead heat. The three debates between the presidential candidates to be held in October will be major opportunities to determine the course of this close contest. We hope Obama and Romney have frank and heated discussions on the economy, diplomacy and defense policy.
世論調査では、オバマ、ロムニー両氏の支持率は拮抗(きっこう)している。１０月に３回にわたって行われる大統領候補討論会が、接戦の帰趨(きすう)を決する重要な機会となる。経済や外交・安保政策を巡り、大いに論戦を展開してもらいたい。
Both parties call the United States a Pacific nation and value its relations with Asian countries, and both agree the United States should work toward completing negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.
共和党も民主党も、ともに「米国は太平洋国家」とアジア重視を唱えている。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を完了させるという主張でも一致している。
The two parties also share the view that the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region should be maintained under U.S. leadership. This is an ideal course also for Japan as a U.S. ally.
米国主導によるアジア太平洋地域の安定と繁栄の維持を図る狙いがあろう。同盟国の日本にとっても望ましい方向だ。
The result of the U.S. presidential election will affect Japan's domestic and foreign policies. We will keep a close eye on Obama and Romney's battle over policies.
米大統領選は、日本の内政、外交にも影響する。両候補の政策対決の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 3, 2012)
（2012年9月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
Is Mitt Romney the answer to U.S. economic, fiscal problems?
米大統領選 ロムニー氏の再生策は本物か（9月3日付・読売社説）
There are just over two months left until the U.S. presidential election on Nov. 6.
米大統領選は、１１月６日の投開票まで、あと２か月余りに迫った。
The Republican Party, aiming to reclaim the office after a four-year absence, held its national convention in the state of Florida last week and officially nominated former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney as its president and House of Representatives Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan as its vice president.
４年ぶりの政権奪還を目指す共和党がフロリダ州で党大会を開き、ロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事とライアン下院予算委員長を正副大統領候補にそれぞれ指名した。
In his acceptance speech, Romney sharply criticized U.S. President Barack Obama's administration for its mismanagement of the country. He pledged to rebuild the struggling U.S. economy to "restore the promise of America," an apparent dig at Obama.
ロムニー氏は、指名受諾演説で、オバマ政権の失政を厳しく批判し、経済を立て直して「米国を再生させる」と公約した。対決色を鮮明にしたと言える。
Romney is a "small government" advocate, a policy line that would attempt to boost the economy with a variety of tax cuts and regulatory easing while drastically cutting back on federal spending, including social security programs.
社会保障など連邦政府の歳出は大幅に削減する一方、幅広い減税策や規制緩和によって、民間活力を通じた景気浮揚を図ろうとする「小さな政府」路線である。
For instance, he pledged to make the United States energy self-sufficient, expand trade, create 12 million jobs through assistance to small and midsize businesses, slash the nation's huge fiscal deficit, oppose cuts to the defense budget and abolish Obama's reform of the health care system.
具体的には、エネルギー自給の推進や貿易拡大、中小企業支援を通じた１２００万人の雇用創出計画、巨額の債務削減、国防予算の削減反対、オバマ政権の医療保険制度改革の撤廃などを挙げた。
===
Obama under pressure
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party does not see defense spending as untouchable when cutting expenditures to rebuild government finances.
民主党は、財政再建に必要な歳出削減では国防費も例外扱いにしていない。
The party has staked out a position that, as much as possible, will not cut federal spending for the underprivileged, including low-income earners and senior citizens, and emphasize correcting income disparities.
格差是正を重視し、低所得者や高齢者など弱者への政府支出は極力削らない立場だ。
However, the U.S. economy has been stuck in slow gear, and reverberations from the debt crisis in Europe have made its future uncertain. The U.S. unemployment rate has never gone below the 7.8 percent mark it stood at when Obama took office. Recently, it has hovered between 8 percent and 8.5 percent.
米国は、景気減速が続いており、欧州債務危機の影響を受けて、先行きも不透明だ。
失業率はオバマ大統領の就任時の７・８％を下回ることなく、８％台前半に高止まりしている。
The U.S. fiscal deficit has exceeded 1 trillion dollars for four straight years. Obama needs effective policies to quickly boost the economy, as well as restore the health of government finances in the medium- and long-term.
財政赤字は４年連続で１兆ドルを超えた。当面の景気浮揚と中長期的な財政再建で、実効性ある政策が求められよう。
Although Romney claims he could do both, simultaneously cutting taxes drastically and reducing the country's huge debt seems incompatible. He needs to clearly state what steps he would take to cut the federal deficit without losing tax revenue. This will undoubtedly be a major issue in the remainder of the campaign.
ロムニー氏の唱える、大幅減税と巨額の財政赤字減らしは、両立し難く見える。歳入を減らさずに赤字は減らせるという道筋を具体的に明示する必要がある。選挙戦で争点になるのは間違いない。
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party is scheduled to kick off its national convention in the state of North Carolina on Tuesday, where it is expected to stress party unity during the march toward Obama's reelection.
民主党は４日からノースカロライナ州で党大会を開き、大統領再選へ挙党態勢をアピールする。
===
Parties agree on Asian issues
Recent polls have shown Obama and Romney in a dead heat. The three debates between the presidential candidates to be held in October will be major opportunities to determine the course of this close contest. We hope Obama and Romney have frank and heated discussions on the economy, diplomacy and defense policy.
世論調査では、オバマ、ロムニー両氏の支持率は拮抗(きっこう)している。１０月に３回にわたって行われる大統領候補討論会が、接戦の帰趨(きすう)を決する重要な機会となる。経済や外交・安保政策を巡り、大いに論戦を展開してもらいたい。
Both parties call the United States a Pacific nation and value its relations with Asian countries, and both agree the United States should work toward completing negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.
共和党も民主党も、ともに「米国は太平洋国家」とアジア重視を唱えている。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を完了させるという主張でも一致している。
The two parties also share the view that the stability and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region should be maintained under U.S. leadership. This is an ideal course also for Japan as a U.S. ally.
米国主導によるアジア太平洋地域の安定と繁栄の維持を図る狙いがあろう。同盟国の日本にとっても望ましい方向だ。
The result of the U.S. presidential election will affect Japan's domestic and foreign policies. We will keep a close eye on Obama and Romney's battle over policies.
