Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287
Articles
Brazil
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Sweden
00. Editorial
United States
Latin America
Egypt
Jordan
Yemen
Thailand
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
2011/05/20
2011/05/21
2011/05/22
2011/05/23
2011/05/24
2011/05/25
2011/05/26
2011/05/27
2011/05/28
2011/05/29
2011/05/30
2011/05/31
2011/06/01
2011/06/02
2011/06/03
2011/06/04
2011/06/05
2011/06/06
2011/06/07
2011/06/08
2011/06/09
2011/06/10
2011/06/11
2011/06/12
2011/06/13
2011/06/14
2011/06/15
2011/06/16
2011/06/17
2011/06/18
2011/06/19
2011/06/20
2011/06/21
2011/06/22
2011/06/23
2011/06/24
2011/06/25
2011/06/26
2011/06/27
2011/06/28
2011/06/29
2011/06/30
2011/07/01
2011/07/02
2011/07/04
2011/07/05
2011/07/06
2011/07/07
2011/07/08
2011/07/10
2011/07/11
2011/07/12
2011/07/13
2011/07/14
2011/07/15
2011/07/16
2011/07/17
2011/07/18
2011/07/19
2011/07/20
2011/07/21
2011/07/22
2011/07/23
2011/07/25
2011/07/27
2011/07/28
2011/07/29
2011/07/31
2011/08/01
2011/08/02
2011/08/03
2011/08/05
2011/08/06
2011/08/07
2011/08/08
2011/08/10
2011/08/11
2011/08/12
2011/08/13
2011/08/15
2011/08/16
2011/08/17
2011/08/19
2011/08/21
2011/08/22
2011/08/23
2011/08/24
2011/08/25
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Antananarivo
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Alexandria
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embasy Bonn
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Brazzaville
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangui
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Belfast
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Cotonou
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chiang Mai
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Chengdu
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
DIR FSINFATC
Consulate Dusseldorf
Consulate Durban
Consulate Dubai
Consulate Dhahran
Embassy Guatemala
Embassy Grenada
Embassy Georgetown
Embassy Gaborone
Consulate Guayaquil
Consulate Guangzhou
Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Hong Kong
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kolonia
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Krakow
Consulate Kolkata
Consulate Karachi
Consulate Kaduna
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Lusaka
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Lome
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy Libreville
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Leipzig
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Mission Geneva
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Mogadishu
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maseru
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Merida
