The Yomiuri Shimbun February 21, 2014
Constitutional reinterpretation of collective defense right not problematic
集団的自衛権 憲法解釈の変更に問題はない（2月21日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his willingness to review the government’s current constitutional interpretation to enable the country to exercise its right of collective self-defense.
安倍首相が、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするため政府の憲法解釈を見直すことに意欲を示している。
The envisaged reinterpretation is undoubtedly necessary to ensure peace and security for the nation, and we throw our support afresh behind the prime minister’s thinking.
日本の平和と安全の確保に必要であり、首相の考えを改めて支持したい。
In Thursday’s House of Representatives Budget Committee session, Abe indicated his intention to seek Cabinet approval of a new constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense after holding discussions with the ruling camp. The discussions will follow a government feasibility study of the reinterpretation focusing on the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and releasing a report by a government-appointed expert panel in April, he said. Abe also told the committee that his administration will subsequently address such tasks as revising the Self-Defense Forces Law.
首相は２０日の衆院予算委員会で４月に予定される有識者会議の報告後、政府が内閣法制局を中心に解釈変更を検討し、与党との調整を経て、新たな解釈を閣議決定する意向を示した。その後、自衛隊法改正などに取り組むという。
Given such developments as advances in military technology and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the time has come when it is difficult for the country to fully ensure the integrity of its land and territorial waters single-handedly.
軍事技術の進歩や大量破壊兵器の拡散などにより、日本が単独で領土・領海を守り抜くのは難しい時代を迎えている。
In light of such realities as China’s military buildup and maritime expansionism as well as the threat of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, it is urgent and essential that Japan beef up its alliance with the United States, as well as other aspects of international cooperation, through changes to the government’s interpretation of the Constitution.
中国の軍備増強や海洋進出、北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威などを踏まえれば、解釈変更による日米同盟と国際連携の強化が急務だ。
In response to an interpellation in a Budget Committee session last week, Abe said: “I am the one who is ultimately responsible [for a Cabinet decision on constitutional reinterpretation]. I, not the head of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, am also the one who will be evaluated by the people [regarding the reinterpretation issue] in an election.” His remarks, however, elicited objections even from some members of his own Liberal Democratic Party.
首相は先週、予算委で「（憲法解釈の）最高責任者は私だ。選挙で国民から審判を受けるのは法制局長官でなく、私だ」と答弁し、自民党内からも異論が出た。
Since the government’s interpretation of the supreme law is statutorily up to the judgment of the cabinet as a whole based on advice from the Legislation Bureau, the prime minister’s statement is not wrong. It is regrettable, however, that his remarks seem to have created the misunderstanding that the prime minister can change the constitutional interpretation on his own as long as he can win an electoral victory. The prime minister is urged to be more scrupulous about providing convincing explanations.
憲法解釈は、法制局の助言を受けて、内閣全体で判断するもので、首相発言は間違っていない。ただ、選挙に勝てば首相が自由に解釈を変えられるかのような誤解を招いたのは残念である。首相には、より丁寧な説明が求められよう。
Examining constitutionality
On the other hand, some parties including the Democratic Party of Japan are far off the mark in lambasting Abe’s acknowledgement of the exercise of Japan’s right of collective self-defense through a constitutional reinterpretation as being tantamount to violating “constitutionalism.”
一方で、民主党などが、解釈変更による集団的自衛権の行使の容認を「立憲主義」の否定だ、と批判しているのは、的外れだ。
Constitutionalism comprises two key elements: the guarantee of basic human rights and the separation of the three powers of state—executive, legislative and judicial. It places importance on governance in accordance with a constitution. Though a constitution places the government under constraints, it should not be considered the only thing that may be said about the top law.
立憲主義の基本的指標は、人権の保障と三権分立にある。憲法に従った統治に主眼がある。憲法の役割は権力者を縛るものだ、という考え方がすべてではない。
The process through which the cabinet comes up with a new interpretation of the Constitution, the Diet approves legislation endorsing the reinterpretation and the judiciary adjudicates the legislation’s constitutionality explicitly conforms to constitutionalism.
内閣が新たな解釈を示し、国会がそれを裏付ける法律を整備し、司法が違憲立法審査を行うのは、立憲主義にも沿っている。
What the government is now considering is a change of constitutional interpretation for the sake of maintaining the nation’s peace and prosperity in the face of a fast-changing security environment by ensuring a degree of logical consistency with the past government views on the matter.
政府が検討しているのは、過去の政府見解とも一定の論理的な整合性を保ちつつ、安全保障環境の変化に対応して日本の平和と繁栄を維持するための解釈変更だ。
Yusuke Yokobatake, deputy director general of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, who has been said to be wary of altering constitutional interpretation, has said, “If the conclusion is reached that a reinterpretation of the Constitution should be deemed just and proper, it can no longer be said that no changes of interpretation are ever permissible.”
解釈変更に慎重とされた横畠裕介内閣法制次長も、「解釈変更が至当だとの結論が得られた場合、変更がおよそ許されないものではない」と指摘している。
Changes of constitutional interpretation, as a matter of course, must not be allowed without limits. Should there be a danger of crossing such bounds, it would be more appropriate to revise the Constitution itself rather than its interpretation.
無論、解釈変更が無制限に許されるわけではない。限界を超える場合は、解釈変更でなく、憲法を改正するのが適切である。
New Komeito, which has so far been reluctant to acknowledge exercise of the right of collective self-defense, has recently begun to indicate readiness to engage in discussions on the reinterpretation of the top law. Komeito Secretary General Yoshihisa Inoue has said on the record that his party does not “entirely oppose” discussing the issue.
集団的自衛権の行使容認に慎重な公明党も最近、解釈変更の議論に応じる意向を示し始めた。井上幹事長は「真正面から否定するわけではない」と語った。
To increase public understanding on the matter, the prime minister should advocate the Constitution’s reinterpretation as important and necessary with his head held high.
首相は、解釈変更の意義と必要性を堂々と論じ、理解を広げるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2014)
（2014年2月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
2014/02/23
2014/02/22
オバマ外交 アジア重視へ日米韓の連携を
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 20, 2014
Ties between Japan, U.S., ROK essential for Obama’s diplomacy
オバマ外交 アジア重視へ日米韓の連携を（2月20日付・読売社説）
To maintain peace and stability in Asia, the United States and its allies, including Japan and South Korea, must deepen their cooperative relations.
アジアの平和と安定を維持するためには、米国と、同盟国である日本や韓国などが協力関係を深化させねばならない。
U.S. President Barack Obama has started to reshape his administration’s “pivot to Asia” diplomacy in an effort to restructure the currently shaken cooperative relationship among Japan, the United States and South Korea.
オバマ米大統領が「アジア重視」の外交政策立て直しに乗り出した。揺らいでいる日米韓の連携再構築が重要な課題だ。
Earlier this month, after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, he visited South Korea, China and Indonesia. In late April, Obama is scheduled to make a tour of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
ケリー米国務長官は今月、ワシントンで岸田外相と会談した後、韓国と中国、インドネシアを訪問した。４月下旬には、オバマ氏の日本、韓国、マレーシア、フィリピン歴訪が予定されている。
Within Asia, China has made such conspicuous moves toward expansionism as the declaration of an air defense identification zone. The ongoing instability in North Korea has only heightened the nuclear threat. We believe Obama must have concluded that he ought to place greater emphasis on U.S. engagement with Asia.
アジアでは、防空識別圏の設定など中国の拡張主義的な行動が顕著になった。北朝鮮では不安定な情勢が続き、核の脅威は増大している。オバマ氏は関与に本腰を入れるべきだと考えたのだろう。
In a meeting with Kerry, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his desire to shape a “new type of major country relationship” with the United States. While the United States would like to discourage China from going too far militarily, the two countries’ relationship of mutual economic dependence has served to further increase China’s importance.
習近平国家主席はケリー氏に、「新しいタイプの大国関係」の構築を再び求めた。米国は中国を軍事的に牽制(けんせい)したい一方で、経済面では中国との相互依存関係が一段と高まっている。
With complicated interests at stake, how can the two countries shape a “major country relationship”? It is indeed a difficult issue.
複雑な思惑が交錯する両国がどのような「大国関係」を築くのか。難しい課題となろう。
In light of such circumstances, it is all the more indispensable for the United States to beef up cooperative ties with its allies.
それだけに、米国にとっては同盟国との協力強化が不可欠だ。
Crisis felt by U.S.
Kerry has strongly urged the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers to improve their nations’ relationship. The U.S. administration must have felt a heightened sense of crisis over the deterioration of unity among Japan, South Korea and the United States, a cornerstone of its Asia strategy, due to Japan-South Korea confrontations over historical and other issues.