米大統領選は、日本の内政、外交にも影響する。両候補の政策対決の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 3, 2012)
（2012年9月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
2012/09/04
中国大使車襲撃 容疑者の「英雄」扱いを憂える
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 3, 2012)
China shouldn't treat suspects in car attack like heroes
中国大使車襲撃 容疑者の「英雄」扱いを憂える（9月2日付・読売社説）
We hope the Chinese government will take appropriate actions to prevent the recurrence of an incident that insulted Japan.
日本を侮辱するような事件が再発しないよう、中国政府に適切な対応を望みたい。
An official car carrying Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa was attacked recently in Beijing, and the Japanese national flag on it was stolen. Chinese authorities have identified four suspects, including one woman, but the authorities have just been questioning them without detention.
丹羽宇一郎・中国大使が乗った車が襲撃されて国旗を奪われた事件で、中国当局は容疑者が男女４人であることを突き止めた。拘束せず、事情を聞いているという。
This incident seems to have been caused by rising anti-Japanese sentiment within China, which was ignited by Hong Kong activists illegally landing on the Senkaku Islands. Stealing the Japanese national flag is nothing but a blatant insult to this country.
今回の事件は、香港の活動家による尖閣諸島への不法上陸事件を契機に中国国内で反日機運が高まっていることが原因だろう。国旗を狙ったのは、日本を冒涜(ぼうとく)する行為にほかならない。
Responding to a protest by the Japanese government, Beijing said the incident was extremely regrettable, and it would do its best to prevent similar incidents in the future and take stern actions as required by its laws.
日本政府の抗議に対して、中国側は「極めて遺憾だ。再発防止に全力を尽くし、法に基づき厳正に対処したい」と応えている。
===
Effects of patriotic education
However, an opinion survey conducted by a Chinese portal site on the Internet showed that 80 percent of respondents supported the attack on the Japanese ambassador's car. It is alarming for Japan that many people praised the attack, calling the suspects "heroes."
ただ、中国のインターネットのポータルサイトが実施した世論調査では、大使車襲撃を支持する回答が８割に達した。容疑者を「英雄」として、事件を称賛する声が多いことは、日本にとって憂慮すべき事態だ。
There is a slogan in China that a patriotic act should not be considered a crime. However, it is certainly a problem that the destruction of Japanese cars and restaurants by anti-Japan demonstrators is virtually permitted in that nation.
中国にはもともと、愛国的行為なら罪に問われないとする「愛国無罪」というスローガンがある。日本車や日本料理店などを壊す反日行動が、事実上容認されているのは問題である。
We must point out that the strong effects on young people of the patriotic education by Chinese authorities are behind the radicalization of the opinions they express on the Internet due to anti-Japanese sentiment.
反日で若者のネット世論が過激化する背景として、中国当局による愛国教育の強い影響を指摘しないわけにはいかない。
Both Japan and China should understand that they are close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water, and that they are very important partners not only economically but also in many other fields. It should be stressed that the latest incident and repeated anti-Japanese demonstrations are simply unproductive.
一衣帯水の日中は、経済をはじめ、極めて重要なパートナーであることを認識すべきだ。今回の事件や繰り返される反日デモは、不毛と言うしかない。
We also cannot overlook the fact that many friendship events scheduled to be held in China had to be postponed or canceled due to rising tensions over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を巡って緊張が高まっていることから、中国で開催予定の友好行事が延期や中止に追い込まれているのも看過できない。
===
Mutually beneficial relations
To improve bilateral relations, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently sent a personal letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Parliamentary Senior Foreign Vice Minister Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi met Friday in Beijing with Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, a political heavyweight in charge of foreign affairs who is close to Hu, and handed Noda's letter to him.
このため、野田首相は胡錦濤国家主席に親書を出した。山口壮外務副大臣が北京で、胡主席に近い外交担当の実力者、戴秉国・国務委員と会談して手渡した。
In the letter, Noda stressed that Japan and China should deepen their strategic and mutually beneficial relations. To develop relations further, it is important to have close communications between high-level government officials, the letter also said.
親書は、日中両国が戦略的互恵関係を深化させることが重要だとし、関係発展のためにハイレベルで緊密な意思疎通を行っていくことが有意義だと訴えている。
Noda apparently sees improvement of the bilateral relationship as a matter of urgency. How will Hu respond to Noda's letter?
首相は両国関係の改善が急務と考えているのだろう。胡主席はどう対応するだろうか。
Japan and China will mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations at the end of this month. Tokyo and Beijing are considering arranging talks between their leaders on the sidelines of the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum scheduled to be held in Vladivostok early this month.
日中両国は今月末で国交正常化４０周年の節目を迎える。両国政府は、今月上旬に開かれるアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議に合わせて、首脳会談を行うことを検討している。
Japanese and Chinese leaders must try to rebuild the relations between their nations by holding numerous discussions from a broader perspective and in a calm manner.
日中双方の首脳が大局的かつ冷静に対話を重ね、両国関係の再構築に努めることが重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 2, 2012)
（2012年9月2日01時45分 読売新聞）
China shouldn't treat suspects in car attack like heroes
中国大使車襲撃 容疑者の「英雄」扱いを憂える（9月2日付・読売社説）
We hope the Chinese government will take appropriate actions to prevent the recurrence of an incident that insulted Japan.
日本を侮辱するような事件が再発しないよう、中国政府に適切な対応を望みたい。
An official car carrying Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa was attacked recently in Beijing, and the Japanese national flag on it was stolen. Chinese authorities have identified four suspects, including one woman, but the authorities have just been questioning them without detention.
丹羽宇一郎・中国大使が乗った車が襲撃されて国旗を奪われた事件で、中国当局は容疑者が男女４人であることを突き止めた。拘束せず、事情を聞いているという。
This incident seems to have been caused by rising anti-Japanese sentiment within China, which was ignited by Hong Kong activists illegally landing on the Senkaku Islands. Stealing the Japanese national flag is nothing but a blatant insult to this country.
今回の事件は、香港の活動家による尖閣諸島への不法上陸事件を契機に中国国内で反日機運が高まっていることが原因だろう。国旗を狙ったのは、日本を冒涜(ぼうとく)する行為にほかならない。
Responding to a protest by the Japanese government, Beijing said the incident was extremely regrettable, and it would do its best to prevent similar incidents in the future and take stern actions as required by its laws.