Consulate Melbourne
Consulate Matamoros
Consulate Marseille
Embassy Nouakchott
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Nuevo Laredo
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Consulate Nagoya
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Praia
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Moresby
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Podgorica
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Ponta Delgada
Consulate Peshawar
REO Mosul
REO Kirkuk
REO Hillah
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Surabaya
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy Tirana
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Thessaloniki
USUN New York
USMISSION USTR GENEVA
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Mission CD Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
US Delegation FEST TWO
UNVIE
UN Rome
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vientiane
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ADANA
ASEC
AFIN
AMGT
AE
AORC
AID
AR
AO
AU
ASEAN
AGOA
AFGHANISTAN
AFFAIRS
AMED
APER
ASECARP
APEC
AEMR
AS
AA
ANET
AFLU
ABLD
AL
ASUP
AJ
APECO
AMER
ABUD
AODE
AM
AFSN
AESC
AND
AG
ALOW
AROC
AVIANFLU
ATRN
ACOA
AEGR
AMGMT
AADP
AFSI
ACABQ
APRM
AZ
AIDS
ASE
AGAO
ADCO
ABDALLAH
ARF
AIDAC
ACOTA
ASCH
AC
ASEG
AGR
ACS
AMCHAMS
AN
AMIA
ASIG
ADPM
ADB
ANARCHISTS
ALOWAR
ARM
AUC
AINF
AINT
AORG
AY
AVIAN
AMEDCASCKFLO
AK
ARSO
ARABBL
ASO
ANTITERRORISM
ARABL
AOWC
AGRICULTURE
ALJAZEERA
AMTC
AFINM
AOCR
ABER
ARR
AFPK
ASSEMBLY
ASSK
AZE
AORCYM
AINR
AGMT
AEC
ACKM
APRC
AIN
ASCC
AFPREL
ASED
APERTH
ASFC
ASECTH
AFSA
AOMS
AORCO
ANTXON
ARC
AFAF
ADIP
AIAG
AFARI
AEMED
AORL
AX
ASECAF
AOPC
ASECAFIN
AFZAL
APCS
AMB
AGUIRRE
AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL
AIT
ARCH
AMEX
ALI
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AORCD
AVIATION
ARAS
AINFCY
ACBAQ
AOPR
AREP
ALEXANDER
ATRD
AEIR
AOIC
ABLDG
ASEX
AFR
ASCE
ATRA
ASEK
AER
ALOUNI
AMCT
AVERY
APR
AMAT
AEMRS
ASPA
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ALL
AECL
ACAO
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORD
AFL
AME
ADM
ASECPHUM
AGIT
ABT
ASECVE
AGUILAR
AT
ABMC
ALZUGUREN
ANGEL
ASR
ANTONIO
BMGT
BEXP
BM
BG
BL
BA
BR
BTA
BO
BY
BBSR
BLUE
BK
BF
BTIO
BELLVIEW
BE
BU
BN
BH
BD
BC
BTC
BILAT
BT
BX
BRUSSELS
BP
BB
BRPA
BUSH
BURMA
BMENA
BESP
BIT
BBG
BGD
BMEAID
BAGHDAD
BEN
BIO
BMOT
BWC
BLUNT
BURNS
BUT
BGMT
BAIO
BCW
BOEHNER
BFIF
BOL
BASHAR
BIMSTEC
BOU
BIDEN
BZ
BFIN
BTRA
BI
BHUM
BOIKO
BERARDUCCI
BOUCHAIB
BORDER
BEXPC
BTIU
BTT
BIOS
BEXB
BGPGOV
BOND
BLR
CE
CG
CH
CVR
CASC
CU
CI
CD
CO
CDG
CB
CJAN
CPAS
COM
CVIS
CMGT
CT
CENTCOM
CNARC
CTERR
COUNTER
CHIEF
CDC
CTR
CBW
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CY
CA
CM
CS
CWC
CN
CITES
CF
CWG
CIVS
CFIS
CASCC
CROATIA
CONS
COUNTERTERRORISM