ケリー氏は、日韓両外相に両国関係の改善を強く要請した。アジア戦略の要となる日米韓の結束が歴史問題などを巡る日韓対立によって損なわれていることに、危機感を募らせたからに違いない。
At a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se, Kerry said, “We urge both of them [Japan and South Korea] to work with us together” to find a solution. His statement is regarded as an announcement that the United States will serve as a mediator between Japan and South Korea.
韓国外相との共同記者会見では「日韓が米国と共に取り組むことを求める」と述べた。日韓の仲裁に乗り出す方針の表明である。
However, remedying the situation will not be easy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wishes to hold a summit meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye with no preconditions. However, Park has put forth various conditions, including that Japan yield to South Korea over the so-called wartime comfort women issue.
だが、事態打開は容易でない。日韓首脳会談について、安倍首相は無条件で開催する意向だが、韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題での譲歩など日本に様々な条件を付けている。
We are also concerned that the Japan-U.S. relationship has been on the rocks since the United States announced its “disappointment” over Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine in late December.
昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝に米国が「失望」を表明して以来、日米関係がぎくしゃくしているのも気がかりだ。
On the Yasukuni issue, Kerry said at the press conference, “I don’t think we need to dwell on it now.” However, the tone of some U.S. media outlets suggests distrust toward Japan.
靖国問題について、ケリー氏は会見で「これ以上こだわる必要はない」と強調したが、米国内には対日不信を示す論調もある。
The Japanese side has also expressed dissatisfaction. On a video sharing site, Seiichi Eto, a special adviser to the prime minister, made a public statement criticizing the United States, saying, “It was we who were disappointed that the United States said it was disappointed.” Although he later deleted the upload, his actions caused controversy.
日本側にも不満が残る。衛藤晟一首相補佐官は、その後取り消したものの、ネット上で「我々の方が失望した」と米国を批判する発言を公開して、物議を醸した。
Japanese Ambassador to the United States Kenichiro Sasae made a local plea for the U.S. government to clarify its stance. “We also want to see the United States make clear” who its friends and allies are, and who the troublemakers are, he said.
佐々江賢一郎駐米大使も米国で「米国は誰が友人で、誰をトラブルメーカーと考えているのかはっきりさせてほしい」と訴えた。
We ask Obama, who is strengthening his administration’s commitment to Asia, to adopt an attitude that recognizes afresh the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship.
日米関係の重要性を再認識する姿勢が、アジアへの関与を強めるオバマ氏に問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2014)
（2014年2月20日01時37分 読売新聞）
Ties between Japan, U.S., ROK essential for Obama’s diplomacy
オバマ外交 アジア重視へ日米韓の連携を（2月20日付・読売社説）
To maintain peace and stability in Asia, the United States and its allies, including Japan and South Korea, must deepen their cooperative relations.
アジアの平和と安定を維持するためには、米国と、同盟国である日本や韓国などが協力関係を深化させねばならない。
U.S. President Barack Obama has started to reshape his administration’s “pivot to Asia” diplomacy in an effort to restructure the currently shaken cooperative relationship among Japan, the United States and South Korea.
オバマ米大統領が「アジア重視」の外交政策立て直しに乗り出した。揺らいでいる日米韓の連携再構築が重要な課題だ。
Earlier this month, after U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida in Washington, he visited South Korea, China and Indonesia. In late April, Obama is scheduled to make a tour of Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and the Philippines.
ケリー米国務長官は今月、ワシントンで岸田外相と会談した後、韓国と中国、インドネシアを訪問した。４月下旬には、オバマ氏の日本、韓国、マレーシア、フィリピン歴訪が予定されている。
Within Asia, China has made such conspicuous moves toward expansionism as the declaration of an air defense identification zone. The ongoing instability in North Korea has only heightened the nuclear threat. We believe Obama must have concluded that he ought to place greater emphasis on U.S. engagement with Asia.
アジアでは、防空識別圏の設定など中国の拡張主義的な行動が顕著になった。北朝鮮では不安定な情勢が続き、核の脅威は増大している。オバマ氏は関与に本腰を入れるべきだと考えたのだろう。
In a meeting with Kerry, Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated his desire to shape a “new type of major country relationship” with the United States. While the United States would like to discourage China from going too far militarily, the two countries’ relationship of mutual economic dependence has served to further increase China’s importance.
習近平国家主席はケリー氏に、「新しいタイプの大国関係」の構築を再び求めた。米国は中国を軍事的に牽制(けんせい)したい一方で、経済面では中国との相互依存関係が一段と高まっている。
With complicated interests at stake, how can the two countries shape a “major country relationship”? It is indeed a difficult issue.
複雑な思惑が交錯する両国がどのような「大国関係」を築くのか。難しい課題となろう。
In light of such circumstances, it is all the more indispensable for the United States to beef up cooperative ties with its allies.
それだけに、米国にとっては同盟国との協力強化が不可欠だ。
Crisis felt by U.S.
Kerry has strongly urged the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers to improve their nations’ relationship. The U.S. administration must have felt a heightened sense of crisis over the deterioration of unity among Japan, South Korea and the United States, a cornerstone of its Asia strategy, due to Japan-South Korea confrontations over historical and other issues.
ケリー氏は、日韓両外相に両国関係の改善を強く要請した。アジア戦略の要となる日米韓の結束が歴史問題などを巡る日韓対立によって損なわれていることに、危機感を募らせたからに違いない。
At a joint press conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se, Kerry said, “We urge both of them [Japan and South Korea] to work with us together” to find a solution. His statement is regarded as an announcement that the United States will serve as a mediator between Japan and South Korea.
韓国外相との共同記者会見では「日韓が米国と共に取り組むことを求める」と述べた。日韓の仲裁に乗り出す方針の表明である。
However, remedying the situation will not be easy. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe wishes to hold a summit meeting with South Korean President Park Geun-hye with no preconditions. However, Park has put forth various conditions, including that Japan yield to South Korea over the so-called wartime comfort women issue.
だが、事態打開は容易でない。日韓首脳会談について、安倍首相は無条件で開催する意向だが、韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題での譲歩など日本に様々な条件を付けている。
We are also concerned that the Japan-U.S. relationship has been on the rocks since the United States announced its “disappointment” over Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine in late December.
昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝に米国が「失望」を表明して以来、日米関係がぎくしゃくしているのも気がかりだ。
On the Yasukuni issue, Kerry said at the press conference, “I don’t think we need to dwell on it now.” However, the tone of some U.S. media outlets suggests distrust toward Japan.
靖国問題について、ケリー氏は会見で「これ以上こだわる必要はない」と強調したが、米国内には対日不信を示す論調もある。
The Japanese side has also expressed dissatisfaction. On a video sharing site, Seiichi Eto, a special adviser to the prime minister, made a public statement criticizing the United States, saying, “It was we who were disappointed that the United States said it was disappointed.” Although he later deleted the upload, his actions caused controversy.
日本側にも不満が残る。衛藤晟一首相補佐官は、その後取り消したものの、ネット上で「我々の方が失望した」と米国を批判する発言を公開して、物議を醸した。
Japanese Ambassador to the United States Kenichiro Sasae made a local plea for the U.S. government to clarify its stance. “We also want to see the United States make clear” who its friends and allies are, and who the troublemakers are, he said.
佐々江賢一郎駐米大使も米国で「米国は誰が友人で、誰をトラブルメーカーと考えているのかはっきりさせてほしい」と訴えた。
We ask Obama, who is strengthening his administration’s commitment to Asia, to adopt an attitude that recognizes afresh the importance of the Japan-U.S. relationship.
日米関係の重要性を再認識する姿勢が、アジアへの関与を強めるオバマ氏に問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 20, 2014)
（2014年2月20日01時37分 読売新聞）
2014/02/21
国連人権委報告 認定された北朝鮮「国家犯罪」
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 19, 2014
U.N. inquiry finds systematic state-sponsored crimes by N. Korea
国連人権委報告 認定された北朝鮮「国家犯罪」（2月19日付・読売社説）
The United Nations has issued a stern accusation of state crimes committed by North Korea, including abductions of Japanese nationals. The organization’s condemnation is likely to stoke strong international pressure on North Korea, and it will be important to use this international pressure as leverage to bring a resolution to the abduction issue.
日本人拉致などの北朝鮮の国家犯罪に対する国連の厳しい告発である。北朝鮮には、強い国際的圧力となろう。
その圧力をテコに、拉致問題の解決につなげていくことが肝要だ。
The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has issued its report on the state of human rights in North Korea.