日本政府の抗議に対して、中国側は「極めて遺憾だ。再発防止に全力を尽くし、法に基づき厳正に対処したい」と応えている。
===
Effects of patriotic education
However, an opinion survey conducted by a Chinese portal site on the Internet showed that 80 percent of respondents supported the attack on the Japanese ambassador's car. It is alarming for Japan that many people praised the attack, calling the suspects "heroes."
ただ、中国のインターネットのポータルサイトが実施した世論調査では、大使車襲撃を支持する回答が８割に達した。容疑者を「英雄」として、事件を称賛する声が多いことは、日本にとって憂慮すべき事態だ。
There is a slogan in China that a patriotic act should not be considered a crime. However, it is certainly a problem that the destruction of Japanese cars and restaurants by anti-Japan demonstrators is virtually permitted in that nation.
中国にはもともと、愛国的行為なら罪に問われないとする「愛国無罪」というスローガンがある。日本車や日本料理店などを壊す反日行動が、事実上容認されているのは問題である。
We must point out that the strong effects on young people of the patriotic education by Chinese authorities are behind the radicalization of the opinions they express on the Internet due to anti-Japanese sentiment.
反日で若者のネット世論が過激化する背景として、中国当局による愛国教育の強い影響を指摘しないわけにはいかない。
Both Japan and China should understand that they are close neighbors separated only by a narrow strip of water, and that they are very important partners not only economically but also in many other fields. It should be stressed that the latest incident and repeated anti-Japanese demonstrations are simply unproductive.
一衣帯水の日中は、経済をはじめ、極めて重要なパートナーであることを認識すべきだ。今回の事件や繰り返される反日デモは、不毛と言うしかない。
We also cannot overlook the fact that many friendship events scheduled to be held in China had to be postponed or canceled due to rising tensions over the sovereignty of the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を巡って緊張が高まっていることから、中国で開催予定の友好行事が延期や中止に追い込まれているのも看過できない。
===
Mutually beneficial relations
To improve bilateral relations, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently sent a personal letter to Chinese President Hu Jintao. Parliamentary Senior Foreign Vice Minister Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi met Friday in Beijing with Chinese State Councillor Dai Bingguo, a political heavyweight in charge of foreign affairs who is close to Hu, and handed Noda's letter to him.
このため、野田首相は胡錦濤国家主席に親書を出した。山口壮外務副大臣が北京で、胡主席に近い外交担当の実力者、戴秉国・国務委員と会談して手渡した。
In the letter, Noda stressed that Japan and China should deepen their strategic and mutually beneficial relations. To develop relations further, it is important to have close communications between high-level government officials, the letter also said.
親書は、日中両国が戦略的互恵関係を深化させることが重要だとし、関係発展のためにハイレベルで緊密な意思疎通を行っていくことが有意義だと訴えている。
Noda apparently sees improvement of the bilateral relationship as a matter of urgency. How will Hu respond to Noda's letter?
首相は両国関係の改善が急務と考えているのだろう。胡主席はどう対応するだろうか。
Japan and China will mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of their diplomatic relations at the end of this month. Tokyo and Beijing are considering arranging talks between their leaders on the sidelines of the summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum scheduled to be held in Vladivostok early this month.
日中両国は今月末で国交正常化４０周年の節目を迎える。両国政府は、今月上旬に開かれるアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議に合わせて、首脳会談を行うことを検討している。
Japanese and Chinese leaders must try to rebuild the relations between their nations by holding numerous discussions from a broader perspective and in a calm manner.
日中双方の首脳が大局的かつ冷静に対話を重ね、両国関係の再構築に努めることが重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 2, 2012)
（2012年9月2日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012/09/03
日朝予備協議 金正恩体制に「拉致」打開促せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 2, 2012)
Govt should press N. Korea's new leader on abductions
日朝予備協議 金正恩体制に「拉致」打開促せ（9月1日付・読売社説）
Can preliminary talks between Japan and North Korea become a step toward resolving the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea? The government should patiently deepen a dialogue with the country to break the stalemate on the issue.
日本人拉致問題を解決するための一歩になるだろうか。政府は膠着(こうちゃく)状態の打開へ、粘り強く対話を重ねるべきだ。
During division chief-level preliminary consultations in Beijing on Friday, the two countries agreed to discuss a "broad range of issues that interest both sides," and bureau chief-level talks are scheduled to be held in the Chinese capital later this month.
北京で開かれていた日本と北朝鮮の課長級による予備協議は、「双方が関心を持つ事項」について幅広く協議することで一致した。今月中にも、北京で局長級の本協議が行われる。
Although the countries did not explicitly agree on it, it stands to reason that the abduction issue, which Japan has called on North Korea to discuss, will be put on the agenda in the higher-level talks.
明示されてはいないが、日本が要求した拉致問題が議題になることは、当然である。
Such abductions are criminal acts by a state and violate human rights and national sovereignty. North Korea's claim that the abduction issue has already been resolved is totally unacceptable. The government should do everything in its power to enable all the abductees to return home.
拉致は、人権と国家主権を侵害する国家的な犯罪だ。「拉致問題は解決済み」といった北朝鮮の従来の主張は、到底受け入れられない。政府は、拉致被害者全員の早期帰国に全力を挙げるべきだ。
In August 2008, North Korea agreed during working-level bilateral talks in Shenyang, China, to launch a committee to reinvestigate the abductions "soon." But Pyongyang unilaterally put off the reinvestigation, and the bilateral talks on the matter were suspended.
拉致問題については、２００８年８月に中国・瀋陽で行った日朝の実務者協議で、北朝鮮が拉致被害者再調査のための委員会を早期に設置することで合意した。ところが、北朝鮮は一方的に再調査を見送り、協議は中断していた。
However, the issue of repatriating the remains of about 21,600 Japanese who died in North Korea in the closing days of or shortly after World War II prompted the two governments to hold talks for the first time in four years. North Korea has showed a positive attitude toward visits to the graves of such people by their Japanese families.
４年ぶりに政府間協議が実現した直接のきっかけは、終戦前後に北朝鮮で死亡した約２万１６００人分の日本人の遺骨返還問題である。北朝鮮側は、遺族の墓参についても積極的な姿勢を見せた。
===
Kim seen asserting own style
Such developments appear to be partly attributable to North Korea's new regime under Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, regarded as a key mentor to the young leader, was removed from all posts. The move fueled speculation that Kim dismissed him to assert his own style of leadership.