CASA
COE
CJ
CHR
CODEL
CR
CBC
CACS
CHERTOFF
CAS
CONTROL
CONDITIONS
CONDOLEEZZA
CITEL
CV
CLINTON
CHG
CZ
CON
CTBT
CEN
CRIMES
COMMERCE
CLOK
CRISTINA
CFED
CARC
CND
CTM
CARICOM
COUNTRYCLEARANCE
CBTH
CHINA
CSW
CICTE
CJUS
CYPRUS
CW
CAMBODIA
CENSUS
CIDA
CRIME
CBG
CBE
CMGMT
CAIO
CEC
CARSON
CPCTC
CEDAW
COMESA
CVIA
CWCM
CEA
COSI
CAPC
CGEN
COPUOS
CGOPRC
COETRD
CKGR
CFE
CQ
CITT
CIC
CARIB
CVIC
CLO
CAFTA
CVISU
CHRISTOPHER
CACM
CIAT
CDB
CIS
CUL
CHAO
CNC
CL
CSEP
COMMAND
CENTER
COL
CAN
CAJC
CUIS
CONSULAR
CLMT
CIA
CBSA
CEUDA
CAC
CROS
CIO
CPUOS
CKOR
CVPR
CONG
CONTROLS
CEPTER
CVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGKIRF
CDCE
DPOL
DEMARCHE
DHS
DR
DA
DISENGAGEMENT
DEMOCRATIC
DEFENSE
DJ
DY
DARFUR
DHRF
DEA
DTRO
DPRK
DO
DARFR
DOC
DRL
DK
DOJ
DTRA
DOMESTIC
DAC
DOD
DEAX
DIEZ
DEOC
DELTAVIOLENCE
DCOM
DMINE
DRC
DCG
DPKO
DOMESTICPOLITICS
DE
DB
DOT
DEPT
DOE
DHLAKAMA
DHSX
DS
DKEM
DAO
DCM
DANIEL
DEM
DAVID
DCRM
ETRD
EAGR
ETTC
EAID
ECON
EFIN
ECIN
EINV
ELAB
EAIR
ENRG
EPET
EWWT
ECPS
EIND
EMIN
ELTN
EC
ETMIN
EUC
EZ
ET
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EU
EUN
EG
EINT
ER
ECONOMICS
ES
EMS
ENIV
EEB
EN
ECE
ECOSOC
EK
ENVIRONMENT
EFIS
EI
EWT
ENGRD
ECPSN
EXIM
EIAD
ERIN
ECPC
EDEV
ENGY
ECTRD
EPA
ESTH
ECCT
EINVECON
ENGR
ERTD
EUR
EAP
EWWC
ELTD
EL
EXIMOPIC
EXTERNAL
ETRDEC
ESCAP
ECO
EGAD
ELNT
ECONOMIC
ENV
ETRN
EIAR
EUMEM
ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID
EREL
ECOM
ECONETRDEAGRJA
ETCC
ETRG
ECONOMY
EMED
ETR
ENERG
EITC
EFINOECD
EURM
EENG
ERA
EXPORT
ENRD
ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC
EGEN
EBRD
EVIN
ETRAD
ECOWAS
EFTA
ECONETRDBESPAR
EGOVSY
EPIN
EID
ECONENRG
EDRC
ESENV
ETT
EB
ENER
ELTNSNAR
ECHEVARRIA
ETRC
EPIT
EDUC
ESA
EFI
ENRGY
ESCI
EE
EAIDXMXAXBXFFR
EETC
ECIP
EIAID
EIVN
EBEXP
ESTN
EING
EGOV
ETRA
EPETEIND
ELAN
ETRDGK
EAIDRW
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EPEC
ENVI
ELN
EAG
EPCS
EPRT
EPTED
ETRB
EUM
EAIDS
EFIC
EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM
EAIDAR
ESF
EIDN
ELAM
EDU
EV
EAIDAF
ECN
EDA
EXBS
EINTECPS
ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ
EPREL
EAC
EINVEFIN
ETA
EAGER
EINDIR
ECA
ECLAC
ELAP
EITI
EUCOM
ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID
EARG
ELDIN
EINVKSCA
ENNP
EFINECONCS
EFINTS
ECCP
ETC
EAIRASECCASCID
EINN
ETRP
EAIDNI
EFQ
ECOQKPKO
EGPHUM
EBUD
ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ
ENERGY
ELB
EINDETRD
EMI
ECONEFIN
EIB
EURN
ETRDEINVTINTCS
EIN
EFIM
ETIO
ELAINE
EMN
EATO
EWTR
EIPR
EINVETC
ETTD
ETDR
EIQ
ECONCS
EPPD
ENRGIZ
EISL
ESPINOSA
ELEC
EAIG
ESLCO
EUREM
ENTG
ERD
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ECINECONCS
ETRO
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECUN
EFND
EPECO
EAIRECONRP
ERGR
ETRDPGOV
ECPN
ENRGMO
EPWR
EET
EAIS
EAGRE
EDUARDO
EAGRRP
EAIDPHUMPRELUG
EICN
ECONQH
EVN
EGHG