北朝鮮の人権に関する国連調査委員会が報告書を公表した。
The report acknowledges “systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations” and concludes that these behaviors are “based on state policies.” The report finds that the violations constitute “crimes against humanity,” and the investigation panel recommends that the U.N. Security Council refer the domestic situation in North Korea to the International Criminal Court for action.
報告書は、北朝鮮による「組織的で広範かつ深刻な人権侵害」の存在を認め、「国家政策に基づくもの」と断定した。これらが「人道に対する罪」にあたるとして、国際刑事裁判所に付託するよう国連安全保障理事会に勧告した。
The investigation panel was established by the U.N. Human Rights Council in March last year, the product of a unanimous vote. The panel’s denunciation of state-sponsored crimes by North Korea is of great significance. The international community should not stand as an impassive observer, watching historic and ongoing human rights violations in North Korea.
昨年３月に国連人権理事会が全会一致で設置した専門家による調査委が、北朝鮮の国家ぐるみの犯罪を糾弾した意味は大きい。国際社会は、今なお続く北朝鮮の人権侵害を座視してはならない。
The report is based on a massive quantity of testimonies made by many protected victims, witnesses and government officials in various countries. The document provided the entire picture of human rights violations in the country in a comprehensive manner.
報告書は、多数の被害者や目撃者、各国政府関係者らによる膨大な証言に基づいており、人権侵害の全体像を包括的に立証した。
It details the chilling reality of human rights violations including prison camps, arbitrary detention, torture, public executions, starvation as a policy implement, suppression of freedom and discrimination. The report points out, quite persuasively: “The gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a state that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world.”
強制収容所、恣意(しい)的な拘束や拷問、公開処刑、政策に起因する飢餓、自由の抑圧や差別など人権侵害のおぞましい実態を詳述している。「これほどの人権侵害がまかり通る国は、現代では類を見ない」との指摘には説得力がある。
In particular, the report states unambiguously that abductions of foreign nationals including Japanese “were approved at the level of the Supreme Leader” under the three-generation dynastic regime of “Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un.” Michael Kirby, the inquiry panel’s chair, spoke of the possibility of examining the responsibility of Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, North Korea’s ruling party.
特に、日本人を含む外国人拉致は「金日成―金正日―金正恩」の３代世襲の体制下、「最高指導者の承認」で実行されたと明記した。調査委員長は金正恩第１書記の責任を問う可能性にも言及した。
Seeking end to abduction issue
North Korea provided no cooperation at all to the inquiry panel. It reacted strongly against the report, saying that the country “categorically and totally rejects the report.” However, North Korea cannot expect improved relations with the international community, indispensable to the rebuilding of its economy, unless it reverses the current woeful state of human rights in the country.
北朝鮮は調査委に一切、協力せず、今回の報告書にも「全面的に拒否する」と強く反発した。だが、人権状況を改めない限り、経済再建に不可欠な国際社会との関係改善は望むべくもあるまい。
North Korea must, for example, take very seriously the report’s recommendations calling for the disclosure of complete information on abduction victims and the immediate return of surviving abductees to their home countries.
北朝鮮は、拉致被害者に関するすべての情報提供や、生存者の速やかな帰国などを求めた報告書の勧告を重く受け止めるべきだ。
The report demonstrated that the abduction issue is a problem not only for Japan, but also a matter of grave concern for the international community as a whole. The panel’s findings can also be seen as one fruit of the diplomatic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who proactively engaged in the establishment of the inquiry panel.
報告書は、拉致が日本だけの問題ではなく、国際社会の重大な懸念事項であることを示した。調査委設置に積極的に関わってきた安倍首相の外交成果でもある。
We hope the government will seize the opportunity presented by heightened international concern over North Korea’s human rights situation. It must urge North Korea to resume bilateral talks and do its best to realize the immediate return of all abduction victims, the hand-over of the perpetrators of the abductions and the uncovering of the full truth behind the abductions.
政府は、国際的懸念の高まりを背景に政府間協議の再開を北朝鮮に促し、拉致被害者全員の即時帰国、真相究明、犯人引き渡しの実現に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
There is no end of defectors from North Korea who have been forcibly returned to the country after entering China, and there have been cases in which defectors living in China were abducted by North Korean agents as well.
中国に入国後、強制送還される脱北者も後を絶たない。中国に居住する脱北者を北朝鮮の工作員が拉致する事件も起きている。
As a major power with influence over North Korea, China has a responsibility of its own to cooperate with the international community to improve the human rights situation in North Korea, including helping to resolve the abduction issue.
北朝鮮に影響力を持つ大国として、中国には、拉致問題の解決を含めた北朝鮮の人権状況の改善に協力する責任がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2014)
（2014年2月19日01時39分 読売新聞）
U.N. inquiry finds systematic state-sponsored crimes by N. Korea
国連人権委報告 認定された北朝鮮「国家犯罪」（2月19日付・読売社説）
The United Nations has issued a stern accusation of state crimes committed by North Korea, including abductions of Japanese nationals. The organization’s condemnation is likely to stoke strong international pressure on North Korea, and it will be important to use this international pressure as leverage to bring a resolution to the abduction issue.
日本人拉致などの北朝鮮の国家犯罪に対する国連の厳しい告発である。北朝鮮には、強い国際的圧力となろう。
その圧力をテコに、拉致問題の解決につなげていくことが肝要だ。
The U.N. Commission of Inquiry on Human Rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea has issued its report on the state of human rights in North Korea.
北朝鮮の人権に関する国連調査委員会が報告書を公表した。
The report acknowledges “systematic, widespread and gross human rights violations” and concludes that these behaviors are “based on state policies.” The report finds that the violations constitute “crimes against humanity,” and the investigation panel recommends that the U.N. Security Council refer the domestic situation in North Korea to the International Criminal Court for action.
報告書は、北朝鮮による「組織的で広範かつ深刻な人権侵害」の存在を認め、「国家政策に基づくもの」と断定した。これらが「人道に対する罪」にあたるとして、国際刑事裁判所に付託するよう国連安全保障理事会に勧告した。
The investigation panel was established by the U.N. Human Rights Council in March last year, the product of a unanimous vote. The panel’s denunciation of state-sponsored crimes by North Korea is of great significance. The international community should not stand as an impassive observer, watching historic and ongoing human rights violations in North Korea.
昨年３月に国連人権理事会が全会一致で設置した専門家による調査委が、北朝鮮の国家ぐるみの犯罪を糾弾した意味は大きい。国際社会は、今なお続く北朝鮮の人権侵害を座視してはならない。
The report is based on a massive quantity of testimonies made by many protected victims, witnesses and government officials in various countries. The document provided the entire picture of human rights violations in the country in a comprehensive manner.
報告書は、多数の被害者や目撃者、各国政府関係者らによる膨大な証言に基づいており、人権侵害の全体像を包括的に立証した。
It details the chilling reality of human rights violations including prison camps, arbitrary detention, torture, public executions, starvation as a policy implement, suppression of freedom and discrimination. The report points out, quite persuasively: “The gravity, scale and nature of these violations reveal a state that does not have any parallel in the contemporary world.”
強制収容所、恣意(しい)的な拘束や拷問、公開処刑、政策に起因する飢餓、自由の抑圧や差別など人権侵害のおぞましい実態を詳述している。「これほどの人権侵害がまかり通る国は、現代では類を見ない」との指摘には説得力がある。
In particular, the report states unambiguously that abductions of foreign nationals including Japanese “were approved at the level of the Supreme Leader” under the three-generation dynastic regime of “Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un.” Michael Kirby, the inquiry panel’s chair, spoke of the possibility of examining the responsibility of Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, North Korea’s ruling party.
特に、日本人を含む外国人拉致は「金日成―金正日―金正恩」の３代世襲の体制下、「最高指導者の承認」で実行されたと明記した。調査委員長は金正恩第１書記の責任を問う可能性にも言及した。
Seeking end to abduction issue
North Korea provided no cooperation at all to the inquiry panel. It reacted strongly against the report, saying that the country “categorically and totally rejects the report.” However, North Korea cannot expect improved relations with the international community, indispensable to the rebuilding of its economy, unless it reverses the current woeful state of human rights in the country.
北朝鮮は調査委に一切、協力せず、今回の報告書にも「全面的に拒否する」と強く反発した。だが、人権状況を改めない限り、経済再建に不可欠な国際社会との関係改善は望むべくもあるまい。
North Korea must, for example, take very seriously the report’s recommendations calling for the disclosure of complete information on abduction victims and the immediate return of surviving abductees to their home countries.