金正恩第１書記の新体制と無縁ではない。後見役と目されていた軍総参謀長が解任され、統治スタイルにも独自性がうかがえる。
We suspect Kim is trying to persuade Japan and other countries to lift economic sanctions against his nation and provide economic assistance to alleviate its food crisis.
金正恩氏は、食料問題を解決するため、日本をはじめ国際社会から経済制裁の解除や経済支援を引き出したいのではないか。
Meanwhile, the Japanese government has reportedly obtained various kinds of information on the abductees through unofficial channels.
政府は、北朝鮮側との非公式な接触で拉致被害者に関して様々な生存情報を得ているという。
Jin Matsubara, state minister in charge of the abduction issue, takes North Korea's recent moves positively.
松原拉致問題相は、北朝鮮側の動きを前向きにとらえている。
Kenji Fujimoto, who was a chef for late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, reportedly mentioned Megumi Yokota, one of the abductees, and directly asked Kim Jong Un to allow her and other abductees to return home when he visited Pyongyang in July and August at the invitation of the young leader. Matsubara said raising the abduction issue with the leader is very significant.
金正日総書記の専属料理人だった藤本健二氏が金正恩氏の招きで７～８月に訪朝した際、横田めぐみさんの名を挙げて解決を正恩氏に直訴したことについても、「極めて重い」と期待感を示した。
===
Develop momentum
The challenge now is how to link such developments to the resolution of issues of concern, such as the abductions and the repatriation of remains.
問題は、こうした変化を、拉致や遺骨返還など懸案の解決にどう結びつけるかである。
At the three-day preliminary meeting this week, Japanese and North Korean government officials reportedly touched upon the fact that Sept. 17 will mark the 10th anniversary of summit talks between then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Kim Jong Il.
３日間にわたった今回の予備協議の中では、小泉首相と金正日総書記の日朝首脳会談から９月１７日でちょうど１０年を迎えることも話題になったという。
During the meeting, the late North Korean leader admitted his country had abducted Japanese people and apologized for the first time. And we should not forget that North Korea signed the Pyongyang Declaration in which both sides confirmed they would abide by international agreements related to the nuclear issue.
この首脳会談で、総書記は初めて拉致を認めて謝罪した。北朝鮮は、核問題解決のため国際的合意の順守を確認した平壌宣言に署名したことも忘れてはならない。
The government needs to elicit sincere responses from North Korea. To this end, we urge the government to devise a thorough strategy.
政府は、北朝鮮から誠意ある対応を引き出す必要がある。綿密な戦略を立ててもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 1, 2012)
（2012年9月1日01時27分 読売新聞）
Govt should press N. Korea's new leader on abductions
日朝予備協議 金正恩体制に「拉致」打開促せ（9月1日付・読売社説）
Can preliminary talks between Japan and North Korea become a step toward resolving the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea? The government should patiently deepen a dialogue with the country to break the stalemate on the issue.
日本人拉致問題を解決するための一歩になるだろうか。政府は膠着(こうちゃく)状態の打開へ、粘り強く対話を重ねるべきだ。
During division chief-level preliminary consultations in Beijing on Friday, the two countries agreed to discuss a "broad range of issues that interest both sides," and bureau chief-level talks are scheduled to be held in the Chinese capital later this month.
北京で開かれていた日本と北朝鮮の課長級による予備協議は、「双方が関心を持つ事項」について幅広く協議することで一致した。今月中にも、北京で局長級の本協議が行われる。
Although the countries did not explicitly agree on it, it stands to reason that the abduction issue, which Japan has called on North Korea to discuss, will be put on the agenda in the higher-level talks.
明示されてはいないが、日本が要求した拉致問題が議題になることは、当然である。
Such abductions are criminal acts by a state and violate human rights and national sovereignty. North Korea's claim that the abduction issue has already been resolved is totally unacceptable. The government should do everything in its power to enable all the abductees to return home.
拉致は、人権と国家主権を侵害する国家的な犯罪だ。「拉致問題は解決済み」といった北朝鮮の従来の主張は、到底受け入れられない。政府は、拉致被害者全員の早期帰国に全力を挙げるべきだ。
In August 2008, North Korea agreed during working-level bilateral talks in Shenyang, China, to launch a committee to reinvestigate the abductions "soon." But Pyongyang unilaterally put off the reinvestigation, and the bilateral talks on the matter were suspended.
拉致問題については、２００８年８月に中国・瀋陽で行った日朝の実務者協議で、北朝鮮が拉致被害者再調査のための委員会を早期に設置することで合意した。ところが、北朝鮮は一方的に再調査を見送り、協議は中断していた。
However, the issue of repatriating the remains of about 21,600 Japanese who died in North Korea in the closing days of or shortly after World War II prompted the two governments to hold talks for the first time in four years. North Korea has showed a positive attitude toward visits to the graves of such people by their Japanese families.
４年ぶりに政府間協議が実現した直接のきっかけは、終戦前後に北朝鮮で死亡した約２万１６００人分の日本人の遺骨返還問題である。北朝鮮側は、遺族の墓参についても積極的な姿勢を見せた。
===
Kim seen asserting own style
Such developments appear to be partly attributable to North Korea's new regime under Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. The chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, regarded as a key mentor to the young leader, was removed from all posts. The move fueled speculation that Kim dismissed him to assert his own style of leadership.
金正恩第１書記の新体制と無縁ではない。後見役と目されていた軍総参謀長が解任され、統治スタイルにも独自性がうかがえる。
We suspect Kim is trying to persuade Japan and other countries to lift economic sanctions against his nation and provide economic assistance to alleviate its food crisis.
金正恩氏は、食料問題を解決するため、日本をはじめ国際社会から経済制裁の解除や経済支援を引き出したいのではないか。
Meanwhile, the Japanese government has reportedly obtained various kinds of information on the abductees through unofficial channels.
政府は、北朝鮮側との非公式な接触で拉致被害者に関して様々な生存情報を得ているという。
Jin Matsubara, state minister in charge of the abduction issue, takes North Korea's recent moves positively.