ELBR
EINF
EAIDHO
EENV
ETEX
ERNG
ED
FR
FREEDOM
FINREF
FJ
FI
FRELIMO
FOREIGN
FAA
FETHI
FAS
FTAA
FRB
FAO
FCS
FINANCE
FWS
FTA
FEMA
FDA
FLU
FRANCISCO
FBI
FORCE
FO
FARC
FK
FT
FCSC
FAC
FM
FMGT
FINV
FCSCEG
FARM
FERNANDO
FINR
FIN
FINE
FIR
FDIC
FOR
FOI
FCUL
FKLU
FMLN
FISO
FIXED
GM
GMUS
GG
GR
GE
GAZA
GT
GH
GZ
GJ
GLOBAL
GV
GABY
GOI
GA
GCC
GB
GY
GATT
GC
GUAM
GEORGE
GTIP
GOV
GOMEZ
GUTIERREZ
GL
GKGIC
GF
GU
GWI
GARCIA
GTMO
GN
GANGS
GIPNC
GAERC
GREGG
GUILLERMO
GASPAR
GERARD
GI
HK
HR
HUMANR
HUMAN
HO
HA
HUMANRIGHTS
HU
HHS
HIV
HUM
HRKAWC
HILLEN
HILLARY
HDP
HUMRIT
HSTC
HUMANITARIAN
HCOPIL
HADLEY
HURI
HL
HRETRD
HOURANI
HG
HARRIET
HESHAM
HI
HNCHR
HARRY
HRECON
HRC
HOSTAGES
HEBRON
HUMOR
HSWG
HYMPSK
HECTOR
HN
HYDE
HUD
HRPGOV
HIGHLIGHTS
ID
ILC
IS
IZ
ICAO
IMO
ITU
IR
IAEA
ICRC
IPROP
IT
IBRD
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ISSUES
ITRA
IV
IO
IGAD
IRAQ
IN
IMF
ICTR
ISCON
IADB
IDB
IEA
INR
IWC
ICCAT
ILO
INMARSAT
IOM
ICJ
IQ
ISPA
ITRD
IPR
INTELSAT
ISN
IAHRC
INTERNAL
IFAD
IICA
IHO
IRAN
IL
IRCE
IC
INTELLECTUAL
IRM
IE
ICTY
IDLI
IFO
ISCA
INF
INL
ISRAEL
INV
IBB
INFLUENZA
ISPL
ITER
ITIA
INRA
ISAF
IACHR
INTERPOL
IFR
IRS
INRB
IEF
ISAAC
ICC
INDO
IIP
IATTC
INAUGURATION
IND
INS
IZPREL
IACI
IEFIN
INNP
ILAB
IA
IMTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
IFIN
IRAJ
IX
ICG
IF
ITPHUM
ITA
IP
IACW
IK
IUCN
IZEAID
IRPE
IDA
ISLAMISTS
ITF
INRO
IBET
IDP
IRC
ISO
ICES
IRMO
ITPGOV
IQNV
IMSO
IRDB
IMET
INCB
IFRC
JA
JO
JP
JM
JCIC
JOHN
JE
JEFFERY
JS
JUS
JN
JOHNNIE
JAMES
JKUS
JOSEPH
JML
JAWAD
JSRP
JIMENEZ
JOSE
JKJUS
JK
JAPAN
KMDR
KPAO
KPKO
KJUS
KCRM
KGHG
KFRD
KWMN
KDEM
KTFN
KHIV
KGIC
KIDE
KSCA
KNNP
KHUM
KIPR
KSUM
KISL
KIRF
KCOR
KRCM
KPAL
KWBG
KN
KS
KOMC
KSEP
KFLU
KPWR
KTIA
KSEO
KMPI
KHLS
KICC
KSTH
KMCA
KVPR
KPRM
KE
KU
KZ
KFLO
KSAF
KTIP
KTEX
KBCT
KOCI
KOLY
KOR
KAWC
KACT
KUNR
KTDB
KSTC
KLIG
KSKN
KNN
KCFE
KCIP
KGHA
KHDP
KPOW
KUNC
KDRL
KV
KPREL
KCRS
KPOL
KRVC
KRIM
KGIT
KWIR
KT
KIRC
KOMO
KRFD
KUWAIT
KG
KFIN
KSCI
KTFIN
KFTN
KGOV
KPRV
KSAC
KGIV
KCRIM
KPIR
KSOC
KBIO
KW
KGLB
KMWN
KPO
KFSC
KSEAO
KSTCPL
KSI
KPRP
KREC
KFPC
KUNH
KCSA
KMRS
KNDP
KR
KICCPUR
KPPAO
KCSY
KTBT
KCIS
KNEP
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KNNB
KGCC
KINR
KPOP
KMFO
KENV
KNAR
KVIR
KDRG
KDMR
KFCE
KNAO
KDEN
KGCN
KICA
KIMMITT
KMCC
KLFU
KMSG
KSEC
KUM
KCUL
KMNP
KSMT
KCOM
KOMCSG
KSPR
KPMI
KRAD
KIND
KCRP
KAUST
KWAWC
KTER
KCHG
KRDP
KPAS
KITA
KTSC
KPAOPREL
KWGB
KIRP
KJUST
KMIG
KLAB
KTFR
KSEI
KSTT
KAPO
KSTS
KLSO
KWNN
KPOA
KHSA
KNPP
KPAONZ
KBTS
KWWW
KY
KJRE
KPAOKMDRKE
KCRCM
KSCS
KWMNCI
KESO
KWUN
KPLS
KIIP
KEDEM
KPAOY
KRIF
KGICKS
KREF
KTRD
KFRDSOCIRO
KTAO
KJU
KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW
KEN
KO
KNEI
KEMR
KKIV
KEAI
KWAC
KRCIM
KWCI
KFIU
KWIC
KCORR
KOMS
KNNO
KPAI
KBWG
KTTB
KTBD
KTIALG
KILS
KFEM
KTDM
KESS
KNUC
KPA
KOMCCO
KCEM
KRCS
KWBGSY
KNPPIS
KNNPMNUC
KWN
KERG