北朝鮮は、拉致被害者に関するすべての情報提供や、生存者の速やかな帰国などを求めた報告書の勧告を重く受け止めるべきだ。
The report demonstrated that the abduction issue is a problem not only for Japan, but also a matter of grave concern for the international community as a whole. The panel’s findings can also be seen as one fruit of the diplomatic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who proactively engaged in the establishment of the inquiry panel.
報告書は、拉致が日本だけの問題ではなく、国際社会の重大な懸念事項であることを示した。調査委設置に積極的に関わってきた安倍首相の外交成果でもある。
We hope the government will seize the opportunity presented by heightened international concern over North Korea’s human rights situation. It must urge North Korea to resume bilateral talks and do its best to realize the immediate return of all abduction victims, the hand-over of the perpetrators of the abductions and the uncovering of the full truth behind the abductions.
政府は、国際的懸念の高まりを背景に政府間協議の再開を北朝鮮に促し、拉致被害者全員の即時帰国、真相究明、犯人引き渡しの実現に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
There is no end of defectors from North Korea who have been forcibly returned to the country after entering China, and there have been cases in which defectors living in China were abducted by North Korean agents as well.
中国に入国後、強制送還される脱北者も後を絶たない。中国に居住する脱北者を北朝鮮の工作員が拉致する事件も起きている。
As a major power with influence over North Korea, China has a responsibility of its own to cooperate with the international community to improve the human rights situation in North Korea, including helping to resolve the abduction issue.
北朝鮮に影響力を持つ大国として、中国には、拉致問題の解決を含めた北朝鮮の人権状況の改善に協力する責任がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 19, 2014)
（2014年2月19日01時39分 読売新聞）
2014/02/20
米債務上限問題 不毛な対立の棚上げは前進だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 16, 2014
U.S. Congress takes step forward by shelving showdown over borrowing
米債務上限問題 不毛な対立の棚上げは前進だ（2月16日付・読売社説）
With the turmoil in the U.S. Congress over government finances having been settled at last, the danger of President Barack Obama’s administration plunging into a debt default—the inability to service government bonds—has been averted, at least for the time being.
米国財政を巡る議会の対立が収束し、政府が国債の元利払いができない債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る事態は当面回避されることになった。
The ruling Democratic Party and the opposition Republican Party have repeatedly clashed over the debt cap issue, and the resolution for now of the thorny problem that has shackled the U.S. political system can be called a step forward. We welcome the congressional agreement.
与党・民主党と野党・共和党は混乱を繰り返してきたが、足かせとなってきた難題をひとまず棚上げできたのは前進である。合意の成立を歓迎したい。
The House of Representatives approved by a majority vote last Tuesday and the Senate approved by a majority vote Wednesday an increase in the federal debt limit, with no conditions attached, on the statutory ceiling on government borrowing through March 15, 2015. The ceiling is currently set at about $17.2 trillion.
議会上下両院は、政府が借金できる限度額を示す法定の債務上限（約１７・２兆ドル）について、来年３月１５日まで無条件で引き上げる法律を賛成多数で可決した。
Congressional approval was made possible by major concessions from the Republican Party at the initiative of senior Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner, that were in line with the assertions of Obama and his Democratic Party.
オバマ大統領と民主党の主張に沿って、共和党が、ベイナー下院議長ら幹部の主導で大幅譲歩したのがポイントである。
In October last year, a Democrat-Republican standoff prevented the enactment of the federal budget for fiscal 2014, leading to a partial shutdown of government organizations. Government liabilities subsequently reached the maximum allowed, threatening to cause the United States to default on its debts. Republicans came under particularly heavy fire from the public for continuing to take a hard-line attitude.
昨年１０月、民主、共和両党の対立で２０１４会計年度予算が成立せず、政府機関の一部閉鎖に追い込まれた。連邦債務も上限に達し、デフォルト寸前に陥った。特に厳しい批判を浴びたのが、強硬姿勢を続けた共和党だった。
The ruling and opposition parties later agreed to temporarily nullify the debt ceiling up until Feb. 7 this year, but they failed to reach an accord to raise the ceiling in time for the deadline.
与野党はその後、今年２月７日までは債務上限を一時無効とすることで合意したが、期限内に引き上げられなかった。
The congressional impasse came against Republican conservatives’ insistence that any increase in the debt ceiling should be met by spending cuts equivalent to the rise in the limit.
その背景には、共和党の保守派を中心に、債務上限を引き上げる場合には、それに見合う歳出削減を求めるべきだという強硬論が出ていたことがある。
Republicans under fire
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew warned that the government, even if making the best of budgetary handling, would default on its debts as early as toward the end of February. It seems that renewed turmoil over the debt ceiling would likely intensify public criticism against Republicans.
ルー財務長官は財政のやり繰りでしのぐとしても、２月末にもデフォルトに陥ると警告していた。混乱が再燃すれば、共和党に対する国民の批判が一層高まるのは避けられなかったのでないか。
Midterm elections will take place in November. Taking public opinion into account, the Republican Party may have found it advisable to lay down its arms at this stage.
１１月には議会中間選挙がある。共和党は世論を意識し、この段階では矛を収めるのが得策と考えたのだろう。
Toward the end of last year, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to set the budget for policy implementation at $1 trillion each in the coming two fiscal years, thus averting the risk of another government shutdown due to failure to pass budget legislation.
与野党は昨年末、２年間の予算の政策経費をそれぞれ１兆ドルとすることで一致し、予算不成立に伴って政府機関が再び閉鎖されるリスクも回避した。
The settlement of these two issues, which should help stabilize stock and other financial markets, should serve as a tailwind for the U.S. economy, for which signs of recovery have been becoming brighter.
二つの懸案の決着によって株式市場などの不安要因が解消できたことは、景気回復が鮮明になってきた米国経済にも追い風だ。
Arguments of the ruling and opposition parties, however, have remained wide apart over how the government should steer its fiscal policy. There are said to be people in the Republican Party who still criticize Boehner for being “weak-kneed” toward Democrats.
ただし、財政政策を巡る与野党の主張は大きく食い違う。共和党内では、ベイナー議長に「弱腰」と反発する声もくすぶる。
As a result, partisan confrontation may intensify all the more toward the midterm elections and the 2016 presidential election.
このため、中間選挙や１６年の大統領選に向け、むしろ党派対立が一段と激化する可能性がある。
Conservatives in the Republican Party, holding up the goal of “small government,” have remained steadfastly opposed to Obama’s health care programs for the elderly and poor.
「小さな政府」を掲げる共和党保守派では、大統領が推進する医療保険改革（オバマケア）への抵抗が根強い。
We hope to see Democrats and Republicans constructively engaging in policy discussions over a wide range of issues, including measures to the benefit of middle-income families and steps for rectifying economic disparities in the United States.
中間所得層向け施策や経済格差是正策なども含め、建設的な政策論争を期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2014)
（2014年2月16日00時04分 読売新聞）
U.S. Congress takes step forward by shelving showdown over borrowing
米債務上限問題 不毛な対立の棚上げは前進だ（2月16日付・読売社説）
With the turmoil in the U.S. Congress over government finances having been settled at last, the danger of President Barack Obama’s administration plunging into a debt default—the inability to service government bonds—has been averted, at least for the time being.
米国財政を巡る議会の対立が収束し、政府が国債の元利払いができない債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る事態は当面回避されることになった。
The ruling Democratic Party and the opposition Republican Party have repeatedly clashed over the debt cap issue, and the resolution for now of the thorny problem that has shackled the U.S. political system can be called a step forward. We welcome the congressional agreement.
与党・民主党と野党・共和党は混乱を繰り返してきたが、足かせとなってきた難題をひとまず棚上げできたのは前進である。合意の成立を歓迎したい。
The House of Representatives approved by a majority vote last Tuesday and the Senate approved by a majority vote Wednesday an increase in the federal debt limit, with no conditions attached, on the statutory ceiling on government borrowing through March 15, 2015. The ceiling is currently set at about $17.2 trillion.
議会上下両院は、政府が借金できる限度額を示す法定の債務上限（約１７・２兆ドル）について、来年３月１５日まで無条件で引き上げる法律を賛成多数で可決した。
Congressional approval was made possible by major concessions from the Republican Party at the initiative of senior Republicans, including House Speaker John Boehner, that were in line with the assertions of Obama and his Democratic Party.
オバマ大統領と民主党の主張に沿って、共和党が、ベイナー下院議長ら幹部の主導で大幅譲歩したのがポイントである。
In October last year, a Democrat-Republican standoff prevented the enactment of the federal budget for fiscal 2014, leading to a partial shutdown of government organizations. Government liabilities subsequently reached the maximum allowed, threatening to cause the United States to default on its debts. Republicans came under particularly heavy fire from the public for continuing to take a hard-line attitude.