松原拉致問題相は、北朝鮮側の動きを前向きにとらえている。
Kenji Fujimoto, who was a chef for late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, reportedly mentioned Megumi Yokota, one of the abductees, and directly asked Kim Jong Un to allow her and other abductees to return home when he visited Pyongyang in July and August at the invitation of the young leader. Matsubara said raising the abduction issue with the leader is very significant.
金正日総書記の専属料理人だった藤本健二氏が金正恩氏の招きで７～８月に訪朝した際、横田めぐみさんの名を挙げて解決を正恩氏に直訴したことについても、「極めて重い」と期待感を示した。
===
Develop momentum
The challenge now is how to link such developments to the resolution of issues of concern, such as the abductions and the repatriation of remains.
問題は、こうした変化を、拉致や遺骨返還など懸案の解決にどう結びつけるかである。
At the three-day preliminary meeting this week, Japanese and North Korean government officials reportedly touched upon the fact that Sept. 17 will mark the 10th anniversary of summit talks between then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and Kim Jong Il.
３日間にわたった今回の予備協議の中では、小泉首相と金正日総書記の日朝首脳会談から９月１７日でちょうど１０年を迎えることも話題になったという。
During the meeting, the late North Korean leader admitted his country had abducted Japanese people and apologized for the first time. And we should not forget that North Korea signed the Pyongyang Declaration in which both sides confirmed they would abide by international agreements related to the nuclear issue.
この首脳会談で、総書記は初めて拉致を認めて謝罪した。北朝鮮は、核問題解決のため国際的合意の順守を確認した平壌宣言に署名したことも忘れてはならない。
The government needs to elicit sincere responses from North Korea. To this end, we urge the government to devise a thorough strategy.
政府は、北朝鮮から誠意ある対応を引き出す必要がある。綿密な戦略を立ててもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 1, 2012)
（2012年9月1日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/09/02
韓国提訴拒否 竹島はやはり国際裁判が筋だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 1, 2012)
Take Takeshima row to ICJ despite South Korea's refusal
韓国提訴拒否 竹島はやはり国際裁判が筋だ（8月31日付・読売社説）
It is crucial for the government to persist in its attempt to resolve the dispute with South Korea over the Takeshima islands at the International Court of Justice.
あくまで国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）の法廷での決着を追求し続けることが重要である。
South Korea recently delivered a letter to Japan officially refusing Tokyo's proposal to jointly refer the two nations' territorial dispute over the islands, which are a part of Shimane Prefecture, to the ICJ.
島根県・竹島の領有権問題を日韓両国がＩＣＪに共同付託するとの日本政府の提案について、韓国政府は拒否する口上書を日本側に渡した。
In a statement, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said he was "extremely disappointed" with Seoul's reply. The Japanese government is now moving toward unilaterally filing a suit with the ICJ, and the Foreign Ministry has begun drafting a petition to that end.
玄葉外相は、韓国側回答に「極めて失望」したとする談話を発表した。外務省は、ＩＣＪへの日本単独の提訴に向けて、訴状の作成などの準備作業を始めている。
The government previously asked South Korea to take the Takeshima dispute to the ICJ in 1954 and 1962, but gave up on the idea after Seoul rejected both requests. If Japan alone files suit with the ICJ, it will be the first time the territorial row is brought before the U.N. court.
政府は１９５４年と６２年にＩＣＪ提訴を韓国に提案したが、韓国に拒否された段階で断念した。単独提訴を行えば、初めてだ。
Since Japan's requests were made before it normalized diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1965, we presume Japanese governments at the time gave up on taking the dispute to the ICJ because it hoped to keep friction with South Korea from reaching a critical stage.
当時は６５年の国交正常化前であり、韓国との決定的対立を避ける外交的配慮があったのだろう。
However, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went beyond acceptable limits recently by ignoring Japan's requests and visiting the Takeshima islands, a move aimed mainly at boosting his administration's flagging popularity. This act cannot be overlooked, and we see it as entirely appropriate for Japan to take the matter to the ICJ on its own.
だが、李明博大統領が政権浮揚の思惑などから竹島訪問を強行し、重大な一線を越えた事実は重い。単独提訴は当然の対応である。
===
South Korea's far-fetched claims
If South Korea believes its territorial claim to the Takeshima islands is sound, it should agree with Japan's request to bring the dispute to the ICJ and state its views openly before the international tribunal.
韓国は、自らの領有権が正当だと考えるなら、ＩＣＪ提訴に応じ、法廷で堂々と主張すべきだ。
South Korea had not yet joined the United Nations when Japan made its two previous requests, but the nation is now a key member of the organization, touting itself as "Global Korea." Such a country should not hesitate to use international means of dispute resolution.
過去の日本の提訴提案時は、国連未加盟だったが、今は主要な加盟国で「グローバル・コリア」を標榜(ひょうぼう)しているのだから、なおさらだ。
In its written reply to Japan's request, the South Korean government stated that the Takeshima islands are "an integral part of the territory of South Korea, a fact that is unequivocal from historical and geographical standpoints, as well as under international law."
The reply also stated that "no territorial dispute exists" over the islands.
韓国側は口上書で、竹島は「歴史的、地理的、国際法的に明白な韓国の不可分の領土」「いかなる紛争もない」などと強弁した。
Sources close to the matter said South Korean government representatives told their Japanese counterparts that the islands "first fell victim to Japan when the Korean Peninsula was invaded and pillaged as a result of Japanese imperialism."
"[The islands] returned to South Korea through the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Declaration and Japan's unconditional surrender" in World War II, the South Korean representatives were quoted as saying.
竹島が「日本帝国主義の韓半島侵奪の過程で初めて犠牲になった」「カイロ宣言、ポツダム宣言及び日本の無条件降伏を通じて韓国領土に回復した」とも、日本側に口頭で伝えたという。
However, Japan's dominion over the Takeshima islands was established by the 17th century when the islands were used for fishing and other purposes. After World War II, the South Korean government asked the United States to grant the islands to South Korea, but the United States refused. South Korea later unilaterally established the Syngman Rhee Line border and illegally occupied the islands.
だが、日本は１７世紀には竹島を漁場などに利用し、領有権を確立した。大戦後、韓国は竹島を韓国領とするよう米国に要請したが、拒否されたため、一方的に「李承晩ライン」を設定し、不法占拠した。
===
Show world legitimacy of claim
Even if Japan files suit with the ICJ, a trial will not be held if South Korea continues to refuse to participate. However, the action would have no small impact, as it would be a precious opportunity for Japan to make its case for the legitimacy of its territorial claims before the global community, and history will note South Korea's refusal to allow the matter to be heard by the international court.