KLTN
KALM
KCCP
KSUMPHUM
KREL
KGH
KLIP
KTLA
KAWK
KWMM
KVRP
KVRC
KAID
KSLG
KDEMK
KX
KIF
KNPR
KCFC
KFTFN
KTFM
KPDD
KCERS
KMOC
KDEMAF
KMEPI
KEMS
KDRM
KEPREL
KBTR
KEDU
KNP
KIRL
KNNR
KMPT
KISLPINR
KTPN
KA
KJUSTH
KPIN
KDEV
KTDD
KAKA
KFRP
KWNM
KTSD
KINL
KJUSKUNR
KWWMN
KECF
KWBC
KPRO
KVBL
KOM
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KEDM
KFLD
KLPM
KRGY
KNNF
KICR
KIFR
KM
KWMNCS
KAWS
KLAP
KPAK
KDDG
KCGC
KID
KNSD
KMPF
KPFO
KDP
KCMR
KRMS
KNPT
KNNNP
KTIAPARM
KDTB
KNUP
KPGOV
KNAP
KNNC
KUK
KSRE
KREISLER
KIVP
KQ
KTIAEUN
KPALAOIS
KRM
KISLAO
KWM
KFLOA
LE
LU
LH
LA
LG
LO
LY
LANTERN
LI
LABOR
LORAN
LTTE
LT
LAS
LAB
LAW
LVPR
LARREA
LEBIK
LAURA
LS
LOTT
LOVE
LR
LEON
LAVIN
LGAT
LV
LAOS
LOG
LN
LB
MOPS
MO
MARR
ML
MASS
MZ
MR
MNUC
MX
MV
MCC
MY
MEDIA
MTCRE
MG
MCAP
MOPPS
MP
MI
MK
MC
MD
MA
MU
MASC
MW
MT
MEPP
MN
MTCR
MH
MEPI
MIL
MNUCPTEREZ
MMAR
MICHAEL
MUNC
MDC
MPOS
MONUC
MAR
MGMT
MAS
MEPN
MENDIETA
MARIA
MONTENEGRO
MOOPS
MSG
MARITIME
MURRAY
MUKASEY
MOTO
MCA
MFO
MEX
MRSEC
MMED
MACP
MAAR
MINUSTAH
MCCONNELL
MAPP
MGT
MARQUEZ
MANUEL
MNUR
MCCAIN
MF
MOHAMMAD
MOHAMED
MNU
MFA
MILITANTS
MINORITIES
MTS
MLS
MILI
MIAH
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MED
MARAD
MNVC
MINURSO
MNUCUN
MIK
MARK
MBM
MPP
MILITARY
MAPS
MNUK
MILA
MTRRE
MACEDONIA
MICHEL
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
MPS
MARRGH
MRCRE
MTRE
MORALES
MAP
MCTRE
MHUC
MOPSGRPARM
MOROCCO
MCAPS
NL
NU
NS
NI
NPT
NATO
NO
NG
NATEU
NSF
NZ
NAS
NP
NDP
NLD
NGO
NEPAD
NAFTA
NASA
NEA
NGUYEN
NIH
NK
NIPP
NONE
NR
NANCY
NEGROPONTE
NRR
NERG
NSSP
NSG
NSFO
NE
NATSIOS
NFSO
NATIONAL
NTDB
NT
NCD
NTSB
NRC
NELSON
NAM
NH
NPG
NEC
NSC
NFATC
NMFS
NATOIRAQ
NAR
NZUS
NARC
NCCC
NA
NC
NEW
NRG
NUIN
NOVO
NATOPREL
NEY
NV
NICHOLAS
NPA
NW
NARCOTICS
NORAD
NOAA
NON
NTTC
NKNNP
NMNUC
NUMBERING
ODIP
OIIP
OPRC
OSCE
OREP
OTRA
OPET
OSCI
OVIP
OECD
OCII
OUALI
OPDC
OEXC
OFPD
OPIC
OFDP
OPCW
OECV
OAS
OM
OMIG
ODAG
OPREP
ORA
OIC
OEXCSCULKPAO
OIG
OASS
OFFICIALS
ORTA
OSAC
OIL
OIE
OEXP
OPEC
OPDAT
OMS
OES
OHI
OMAR
OCRA
OFSO
OCBD
OSTA
OAO
ONA
OTP
ORC
OAU
OXEC
OA
ODPC
OPDP
OVIPPRELUNGANU
OASC
OSHA
OPCD
OTR
OPPI
OPCR
OF
OFDPQIS
OSIC
OHUM
OSTRA
OASCC
OBSP
OFDA
OPICEAGR
OIM
OGAC
OTA
OTRAORP
OPPC
OESC
OCEA
OVP
ON
OPAD
OTAR
OCS
ODC
OTRD
OCED
OSD
ORUE
OREG
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PGOV
PREL
PREF
PL
PM
PHSA
PE
PARM
PINS
PK
PUNE
PO
PALESTINIAN
PU
PBTS
PROP
PTBS
POL
POLI
PA
PGOVZI
POLMIL
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLM
PD
POLITICS
POLICY
PAS
PMIL
PINT
PNAT
PV
PKO
PPOL
PERSONS
PING
PBIO
PH
PETR
PARMS
PRES
PCON
PETERS
PRELBR
PT
PLAB
PP
PAK
PDEM
PKPA
PSOCI
PF
PLO
PTERM
PJUS
PSOE
PELOSI
PROPERTY
PGOVPREL
PARP
PRL
PNIR
PHUMKPAL
PG
PREZ
PGIC
PBOV
PAO
PKK
PROV
PHSAK
PHUMPREL
PROTECTION
PGOVBL
PSI
PRELPK
PGOVENRG
PUM
PRELKPKO
PATTY
PSOC
PRIVATIZATION
PRELSP
PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ
PMIG
PREC
PAIGH
PROG
PSHA
PARK
PETER
POG
PHUS
PPREL
PS
PTERPREL
PRELPGOV
POV
PKPO
PGOVECON
POUS
PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN
PWBG
PMAR
PREM
PAR
PNR
PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO
PARMIR
PGOVGM
PHUH
PARTM
PN
PRE
PTE
PY
POLUN
PPEL
PDOV
PGOVSOCI
PIRF
PGOVPM
PBST
PRELEVU
PGOR
PBTSRU
PRM
PRELKPAOIZ
PGVO
PERL
PGOC
PAGR
PMIN
PHUMR
PVIP
PPD
PGV
PRAM
PINL
PKPAL
PTERE
PGOF
PINO
PHAS
PODC
PRHUM
PHUMA
PREO
PPA
PEPFAR
PGO
PRGOV
PAC
PRESL
PORG
PKFK
PEPR
PRELP
PREFA
PNG
PGOVPHUMKPAO
PRELECON
PINOCHET
PFOR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PRELC
PREK
PHUME
PHJM
POLINT
PGOVPZ
PGOVKCRM
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PECON
PEACE
PROCESS
PLN
PRELSW
PAHO
PEDRO
PRELA
PASS
PPAO
PGPV
PNUM
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGIV
PRFE
POGOV
PEL
PBT
PAMQ
PINF
PSEPC
POSTS
PHUMPGOV
PVOV
PHSAPREL
PROLIFERATION
PENA
PRELTBIOBA
PIN
PRELL
PGOVPTER
PHAM
PHYTRP
PTEL
PTERPGOV
PHARM
PROTESTS
PRELAF
PKBL
PRELKPAO
PKNP
PARMP
PHUML
PFOV
PERM
PUOS
PRELGOV
PHUMPTER
PARAGRAPH
PERURENA
PBTSEWWT
PCI
PETROL
PINSO
PINSCE
PQL
PEREZ
PBS
RS
REFUGEES
RW
RP
RELFREE
RO
REGIONAL
RIGHTS
REACTION
REPORT
RU
RENAMO
RIGHTSPOLMIL
REFORM
RM
REFUGEE
REL
RELATIONS
ROW
RREL
REGION
RATIFICATION
RBI
RICE
ROOD
RODENAS
RUIZ
RODHAM
ROBERT
RGY
ROY
REUBEN
RELIGIOUS
RUEHZO
RODRIGUEZ
RUEUN
RELAM
RSP
RF
RSO
RCMP
REO
ROSS
RPTS
RENE
REID
RUPREL
RMA
RI
REMON
RPEL
RFE
RFIN
RA
RAFAEL
RAY
RUS
RPREL
ROBERTG
RECIN
RAMONTEIJELO
SNAR
SP
SN
SMIG
SL
SOCI
SU
SG
SF
SENV
SZ
SOE
SCUL
SY
SO
SR
SYR
SE
SA
SW
SIPDIS
SCIENCE
SADC
SI
SCI
SOCIETY
SC
SAARC
STR
SECRETARY
SANC
SSH
ST
SNA
SGWI
SEP
SOCIS
SETTLEMENTS
SPECIALIST
SK
SHUM
START
STET
SCVL
SREF
SCHUL
SCUIL
SYRIA
SECURITY
SPCE
SYAI
SMIL
SOWGC
STEPHEN
SNRV
SKCA
SENSITIVE
SECI
SNAP
SPP
SCUD
SOM
SPECI
SMIGBG
SENC
SCRM
SGNV
SECTOR
SENVEAGREAIDTBIOECONSOCIXR
SENVSXE
SASIAIN
SACU
SENVSPL
SWMN
STEINBERG
SOPN
SOCR
SCOI
SCRS
SILVASANDE
SWE
SARS
SNARIZ
SUDAN
SENVQGR
SM
SNARKTFN
SAAD
SD
SAN
SIPRNET
STATE
SENS
SUBJECT
SFNV
SECSTATE
SSA
SPCVIS
SOI
SOFA
SCULKPAOECONTU
SPTER
SKSAF
SENVKGHG
SHI
SEVN
SANR
SPSTATE
SMITH
SCOM
SH
SNARCS
SNARN
SIPRS
SNARM
SIPDI
SCPR
SNIG
SELAB
SULLIVAN
SENVENV
SECDEF
SOLIC
SOIC
SPAS
SASC
SOSI
SEC
SEN
SENVCASCEAIDID
TU
TH
TW
TSPA
TRGY
TPHY
TBIO
TIFA
TS
TZ
TX
TSPL
TT
TK
TC
TINT
TERFIN
TERRORISM
TIP
TURKEY
TI
TECHNOLOGY
TNGD
TRSY
TRAFFICKING
TOPEC
TPSL
TP
TD
TR
TA
TIO
TREATY
TO
THPY
TECH
TRADE
TPSA
TG
TAGS
TF
TRAD
THKSJA
TVBIO
TNDG
TN
TBIOZK
TWI
TV
TWL
TRT
TWRO
TSRY
TTPGOV
TAUSCHER
TRBY
TRBIO
TL
TPKO
TIA
TGRY
TSPAM
TREL
TNAR
TBI
TFIN
TPHYPA
TWCH
THOMMA
THOMAS
TERROR
TRY
TBID
TPP
TE
THANH
TJ
TBKIO
UNGA
USUN
UN
UG
UNSC
UK
UP
US
UNCTAD
UNVIE
UNHRC
USTR
UNAMA
UNCRIME
UNESCO
UV
UNDP
UNHCR
UNCSD
UNCHR
UZ
USAID
UNEP