昨年１０月、民主、共和両党の対立で２０１４会計年度予算が成立せず、政府機関の一部閉鎖に追い込まれた。連邦債務も上限に達し、デフォルト寸前に陥った。特に厳しい批判を浴びたのが、強硬姿勢を続けた共和党だった。
The ruling and opposition parties later agreed to temporarily nullify the debt ceiling up until Feb. 7 this year, but they failed to reach an accord to raise the ceiling in time for the deadline.
与野党はその後、今年２月７日までは債務上限を一時無効とすることで合意したが、期限内に引き上げられなかった。
The congressional impasse came against Republican conservatives’ insistence that any increase in the debt ceiling should be met by spending cuts equivalent to the rise in the limit.
その背景には、共和党の保守派を中心に、債務上限を引き上げる場合には、それに見合う歳出削減を求めるべきだという強硬論が出ていたことがある。
Republicans under fire
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew warned that the government, even if making the best of budgetary handling, would default on its debts as early as toward the end of February. It seems that renewed turmoil over the debt ceiling would likely intensify public criticism against Republicans.
ルー財務長官は財政のやり繰りでしのぐとしても、２月末にもデフォルトに陥ると警告していた。混乱が再燃すれば、共和党に対する国民の批判が一層高まるのは避けられなかったのでないか。
Midterm elections will take place in November. Taking public opinion into account, the Republican Party may have found it advisable to lay down its arms at this stage.
１１月には議会中間選挙がある。共和党は世論を意識し、この段階では矛を収めるのが得策と考えたのだろう。
Toward the end of last year, the ruling and opposition parties agreed to set the budget for policy implementation at $1 trillion each in the coming two fiscal years, thus averting the risk of another government shutdown due to failure to pass budget legislation.
与野党は昨年末、２年間の予算の政策経費をそれぞれ１兆ドルとすることで一致し、予算不成立に伴って政府機関が再び閉鎖されるリスクも回避した。
The settlement of these two issues, which should help stabilize stock and other financial markets, should serve as a tailwind for the U.S. economy, for which signs of recovery have been becoming brighter.
二つの懸案の決着によって株式市場などの不安要因が解消できたことは、景気回復が鮮明になってきた米国経済にも追い風だ。
Arguments of the ruling and opposition parties, however, have remained wide apart over how the government should steer its fiscal policy. There are said to be people in the Republican Party who still criticize Boehner for being “weak-kneed” toward Democrats.
ただし、財政政策を巡る与野党の主張は大きく食い違う。共和党内では、ベイナー議長に「弱腰」と反発する声もくすぶる。
As a result, partisan confrontation may intensify all the more toward the midterm elections and the 2016 presidential election.
このため、中間選挙や１６年の大統領選に向け、むしろ党派対立が一段と激化する可能性がある。
Conservatives in the Republican Party, holding up the goal of “small government,” have remained steadfastly opposed to Obama’s health care programs for the elderly and poor.
「小さな政府」を掲げる共和党保守派では、大統領が推進する医療保険改革（オバマケア）への抵抗が根強い。
We hope to see Democrats and Republicans constructively engaging in policy discussions over a wide range of issues, including measures to the benefit of middle-income families and steps for rectifying economic disparities in the United States.
中間所得層向け施策や経済格差是正策なども含め、建設的な政策論争を期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2014)
（2014年2月16日00時04分 読売新聞）
2014/02/19
保険金不払い 顧客軽視の悪弊を断ち切れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 17, 2014
Irresponsible practices of insurance firms must be thoroughly addressed
保険金不払い 顧客軽視の悪弊を断ち切れ（2月17日付・読売社説）
It is a problem if practices of making light of customers still remain in corporate culture in a leading nonlife insurer.
顧客軽視の企業体質が根強く残っているとすれば問題である。
It came to light recently that Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. had failed to partially pay out automobile insurance benefits that policyholders were entitled to over a period of more than 10 years.
損害保険大手の東京海上日動火災保険が、自動車保険の保険金の一部を契約者に支払わず、１０年以上も放置していたことが判明した。
The unpaid cases concerned special benefits in auto insurance to cover extra costs, such as consolatory money to be paid to victims injured in accidents or otherwise. According to the insurer, there may be more than 100,000 special benefit policies left unpaid.
不払いが見つかったのは、交通事故でけがをさせた相手への見舞金などを補償する特約で、１０万件を超える可能性もあるという。
Through an inspection of the life and nonlife insurance sectors led by the Financial Services Agency in 2005, nonpayment cases were discovered on an alarmingly large scale. The agency imposed a series of administrative punishments, resulting in a wave of corporate manager resignations.
生命保険と損害保険では、２００５年の金融庁検査で大規模な不払いが発覚し、行政処分や経営トップの辞任が相次いだ。
With costly lessons learned, the insurance companies involved have taken measures to prevent a recurrence of nonpayments in the future.
これを教訓に、保険各社は再発防止策を講じ、新たな不払いは起きにくくなっている。
However, it is a problem that Tokio Marine has decided to exclude the special benefits contracts when the company conducted internal inspections in 2005 and 2006.
問題なのは、東京海上日動が０５～０６年に行った社内調査の対象から、これらの特約を除外していたことである。
Claiming that the company had applied the corporate rules of paying out the special benefits only if claims were made, Tokio Marine has still insisted that the company’s previous actions did not constitute nonpayment. However, this argument suggests that the company places the logic within its own circles rather than interests of its customers.
当時は請求があった分だけに保険金を支払う社内ルールを適用していたとして、今も「不払いにあたらない」との説明を繰り返している。顧客の利益より、内輪の論理を優先した解釈と言えよう。
Some policyholders unfamiliar with insurance contracts failed to claim special benefits, which are in themselves quite diverse.
保険に詳しくない契約者が、多種多様な特約の請求を忘れることもあろう。
Insurers must explain
Responsibility lies with an insurance company to clearly explain the contract to policyholders, ensuring they do not fail to make their claims when they are most likely to be in a state of confusion after being involved in an accident.
突然の事故に動揺する契約者に丁寧に説明し、請求漏れを防ぐことは、保険会社本来のサービスである。
Tokio Marine said the company changed its policy in July 2003 so that it would pay insurance benefits even if claims are not made. But the company failed to brief policyholders with the change in rules, at a time when they should have solved the nonpayment cases retrospectively.
東京海上日動は０３年７月、請求がなくても保険金を支払うよう対応を変えたという。この時にルールの変更を対外的に説明し、過去の契約にさかのぼって不払いの解消を図るべきだった。
At a press conference, Tsuyoshi Nagano, president of Tokio Marine, said, “We did all we could at the time,” justifying the company’s actions in the past. It is not surprising that the policyholders who were unable to claim their insurance benefits may be left unconvinced with such an explanation.
東京海上日動の永野毅社長は記者会見で「当時としては最善を尽くした」などと述べ、過去の対応を正当化した。この説明では保険金を受け取れなかった契約者は、納得がいかないのではないか。
Many of them are just as skeptical about the stance of the Financial Services Agency, which considers the insurer’s actions as “not being a problem.”
金融庁が当時の対応を「問題なし」としている点も、不可解に感じる人は多いだろう。
Consumers may grow more distrustful of insurers that, while they have people sign insurance contracts by capitalizing on various kinds of special benefits, are unwilling to pay insurance benefits when accidents occur. To prevent such feelings, expectations are rising for Tokio Marine to explain itself and sincerely respond to policyholders.
盛りだくさんの特約を売り物に契約させておいて、事故が起きると保険金を出し渋る――。そんな消費者の保険不信が高まらないよう、東京海上日動には、誠意のある説明と対応を求めたい。
Nagano has said that the company will flexibly deal with benefit payouts if claims are made from now on. But uncertainty hangs in the air because the company stores relevant data for nine years, meaning most of the data related to the unpaid special benefits have already been destroyed.
永野社長はこれから請求があれば支払いに柔軟に応じる方針を示したが、実効性は不透明である。東京海上日動のデータ保管期間は９年で、当時の記録の大半が破棄されてしまったからだ。
Tokio Marine should do all in its power to remedy the situation by consolidating what details can be gleaned from memory of its employees and examining any remaining copies of relevant documents with great care.
社員の記憶や書類のコピーなどを丹念に調べ、適正な支払いに全力を挙げねばならない。
Other nonlife insurance companies would do well to heed Tokio Marine’s case not just as “someone else’s misfortune” but as a wake-up call to look out for and address any outstanding nonpayment cases.