日本が単独提訴しても、韓国が裁判を拒否し続けた場合、公判は開かれない。それでも、日本が国際社会に竹島の領有権の正当性をアピールするとともに、日本の提訴を韓国が拒否した事実を歴史に残す意義は小さくあるまい。
It is undeniable that past Japanese administrations, including those when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power, avoided focusing too much on the Takeshima issue, worrying it would sour Japan's relationship with South Korea. We think the Japanese government should make a first step toward rectifying its past weakness by taking the suit to the ICJ.
日本は、自民党政権時代を含め、日韓関係の悪化を懸念して、竹島問題で主張を抑制してきたことは否めない。単独提訴をその対応を改める一歩とすべきだ。
However, South Korea's position as an important neighbor to Japan will not change. The two countries need to continue to cooperate on various issues, such as North Korea and further economic partnership.
一方で、韓国が重要な隣国であることに変わりはない。北朝鮮問題、経済連携など、日韓両国が取り組むべき案件は多い。
It will probably be difficult to improve the Japan-South Korea relationship before Lee's term expires in February, but we urge the government to make proper efforts to maintain a dialogue with South Korea.
来年２月までの李大統領在任中に日韓関係を改善するのは難しいとしても、対話や協議はきちんと継続することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 31, 2012)
（2012年8月31日01時19分 読売新聞）
Take Takeshima row to ICJ despite South Korea's refusal
韓国提訴拒否 竹島はやはり国際裁判が筋だ（8月31日付・読売社説）
It is crucial for the government to persist in its attempt to resolve the dispute with South Korea over the Takeshima islands at the International Court of Justice.
あくまで国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）の法廷での決着を追求し続けることが重要である。
South Korea recently delivered a letter to Japan officially refusing Tokyo's proposal to jointly refer the two nations' territorial dispute over the islands, which are a part of Shimane Prefecture, to the ICJ.
島根県・竹島の領有権問題を日韓両国がＩＣＪに共同付託するとの日本政府の提案について、韓国政府は拒否する口上書を日本側に渡した。
In a statement, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said he was "extremely disappointed" with Seoul's reply. The Japanese government is now moving toward unilaterally filing a suit with the ICJ, and the Foreign Ministry has begun drafting a petition to that end.
玄葉外相は、韓国側回答に「極めて失望」したとする談話を発表した。外務省は、ＩＣＪへの日本単独の提訴に向けて、訴状の作成などの準備作業を始めている。
The government previously asked South Korea to take the Takeshima dispute to the ICJ in 1954 and 1962, but gave up on the idea after Seoul rejected both requests. If Japan alone files suit with the ICJ, it will be the first time the territorial row is brought before the U.N. court.
政府は１９５４年と６２年にＩＣＪ提訴を韓国に提案したが、韓国に拒否された段階で断念した。単独提訴を行えば、初めてだ。
Since Japan's requests were made before it normalized diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1965, we presume Japanese governments at the time gave up on taking the dispute to the ICJ because it hoped to keep friction with South Korea from reaching a critical stage.
当時は６５年の国交正常化前であり、韓国との決定的対立を避ける外交的配慮があったのだろう。
However, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went beyond acceptable limits recently by ignoring Japan's requests and visiting the Takeshima islands, a move aimed mainly at boosting his administration's flagging popularity. This act cannot be overlooked, and we see it as entirely appropriate for Japan to take the matter to the ICJ on its own.
だが、李明博大統領が政権浮揚の思惑などから竹島訪問を強行し、重大な一線を越えた事実は重い。単独提訴は当然の対応である。
===
South Korea's far-fetched claims
If South Korea believes its territorial claim to the Takeshima islands is sound, it should agree with Japan's request to bring the dispute to the ICJ and state its views openly before the international tribunal.
韓国は、自らの領有権が正当だと考えるなら、ＩＣＪ提訴に応じ、法廷で堂々と主張すべきだ。
South Korea had not yet joined the United Nations when Japan made its two previous requests, but the nation is now a key member of the organization, touting itself as "Global Korea." Such a country should not hesitate to use international means of dispute resolution.
過去の日本の提訴提案時は、国連未加盟だったが、今は主要な加盟国で「グローバル・コリア」を標榜(ひょうぼう)しているのだから、なおさらだ。
In its written reply to Japan's request, the South Korean government stated that the Takeshima islands are "an integral part of the territory of South Korea, a fact that is unequivocal from historical and geographical standpoints, as well as under international law."
The reply also stated that "no territorial dispute exists" over the islands.
韓国側は口上書で、竹島は「歴史的、地理的、国際法的に明白な韓国の不可分の領土」「いかなる紛争もない」などと強弁した。
Sources close to the matter said South Korean government representatives told their Japanese counterparts that the islands "first fell victim to Japan when the Korean Peninsula was invaded and pillaged as a result of Japanese imperialism."
"[The islands] returned to South Korea through the Cairo Declaration, Potsdam Declaration and Japan's unconditional surrender" in World War II, the South Korean representatives were quoted as saying.
竹島が「日本帝国主義の韓半島侵奪の過程で初めて犠牲になった」「カイロ宣言、ポツダム宣言及び日本の無条件降伏を通じて韓国領土に回復した」とも、日本側に口頭で伝えたという。
However, Japan's dominion over the Takeshima islands was established by the 17th century when the islands were used for fishing and other purposes. After World War II, the South Korean government asked the United States to grant the islands to South Korea, but the United States refused. South Korea later unilaterally established the Syngman Rhee Line border and illegally occupied the islands.
だが、日本は１７世紀には竹島を漁場などに利用し、領有権を確立した。大戦後、韓国は竹島を韓国領とするよう米国に要請したが、拒否されたため、一方的に「李承晩ライン」を設定し、不法占拠した。
===
Show world legitimacy of claim
Even if Japan files suit with the ICJ, a trial will not be held if South Korea continues to refuse to participate. However, the action would have no small impact, as it would be a precious opportunity for Japan to make its case for the legitimacy of its territorial claims before the global community, and history will note South Korea's refusal to allow the matter to be heard by the international court.