UNO
UNPUOS
UY
UNDC
UNCITRAL
UNAUS
UNCND
UA
UNMIK
USTDA
USEU
USDA
UNICEF
UR
UNFICYP
USNC
USTRRP
UNODC
UNRWA
UNOMIG
USTRPS
USAU
USCC
UNEF
UNGAPL
UNFPA
UNSCE
USSC
UGA
UEU
UNMIC
UNTAC
UNION
UNCLASSIFIED
USPS
UNA
UMIK
USOAS
UNMOVIC
UNFA
UNAIDS
UNCHC
USGS
UNSE
UNRCR
UNTERR
USG
UE
UAE
UNWRA
UNCSW
UNSCR
UNCHS
UNDESCO
UNPAR
UNC
UB
UNSCS
UKXG
UNGACG
UNREST
UNHR
USPTO
UNFCYP
USCG
UNIDROIT
UNSCD
UPU
UNBRO
UNECE
USTRUWR
UNCC
UNESCOSCULPRELPHUMKPALCUIRXFVEKV
VM
VE
VT
VETTING
VN
VZ
VIS
VC
VTPREL
VIP
VTEAID
VTEG
VOA
VA
VTIZ
VANG
VISIT
VO
VENZ
VAT
VI
VEPREL
VEN
WFP
WTO
WHO
WTRO
WBG
WMO
WIPO
WA
WI
WSIS
WHA
WCL
WE
WMN
WEBZ
WS
WAR
WZ
WMD
WW
WILLIAM
WEET
WAEMU
WM
WWBG
WWT
WWARD
WITH
WMDT
WTRQ
WCO
WEU
WALTER
WRTO
WB
WHTI
WBEG
WCI
WEF
WAKI
WHOA
WGC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 07TOKYO2361, DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 05/25/07
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #07TOKYO2361.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07TOKYO2361 | 2007-05-29 00:48 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO8087
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #2361/01 1490048
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 290048Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3952
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5//
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA//
RUALSFJ/COMUSJAPAN YOKOTA AB JA//J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/CTF 72
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 3698
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 1267
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 4829
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 0478
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 2138
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 7178
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 3236
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4392
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 002361
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION;
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN,
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR;
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 05/25/07
INDEX:
(1) Interviews with political leaders on the right to collective
defense
(2) Follow-up on Abe cabinet-Collective defense (Part 3): Rushing to
the rescue of allied troops; Weapons-use guidelines need urgent
review
(3) 2007 Upper House election: LDP, Minshuto compete for measures to
revitalize regional economies
(4) Matsuya welcomes OIE designation of US as controlled-risk
country for BSE but Yoshinoya remains cool
(5) Imperial couple arrive in Estonia
(6) Editorial: Will post-Kyoto framework bring in the US, China?