他の損保各社も「対岸の火事」とせず、類似の不払いがないか、念入りに点検してほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2014)
（2014年2月17日00時04分 読売新聞）
Irresponsible practices of insurance firms must be thoroughly addressed
保険金不払い 顧客軽視の悪弊を断ち切れ（2月17日付・読売社説）
It is a problem if practices of making light of customers still remain in corporate culture in a leading nonlife insurer.
顧客軽視の企業体質が根強く残っているとすれば問題である。
It came to light recently that Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co. had failed to partially pay out automobile insurance benefits that policyholders were entitled to over a period of more than 10 years.
損害保険大手の東京海上日動火災保険が、自動車保険の保険金の一部を契約者に支払わず、１０年以上も放置していたことが判明した。
The unpaid cases concerned special benefits in auto insurance to cover extra costs, such as consolatory money to be paid to victims injured in accidents or otherwise. According to the insurer, there may be more than 100,000 special benefit policies left unpaid.
不払いが見つかったのは、交通事故でけがをさせた相手への見舞金などを補償する特約で、１０万件を超える可能性もあるという。
Through an inspection of the life and nonlife insurance sectors led by the Financial Services Agency in 2005, nonpayment cases were discovered on an alarmingly large scale. The agency imposed a series of administrative punishments, resulting in a wave of corporate manager resignations.
生命保険と損害保険では、２００５年の金融庁検査で大規模な不払いが発覚し、行政処分や経営トップの辞任が相次いだ。
With costly lessons learned, the insurance companies involved have taken measures to prevent a recurrence of nonpayments in the future.
これを教訓に、保険各社は再発防止策を講じ、新たな不払いは起きにくくなっている。
However, it is a problem that Tokio Marine has decided to exclude the special benefits contracts when the company conducted internal inspections in 2005 and 2006.
問題なのは、東京海上日動が０５～０６年に行った社内調査の対象から、これらの特約を除外していたことである。
Claiming that the company had applied the corporate rules of paying out the special benefits only if claims were made, Tokio Marine has still insisted that the company’s previous actions did not constitute nonpayment. However, this argument suggests that the company places the logic within its own circles rather than interests of its customers.
当時は請求があった分だけに保険金を支払う社内ルールを適用していたとして、今も「不払いにあたらない」との説明を繰り返している。顧客の利益より、内輪の論理を優先した解釈と言えよう。
Some policyholders unfamiliar with insurance contracts failed to claim special benefits, which are in themselves quite diverse.
保険に詳しくない契約者が、多種多様な特約の請求を忘れることもあろう。
Insurers must explain
Responsibility lies with an insurance company to clearly explain the contract to policyholders, ensuring they do not fail to make their claims when they are most likely to be in a state of confusion after being involved in an accident.
突然の事故に動揺する契約者に丁寧に説明し、請求漏れを防ぐことは、保険会社本来のサービスである。
Tokio Marine said the company changed its policy in July 2003 so that it would pay insurance benefits even if claims are not made. But the company failed to brief policyholders with the change in rules, at a time when they should have solved the nonpayment cases retrospectively.
東京海上日動は０３年７月、請求がなくても保険金を支払うよう対応を変えたという。この時にルールの変更を対外的に説明し、過去の契約にさかのぼって不払いの解消を図るべきだった。
At a press conference, Tsuyoshi Nagano, president of Tokio Marine, said, “We did all we could at the time,” justifying the company’s actions in the past. It is not surprising that the policyholders who were unable to claim their insurance benefits may be left unconvinced with such an explanation.
東京海上日動の永野毅社長は記者会見で「当時としては最善を尽くした」などと述べ、過去の対応を正当化した。この説明では保険金を受け取れなかった契約者は、納得がいかないのではないか。
Many of them are just as skeptical about the stance of the Financial Services Agency, which considers the insurer’s actions as “not being a problem.”
金融庁が当時の対応を「問題なし」としている点も、不可解に感じる人は多いだろう。
Consumers may grow more distrustful of insurers that, while they have people sign insurance contracts by capitalizing on various kinds of special benefits, are unwilling to pay insurance benefits when accidents occur. To prevent such feelings, expectations are rising for Tokio Marine to explain itself and sincerely respond to policyholders.
盛りだくさんの特約を売り物に契約させておいて、事故が起きると保険金を出し渋る――。そんな消費者の保険不信が高まらないよう、東京海上日動には、誠意のある説明と対応を求めたい。
Nagano has said that the company will flexibly deal with benefit payouts if claims are made from now on. But uncertainty hangs in the air because the company stores relevant data for nine years, meaning most of the data related to the unpaid special benefits have already been destroyed.
永野社長はこれから請求があれば支払いに柔軟に応じる方針を示したが、実効性は不透明である。東京海上日動のデータ保管期間は９年で、当時の記録の大半が破棄されてしまったからだ。
Tokio Marine should do all in its power to remedy the situation by consolidating what details can be gleaned from memory of its employees and examining any remaining copies of relevant documents with great care.
社員の記憶や書類のコピーなどを丹念に調べ、適正な支払いに全力を挙げねばならない。
Other nonlife insurance companies would do well to heed Tokio Marine’s case not just as “someone else’s misfortune” but as a wake-up call to look out for and address any outstanding nonpayment cases.
他の損保各社も「対岸の火事」とせず、類似の不払いがないか、念入りに点検してほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2014)
（2014年2月17日00時04分 読売新聞）
2014/02/18
高速有料の延長 安全確保にはやむを得ない
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 17, 2014
Expressway toll system must be continued to ensure safety
高速有料の延長 安全確保にはやむを得ない（2月17日付・読売社説）
With an extension of up to 15 years, or up until 2065, eyed for the expressway toll-collection system, the government has submitted a bill to the current Diet session for revising the Special Measures Law Concerning Road Construction and Improvement.
政府は、高速道路の有料期間を最長１５年延長して２０６５年までとする道路整備特別措置法改正案を国会に提出した。
The rebuilding and repair of aging expressways is urgently needed to ensure the safety of their users.
利用者の安全を守るため、老朽化した高速道路の造り替えや補修は急務だ。
About 40 percent of all expressway sections have been in use for 30 years or longer.
全国の高速道路のうち、開通から３０年以上経過した区間が約４割を占める。
In December 2012, ceiling panels in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture collapsed apparently due to aging, an incident that created many victims.
山梨県の中央自動車道・笹子トンネルでは、老朽化が原因とみられる天井板崩落事故が起き、多数の犠牲者が出た。
Because of its financial woes, the government can hardly afford to invest huge amounts of public funds into maintaining expressways. Extending the toll-collecting period is unavoidable as the expenses involved in renovations and repairs must be covered mainly by toll revenues.
財政難で巨額の国費を投じる余裕が乏しい中、有料期間の延長で得られる料金収入を更新・修繕費に充てるのはやむを得ない。
Six expressway operators, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway Co., have recently estimated their renovation and repair costs to total ¥4 trillion in the next dozen years or so.
首都高速道路など高速道路６社は先ごろ、今後十数年で総額４兆円規模の更新・修繕費がかかるという試算をまとめた。
When privatizing then Japan Highway Public Corp. in 2005, the government came up with a projection to make expressways toll-free by having the public corporation’s debt of about ¥40 trillion repaid through toll revenues up until 2050.
政府は０５年の道路公団民営化の際、５０年までの料金収入で約４０兆円の債務を返済した後、高速道路を無料にする計画を立てた。
The projection, however, failed to fully take into account the colossal expenses of repairs and related work in the future. There can be no denying that the projection was based on overly optimistic estimates.
しかし、当時は、将来の道路補修などに巨額の費用がかかる事態を十分に想定していなかった。見通しが甘かった点は否めない。
All expressway companies must do their utmost to keep a tight rein on road renovation and repair costs so that expressway users in the future are not forced to shoulder excessively heavy burdens.
道路各社には今後、将来の利用者の負担が過度に重くならないよう、更新・修繕費を可能な限り抑制することが求められる。
End toll-free policy
The expressway companies also should use their ingenuity for tapping private-sector funds through such measures as selling or renting the rights to use the space above expressways and the ground below elevated ones.
高速道路の上空や高架下の使用権を企業に売却・賃貸して費用の一部を賄うなど、民間資金の活用に工夫を凝らしてもらいたい。
Another issue of high importance is the renovation of expressways to make them easier and safer to use, such as by making them wider and reducing the number of tight curves, instead of simply rebuilding aged expressways with few design improvements.