日本が単独提訴しても、韓国が裁判を拒否し続けた場合、公判は開かれない。それでも、日本が国際社会に竹島の領有権の正当性をアピールするとともに、日本の提訴を韓国が拒否した事実を歴史に残す意義は小さくあるまい。
It is undeniable that past Japanese administrations, including those when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power, avoided focusing too much on the Takeshima issue, worrying it would sour Japan's relationship with South Korea. We think the Japanese government should make a first step toward rectifying its past weakness by taking the suit to the ICJ.
日本は、自民党政権時代を含め、日韓関係の悪化を懸念して、竹島問題で主張を抑制してきたことは否めない。単独提訴をその対応を改める一歩とすべきだ。
However, South Korea's position as an important neighbor to Japan will not change. The two countries need to continue to cooperate on various issues, such as North Korea and further economic partnership.
一方で、韓国が重要な隣国であることに変わりはない。北朝鮮問題、経済連携など、日韓両国が取り組むべき案件は多い。
It will probably be difficult to improve the Japan-South Korea relationship before Lee's term expires in February, but we urge the government to make proper efforts to maintain a dialogue with South Korea.
来年２月までの李大統領在任中に日韓関係を改善するのは難しいとしても、対話や協議はきちんと継続することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 31, 2012)
（2012年8月31日01時19分 読売新聞）
2012/09/01
首相問責可決 自らを貶めた自民党の「賛成」
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 31, 2012)
LDP should put responsibilities ahead of party politics
首相問責可決 自らを貶めた自民党の「賛成」（8月30日付・読売社説）
The submission of a censure motion against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda can serve no meaningful purpose.
野田首相への問責決議に一体、どんな意味があるというのか。
Censure motions do not have the power to force prime ministers to dissolve the House of Representatives. It is shocking to witness the opposition camp putting party interests first, with members abandoning their legislative responsibilities.
首相を衆院解散に追い込めるわけではない。立法府の一員としての責任を放棄し、党利党略に走る野党の姿勢には、あきれるばかりだ。
On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled House of Councillors passed a censure motion against Noda. The motion was jointly submitted by seven political groups, including People's Life First and Your Party. Most opposition groups, including the Liberal Democratic Party, approved the motion, outnumbering the ruling parties.
国民の生活が第一、みんなの党など参院の野党７会派が提出した首相問責決議案は２９日、野党の賛成多数により、可決された。自民党は賛成票を投じた。
The censure motion denounced the enactment of the consumption tax hike bills, saying it disregarded public opinion. The motion also criticized the Democratic Party of Japan, LDP and New Komeito for cooperating to pass the bills, saying they "acted against the spirit of parliamentary democracy."
問責決議は、消費税率引き上げは国民の声に背くとし、関連法を成立させた民主、自民、公明の３党協議も「議会制民主主義が守られていない」と非難している。
However, this accusation seems strange, considering that about 80 percent of all lower and upper house members--including those from the LDP--voted in favor of the bills.
だが、これはおかしい。自民党を含め、衆参両院議員の約８割が賛成した法律である。
How could the LDP support such a censure motion at this stage? Through its members' actions, the LDP has demeaned itself as a political party. On the other hand, Komeito stayed consistent with its pro-tax hike stance by abstaining from voting on the censure motion.
自民党が今更、こんな決議に賛成したことは到底、理解できない。政党として自らを貶(おとし)める行為だ。公明党は採決で棄権して、筋を通したではないか。
===
Time to cooperate on crucial issues
LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki explained the party's reason for approving the censure motion, saying, "The Noda administration has reached the limit of its ability to run the country, both in regards to domestic and foreign affairs."
自民党の谷垣総裁は、問責の理由について、「内政、外交の両面にわたって今の野田政権が国政を進めることは限界だ」と述べた。
"The foundation of Japan's diplomacy is now crumbling," Tanigaki added.
「日本外交の基礎がガタガタになっている」とも批判した。
However, Tanigaki's remarks are not convincing reasons for censuring the prime minister.
だが、首相を問責する根拠としては説得力に欠ける。
The LDP cannot deny its role in longstanding territorial issues, such as the dispute over the Takeshima islands, as the party held the reins of government for so many years before the DPJ took power.
竹島など領土問題では、長年政権を担当してきた自民党も責任を免れない。
Now is the time for the ruling and opposition parties to join forces to deal with the threat of China, South Korea and Russia encroaching on Japan's territory and waters. An act such as the censure motion is akin to shooting the prime minister in the back, and could undermine national interests.
領土・領海に対する中国や韓国、ロシアの攻勢に、与野党は結束して対応すべきなのに、首相に、後ろから弾を撃つような行為は国益を損ねよう。
Regarding domestic affairs, the DPJ, LDP and Komeito succeeded in joining hands to realize integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, as each party agreed that the nation must rebuild its finances.
内政では、民自公３党が財政再建の必要性に対する認識を共有し、社会保障と税の一体改革の実現へ連携したばかりである。
The DPJ has been criticized for its high-handed management of the Diet, apparently a major problem in the party, which was demonstrated in cases such as the handling of bills to reform the lower house's electoral system. Still, the censure motion could destroy the cooperative relationship developed among the three parties. In the worst-case scenario, the agreement between the leaders of the DPJ, LDP and Komeito to dissolve the lower house "sometime soon" could be scrapped.
衆院選挙制度改革に関する法案の扱いなど民主党の強引な国会運営に大きな問題があるとはいえ、問責決議は、民自公３党の協調路線を壊す。「近いうち」という衆院解散の民自公の党首合意さえ反古(ほご)になりかねない。
===
'Chamber of political maneuvering'
From now on, the LDP plans to refuse to participate in Diet deliberations except for the approval of personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission and certain bills drafted by individual lawmakers. This means that the legislature will remain paralyzed on important issues.
今後、自民党は原子力規制委員会の国会同意人事や一部の議員立法を除いて審議拒否する方針だ。「決められない政治」が続く。
Pressing legislation such as a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds, bills on the introduction of a personal identification numbering system, and a bill asking the Diet to approve Japan's joining the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, are still undecided in the Diet.