単なる造り替えではなく、車線拡張や急カーブの解消など、道路の使いやすさや安全性を高めるための改修も大切である。
Thus we cannot help but find it questionable that the government has been continuing to uphold the goal of making expressways free of charge in the future.
疑問なのは、政府が依然として高速道路を将来、無料化する計画を掲げ続けていることだ。
Given that expressways will certainly remain in use regardless of whether they become toll-free, it is evident that additional expenses will be necessary to fund renovation and repair projects in the future. The problem of how to secure new sources of revenue to take the place of tolls is bound to be raised.
高速道路を利用し続ける以上、将来的に追加の更新・修繕費が必要になる。新たな財源問題が浮上するのは必至だろう。
In light of this, it is unavoidable to thoroughly review the current expressway policy, which is premised on abolishing expressway tolls in the future. It may be a feasible option to continue to levy low tolls for many years to come.
無料化を前提とする現行計画の再検討は避けられまい。将来にわたって低廉な料金を徴収し続けるのも一つの選択肢ではないか。
It is reasonable that the government has now decided to reduce toll discounts for motor vehicles equipped with electronic toll-collection systems starting in April.
政府が、自動料金収受システム（ＥＴＣ）の搭載車を対象にした割引制度を４月から縮小するのは妥当な措置である。
Since 2008, about ¥3 trillion of taxpayers’ money in the aggregate has been used for the toll discount system. Discounts, however, should be carried out as part of expressway operators’ services offered through their business management efforts.
割引には０８年以降、総額３兆円の国費が投入されてきた。だが、道路各社が経営努力の範囲内で実施するのが、割引サービスの本来の姿のはずだ。
The specifics of toll discounts have been changed with every change of administration, and they have become highly complicated and unintelligible in the eyes of drivers.
割引制度は政権が代わる度に変更され、利用者には複雑で分かりにくい仕組みになっている。
The current discount system should be scrutinized in terms of its effectiveness and be revamped into a new system to make the discounts more useful for such purposes as revitalizing distribution systems and alleviating traffic congestion on ordinary roads.
これまでの効果を検証し、物流の活性化や一般道の渋滞緩和などに、より役立つ制度へ改善すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2014)
（2014年2月17日00時04分 読売新聞）
Expressway toll system must be continued to ensure safety
高速有料の延長 安全確保にはやむを得ない（2月17日付・読売社説）
With an extension of up to 15 years, or up until 2065, eyed for the expressway toll-collection system, the government has submitted a bill to the current Diet session for revising the Special Measures Law Concerning Road Construction and Improvement.
政府は、高速道路の有料期間を最長１５年延長して２０６５年までとする道路整備特別措置法改正案を国会に提出した。
The rebuilding and repair of aging expressways is urgently needed to ensure the safety of their users.
利用者の安全を守るため、老朽化した高速道路の造り替えや補修は急務だ。
About 40 percent of all expressway sections have been in use for 30 years or longer.
全国の高速道路のうち、開通から３０年以上経過した区間が約４割を占める。
In December 2012, ceiling panels in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture collapsed apparently due to aging, an incident that created many victims.
山梨県の中央自動車道・笹子トンネルでは、老朽化が原因とみられる天井板崩落事故が起き、多数の犠牲者が出た。
Because of its financial woes, the government can hardly afford to invest huge amounts of public funds into maintaining expressways. Extending the toll-collecting period is unavoidable as the expenses involved in renovations and repairs must be covered mainly by toll revenues.
財政難で巨額の国費を投じる余裕が乏しい中、有料期間の延長で得られる料金収入を更新・修繕費に充てるのはやむを得ない。
Six expressway operators, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway Co., have recently estimated their renovation and repair costs to total ¥4 trillion in the next dozen years or so.
首都高速道路など高速道路６社は先ごろ、今後十数年で総額４兆円規模の更新・修繕費がかかるという試算をまとめた。
When privatizing then Japan Highway Public Corp. in 2005, the government came up with a projection to make expressways toll-free by having the public corporation’s debt of about ¥40 trillion repaid through toll revenues up until 2050.
政府は０５年の道路公団民営化の際、５０年までの料金収入で約４０兆円の債務を返済した後、高速道路を無料にする計画を立てた。
The projection, however, failed to fully take into account the colossal expenses of repairs and related work in the future. There can be no denying that the projection was based on overly optimistic estimates.
しかし、当時は、将来の道路補修などに巨額の費用がかかる事態を十分に想定していなかった。見通しが甘かった点は否めない。
All expressway companies must do their utmost to keep a tight rein on road renovation and repair costs so that expressway users in the future are not forced to shoulder excessively heavy burdens.
道路各社には今後、将来の利用者の負担が過度に重くならないよう、更新・修繕費を可能な限り抑制することが求められる。
End toll-free policy
The expressway companies also should use their ingenuity for tapping private-sector funds through such measures as selling or renting the rights to use the space above expressways and the ground below elevated ones.
高速道路の上空や高架下の使用権を企業に売却・賃貸して費用の一部を賄うなど、民間資金の活用に工夫を凝らしてもらいたい。
Another issue of high importance is the renovation of expressways to make them easier and safer to use, such as by making them wider and reducing the number of tight curves, instead of simply rebuilding aged expressways with few design improvements.
単なる造り替えではなく、車線拡張や急カーブの解消など、道路の使いやすさや安全性を高めるための改修も大切である。
Thus we cannot help but find it questionable that the government has been continuing to uphold the goal of making expressways free of charge in the future.
疑問なのは、政府が依然として高速道路を将来、無料化する計画を掲げ続けていることだ。
Given that expressways will certainly remain in use regardless of whether they become toll-free, it is evident that additional expenses will be necessary to fund renovation and repair projects in the future. The problem of how to secure new sources of revenue to take the place of tolls is bound to be raised.
高速道路を利用し続ける以上、将来的に追加の更新・修繕費が必要になる。新たな財源問題が浮上するのは必至だろう。
In light of this, it is unavoidable to thoroughly review the current expressway policy, which is premised on abolishing expressway tolls in the future. It may be a feasible option to continue to levy low tolls for many years to come.
無料化を前提とする現行計画の再検討は避けられまい。将来にわたって低廉な料金を徴収し続けるのも一つの選択肢ではないか。
It is reasonable that the government has now decided to reduce toll discounts for motor vehicles equipped with electronic toll-collection systems starting in April.
政府が、自動料金収受システム（ＥＴＣ）の搭載車を対象にした割引制度を４月から縮小するのは妥当な措置である。
Since 2008, about ¥3 trillion of taxpayers’ money in the aggregate has been used for the toll discount system. Discounts, however, should be carried out as part of expressway operators’ services offered through their business management efforts.
割引には０８年以降、総額３兆円の国費が投入されてきた。だが、道路各社が経営努力の範囲内で実施するのが、割引サービスの本来の姿のはずだ。
The specifics of toll discounts have been changed with every change of administration, and they have become highly complicated and unintelligible in the eyes of drivers.
割引制度は政権が代わる度に変更され、利用者には複雑で分かりにくい仕組みになっている。
The current discount system should be scrutinized in terms of its effectiveness and be revamped into a new system to make the discounts more useful for such purposes as revitalizing distribution systems and alleviating traffic congestion on ordinary roads.
これまでの効果を検証し、物流の活性化や一般道の渋滞緩和などに、より役立つ制度へ改善すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2014)
（2014年2月17日00時04分 読売新聞）
2014/02/17
中国漁船長提訴 尖閣の主権を内外に明示した
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 15, 2014
JCG collision lawsuit is logical response to China’s actions over Senkakus
中国漁船長提訴 尖閣の主権を内外に明示した（2月15日付・読売社説）
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made a logical response to China over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
安倍政権が、尖閣諸島を巡る中国への対応について、筋を通したということだろう。
The Japan Coast Guard has filed a lawsuit with the Naha District Court against the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that was operating in Japan’s territorial waters off the Senkakus when he intentionally rammed JCG patrol boats in defiance of a JCG order to stop in September 2010.
中国漁船が２０１０年９月、尖閣諸島沖の領海内で操業し、海上保安庁の停船命令を無視して巡視船に体当たりした事件で、海保は漁船の船長を相手取り、損害賠償を求める訴訟を那覇地裁に起こした。
The government has repeatedly asked the Chinese side to cover the cost of repairing the JCG boats, but to no avail. It decided to file the lawsuit because the statute of limitations on damages will expire soon.
政府は、巡視船の修繕費などの支払いを再三求めてきたが、中国側は応じなかった。このままでは法に基づく賠償請求の時効を迎えるため、提訴に踏み切った。
It is natural for the government to seek a judicial judgment based on domestic laws regarding an illegal act committed in Japan’s territorial waters.