国会では、赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案をはじめ、共通番号制度関連法案（マイナンバー法案）、ハーグ条約承認案など重要案件が積み残された。
Unlike no-confidence motions passed against the Cabinet by the lower house, censure motions in the upper house do not create legal grounds for ousting Cabinet ministers. However, opposition parties have been using censure motions as a tool to attack the government and the ruling parties by refusing to participate in Diet deliberations and demanding the resignation of the prime minister and other Cabinet ministers.
衆院の内閣不信任決議と違い、参院の問責決議には法的根拠がない。それを政府・与党攻撃の手段にして審議を拒否し、首相・閣僚の交代を迫る。
How long will this malicious practice continue? We should not let the upper house become "the chamber of political maneuvering."
こんな悪習をいつまで繰り返すのか。参院を「政局の府」にしてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 30, 2012)
（2012年8月30日01時38分 読売新聞）
LDP should put responsibilities ahead of party politics
首相問責可決 自らを貶めた自民党の「賛成」（8月30日付・読売社説）
The submission of a censure motion against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda can serve no meaningful purpose.
野田首相への問責決議に一体、どんな意味があるというのか。
Censure motions do not have the power to force prime ministers to dissolve the House of Representatives. It is shocking to witness the opposition camp putting party interests first, with members abandoning their legislative responsibilities.
首相を衆院解散に追い込めるわけではない。立法府の一員としての責任を放棄し、党利党略に走る野党の姿勢には、あきれるばかりだ。
On Wednesday, the opposition-controlled House of Councillors passed a censure motion against Noda. The motion was jointly submitted by seven political groups, including People's Life First and Your Party. Most opposition groups, including the Liberal Democratic Party, approved the motion, outnumbering the ruling parties.
国民の生活が第一、みんなの党など参院の野党７会派が提出した首相問責決議案は２９日、野党の賛成多数により、可決された。自民党は賛成票を投じた。
The censure motion denounced the enactment of the consumption tax hike bills, saying it disregarded public opinion. The motion also criticized the Democratic Party of Japan, LDP and New Komeito for cooperating to pass the bills, saying they "acted against the spirit of parliamentary democracy."
問責決議は、消費税率引き上げは国民の声に背くとし、関連法を成立させた民主、自民、公明の３党協議も「議会制民主主義が守られていない」と非難している。
However, this accusation seems strange, considering that about 80 percent of all lower and upper house members--including those from the LDP--voted in favor of the bills.
だが、これはおかしい。自民党を含め、衆参両院議員の約８割が賛成した法律である。
How could the LDP support such a censure motion at this stage? Through its members' actions, the LDP has demeaned itself as a political party. On the other hand, Komeito stayed consistent with its pro-tax hike stance by abstaining from voting on the censure motion.
自民党が今更、こんな決議に賛成したことは到底、理解できない。政党として自らを貶(おとし)める行為だ。公明党は採決で棄権して、筋を通したではないか。
===
Time to cooperate on crucial issues
LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki explained the party's reason for approving the censure motion, saying, "The Noda administration has reached the limit of its ability to run the country, both in regards to domestic and foreign affairs."
自民党の谷垣総裁は、問責の理由について、「内政、外交の両面にわたって今の野田政権が国政を進めることは限界だ」と述べた。
"The foundation of Japan's diplomacy is now crumbling," Tanigaki added.
「日本外交の基礎がガタガタになっている」とも批判した。
However, Tanigaki's remarks are not convincing reasons for censuring the prime minister.
だが、首相を問責する根拠としては説得力に欠ける。
The LDP cannot deny its role in longstanding territorial issues, such as the dispute over the Takeshima islands, as the party held the reins of government for so many years before the DPJ took power.
竹島など領土問題では、長年政権を担当してきた自民党も責任を免れない。
Now is the time for the ruling and opposition parties to join forces to deal with the threat of China, South Korea and Russia encroaching on Japan's territory and waters. An act such as the censure motion is akin to shooting the prime minister in the back, and could undermine national interests.
領土・領海に対する中国や韓国、ロシアの攻勢に、与野党は結束して対応すべきなのに、首相に、後ろから弾を撃つような行為は国益を損ねよう。
Regarding domestic affairs, the DPJ, LDP and Komeito succeeded in joining hands to realize integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, as each party agreed that the nation must rebuild its finances.
内政では、民自公３党が財政再建の必要性に対する認識を共有し、社会保障と税の一体改革の実現へ連携したばかりである。
The DPJ has been criticized for its high-handed management of the Diet, apparently a major problem in the party, which was demonstrated in cases such as the handling of bills to reform the lower house's electoral system. Still, the censure motion could destroy the cooperative relationship developed among the three parties. In the worst-case scenario, the agreement between the leaders of the DPJ, LDP and Komeito to dissolve the lower house "sometime soon" could be scrapped.
衆院選挙制度改革に関する法案の扱いなど民主党の強引な国会運営に大きな問題があるとはいえ、問責決議は、民自公３党の協調路線を壊す。「近いうち」という衆院解散の民自公の党首合意さえ反古(ほご)になりかねない。
===
'Chamber of political maneuvering'
From now on, the LDP plans to refuse to participate in Diet deliberations except for the approval of personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission and certain bills drafted by individual lawmakers. This means that the legislature will remain paralyzed on important issues.
今後、自民党は原子力規制委員会の国会同意人事や一部の議員立法を除いて審議拒否する方針だ。「決められない政治」が続く。
Pressing legislation such as a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds, bills on the introduction of a personal identification numbering system, and a bill asking the Diet to approve Japan's joining the Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction, are still undecided in the Diet.
国会では、赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案をはじめ、共通番号制度関連法案（マイナンバー法案）、ハーグ条約承認案など重要案件が積み残された。
Unlike no-confidence motions passed against the Cabinet by the lower house, censure motions in the upper house do not create legal grounds for ousting Cabinet ministers. However, opposition parties have been using censure motions as a tool to attack the government and the ruling parties by refusing to participate in Diet deliberations and demanding the resignation of the prime minister and other Cabinet ministers.
衆院の内閣不信任決議と違い、参院の問責決議には法的根拠がない。それを政府・与党攻撃の手段にして審議を拒否し、首相・閣僚の交代を迫る。
How long will this malicious practice continue? We should not let the upper house become "the chamber of political maneuvering."
こんな悪習をいつまで繰り返すのか。参院を「政局の府」にしてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 30, 2012)
（2012年8月30日01時38分 読売新聞）
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