領海で起きた違法行為について、日本の国内法に基づき司法判断を求めるのは当然である。
It is also hugely significant that the lawsuit once again underscores Japan’s sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島に日本の主権が及んでいることを、改めて明確にする意義も大きい。
When the incident occurred, the administration of then Prime Minister Naoto Kan was subjected to outrageous protests from China. The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office released the arrested captain of the fishing boat—a difficult decision the Democratic Party of Japan administration was forced to make following a series of events, including the detention of Japanese citizens by Chinese authorities in an apparent tit-for-tat.
事件当時の菅政権は中国の理不尽な抗議を受けた。那覇地検は、逮捕した船長を釈放した。事実上の報復措置とみられる中国当局による邦人拘束もあり、民主党政権は難しい判断を迫られた。
But the government’s excessively conciliatory stance weakened Japan’s assertions of sovereignty, leading China to trumpet its irrelevant claims. This is a lesson Japan should heed.
しかし、行き過ぎた融和姿勢は日本の主張を弱め、中国が筋違いの言い分を喧伝(けんでん)することにもつながった。教訓とすべきだ。
Since the ramming, China has been escalating its attempts to change the status quo regarding the Senkakus by force. The Abe administration must convey Japan’s assertions abroad to disseminate them widely in the international community. Maritime surveillance activities around the Senkaku Islands should not be neglected.
漁船衝突事件後も、尖閣諸島を巡って、中国の力による現状変更の試みは勢いを増している。安倍政権は今後も日本の主張を国際社会に発信し、浸透させていく必要がある。尖閣周辺の警戒監視活動も、怠ってはならない。
Video to back claim
“In filing the suit, we will submit video records to prove that the government’s claim is justified,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said, indicating that the JCG will make the video available to the general public upon request.
菅官房長官は「提訴にあたって、政府の主張の正しさを立証するための映像記録を提出する」と述べた。海保で、求めがあれば映像を一般にも公開するという。
The video has been widely viewed after a JCG officer posted it on the video-sharing site YouTube and other developments.
映像は元海上保安官が、動画投稿サイト「ユーチューブ」に流出させたことなどから、今では広く知れ渡っている。
But officially releasing the video to the public is intended to demonstrate to people both at home and abroad how just the Japanese government’s legal action is.
だが、映像公開は、日本政府の取った措置の正当性を内外にアピールする狙いがある。
Viewing the video will make it clear that the Chinese captain was at fault for intentionally ramming the JCG boats.
映像を見れば、強引に船を衝突させた船長に非があるのは明らかだ。
Furthermore, the latest release of the video is apparently aimed at underscoring the significance of the law on protecting specially designated state secrets enacted last year.
今回の映像公開には、昨年成立した特定秘密保護法の意義を示す狙いもあるようだ。
The Kan administration deemed the leak of the video by the JCG official unpardonable, which prompted it to consider establishing a legal system to protect state secrets. However, Abe has said that the video showing the ramming should not be categorized as a specially designated secret.
菅政権は、保安官の映像漏えいを許し難い行為とし、これを契機に秘密保護法制を検討した経緯がある。
Instead, as he has emphasized, the enactment of the law will prevent administrations from arbitrarily concealing information as they see fit.
安倍首相は、衝突時の映像は特定秘密に当たらないと指摘し、秘密保護法の制定により、むしろ、政権の都合で情報が隠蔽されることはなくなると強調してきた。
The government is expected to appropriately distinguish between classified information connected to state security and information that does not cause harm when released to the public.
安全保障にかかわる機密情報と、公開しても支障のない情報をいかに峻別(しゅんべつ)するか、政府には適切な判断が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 15, 2014)
（2014年2月15日00時13分 読売新聞）
JCG collision lawsuit is logical response to China’s actions over Senkakus
中国漁船長提訴 尖閣の主権を内外に明示した（2月15日付・読売社説）
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made a logical response to China over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
安倍政権が、尖閣諸島を巡る中国への対応について、筋を通したということだろう。
The Japan Coast Guard has filed a lawsuit with the Naha District Court against the captain of a Chinese fishing boat that was operating in Japan’s territorial waters off the Senkakus when he intentionally rammed JCG patrol boats in defiance of a JCG order to stop in September 2010.
中国漁船が２０１０年９月、尖閣諸島沖の領海内で操業し、海上保安庁の停船命令を無視して巡視船に体当たりした事件で、海保は漁船の船長を相手取り、損害賠償を求める訴訟を那覇地裁に起こした。
The government has repeatedly asked the Chinese side to cover the cost of repairing the JCG boats, but to no avail. It decided to file the lawsuit because the statute of limitations on damages will expire soon.
政府は、巡視船の修繕費などの支払いを再三求めてきたが、中国側は応じなかった。このままでは法に基づく賠償請求の時効を迎えるため、提訴に踏み切った。
It is natural for the government to seek a judicial judgment based on domestic laws regarding an illegal act committed in Japan’s territorial waters.
領海で起きた違法行為について、日本の国内法に基づき司法判断を求めるのは当然である。
It is also hugely significant that the lawsuit once again underscores Japan’s sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島に日本の主権が及んでいることを、改めて明確にする意義も大きい。
When the incident occurred, the administration of then Prime Minister Naoto Kan was subjected to outrageous protests from China. The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office released the arrested captain of the fishing boat—a difficult decision the Democratic Party of Japan administration was forced to make following a series of events, including the detention of Japanese citizens by Chinese authorities in an apparent tit-for-tat.
事件当時の菅政権は中国の理不尽な抗議を受けた。那覇地検は、逮捕した船長を釈放した。事実上の報復措置とみられる中国当局による邦人拘束もあり、民主党政権は難しい判断を迫られた。
But the government’s excessively conciliatory stance weakened Japan’s assertions of sovereignty, leading China to trumpet its irrelevant claims. This is a lesson Japan should heed.
しかし、行き過ぎた融和姿勢は日本の主張を弱め、中国が筋違いの言い分を喧伝(けんでん)することにもつながった。教訓とすべきだ。
Since the ramming, China has been escalating its attempts to change the status quo regarding the Senkakus by force. The Abe administration must convey Japan’s assertions abroad to disseminate them widely in the international community. Maritime surveillance activities around the Senkaku Islands should not be neglected.
漁船衝突事件後も、尖閣諸島を巡って、中国の力による現状変更の試みは勢いを増している。安倍政権は今後も日本の主張を国際社会に発信し、浸透させていく必要がある。尖閣周辺の警戒監視活動も、怠ってはならない。
Video to back claim
“In filing the suit, we will submit video records to prove that the government’s claim is justified,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has said, indicating that the JCG will make the video available to the general public upon request.
菅官房長官は「提訴にあたって、政府の主張の正しさを立証するための映像記録を提出する」と述べた。海保で、求めがあれば映像を一般にも公開するという。
The video has been widely viewed after a JCG officer posted it on the video-sharing site YouTube and other developments.
映像は元海上保安官が、動画投稿サイト「ユーチューブ」に流出させたことなどから、今では広く知れ渡っている。
But officially releasing the video to the public is intended to demonstrate to people both at home and abroad how just the Japanese government’s legal action is.
だが、映像公開は、日本政府の取った措置の正当性を内外にアピールする狙いがある。
Viewing the video will make it clear that the Chinese captain was at fault for intentionally ramming the JCG boats.
映像を見れば、強引に船を衝突させた船長に非があるのは明らかだ。
Furthermore, the latest release of the video is apparently aimed at underscoring the significance of the law on protecting specially designated state secrets enacted last year.
今回の映像公開には、昨年成立した特定秘密保護法の意義を示す狙いもあるようだ。
The Kan administration deemed the leak of the video by the JCG official unpardonable, which prompted it to consider establishing a legal system to protect state secrets. However, Abe has said that the video showing the ramming should not be categorized as a specially designated secret.
菅政権は、保安官の映像漏えいを許し難い行為とし、これを契機に秘密保護法制を検討した経緯がある。
Instead, as he has emphasized, the enactment of the law will prevent administrations from arbitrarily concealing information as they see fit.
安倍首相は、衝突時の映像は特定秘密に当たらないと指摘し、秘密保護法の制定により、むしろ、政権の都合で情報が隠蔽されることはなくなると強調してきた。
The government is expected to appropriately distinguish between classified information connected to state security and information that does not cause harm when released to the public.
安全保障にかかわる機密情報と、公開しても支障のない情報をいかに峻別(しゅんべつ)するか、政府には適切な判断が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 15, 2014)
（2014年2月15日00時13分 読売新聞）
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