(7) Abe unveils climate initiative, with aim of playing up Japan's
environmental contributions
-- There will be no Daily Summary on May 28 - an American holiday.
--
ARTICLES:
(1) Interviews with political leaders on the right to collective
defense
NIHON KEIZI (Page 2) (Full)
May 25, 2007
Japanese Community Party Policy Commission Chair Akira Koike
-- What is your view of the four scenarios now under study by the
government's blue-ribbon panel?
Koike: They have all been asked by the United States. As far as the
question of missile defense (MD) is concerned, when the government
deiced to introduce it, then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda
resealed a statement saying that it would not be used to defend a
third country and that it would not cause any problem. The Cabinet
Legislation Bureau was not the only one that did not allow it.
-- The prime minister thinks Japan must be able to respond to a new
age and new circumstances.
Koike: Any matters connected with the peace and stability of Japan
fall under the right to individual self-defense, so there is no need
to change the traditional interpretation. In all four scenarios,
Japan is not under armed attack, and that leaves no room for a
study. Japan is naturally not allowed to (exercise its right to
collective defense) under the current Constitution.
-- Are you saying that the constitutional interpretation should
follow the Cabinet Legislation Bureau's view?
Koike: Altering the constitutional interpretation concerns the
authority of the Constitution. The Cabinet Legislation Bureau (CLB)
exists so as not to allow (the government) to change its
interpretation at will. Past prime ministers presented the (CLB's
view) as their own without rejecting it. A country that revises its
constitutional interpretation every time the prime minister changes
cannot win international trust.
TOKYO 00002361 002 OF 009
Social Democratic Party Policy Research Council Chair Tomoko Abe
-- Do you think the expert panel's discussion will have an impact on
Diet debate?
Abe: Diet deliberations are most important. A private panel does not
have validity. The panel's discussion will be shallow unless it
returns to the starting point of civilian control.
-- The national security environment has changed.
Abe: Driven by changes, the discussion centers on reality. For
instance, no information has been disclosed on what the Self-Defense
Forces in Iraq have transported. Discussing the collective defense
right under such circumstances is pointless.
-- The prime minister has ordered the panel to study four
scenarios.
Abe: Japan is not allowed to exercise its right to collective
defense in any of the four cases. Article 9 sets an exclusively
defense-oriented policy. The Constitution, the United Nations, and
the nonnuclear principles have been Japan's axis throughout the
postwar period. The government's judgment of the three values is
always put to the test.
People's New Party Secretary General Hisaoki Kamei
-- Do you think the constitutional interpretation must be reviewed?
Kamei: The question of altering the government's interpretation,
which reflects a long period of Diet discussions, must be settled
with constitutional revision. In my view, Article 9 must not be
altered. Japan should focus on how to protect peace in carrying out
international cooperation.
-- You think even a discussion must not be conducted?
Kamei: Studying the extent of what Japan can do with the individual
defense right is not bad. I strongly fear that the government will
allow the country to exercise collective defense in a piecemeal
manner. Japan will end up taking part in America's military
strategy.
-- What is your impression of the blue-ribbon panel?
Kamei: (The prime minister) has arbitrarily selected members who
have no responsibility to the public. Party politics has turned into
a mere shell.
(2) Follow-up on Abe cabinet-Collective defense (Part 3): Rushing to
the rescue of allied troops; Weapons-use guidelines need urgent
review
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
May 22, 2007
In Iraq, the heat was sticky. The temperature rose to 50 degrees
Centigrade, and tensions ran high with the fear of shells. Under
such severe conditions, Ground Self-Defense Force members worked in
the southern Iraqi city of Samawah. One of them struggled with
another difficult problem that would never encounter troops there
TOKYO 00002361 003 OF 009
from foreign countries.
It was a question from foreign troops. They wondered why GSDF
personnel sent overseas are not allowed to protect troops from
friendly countries. Dutch soldiers working with those GSDF members
looked doubtful. The GSDF members were at a loss for an answer.
Self-Defense Forces personnel are allowed to use weapons when they
are on duty overseas. However, their use of weapons overseas is
allowed in a limited number of cases, such as protecting themselves
in justified self-defense, evacuating in emergencies, and protecting
their weapons. SDF personnel are not allowed to use weapons for the
purpose of protecting or guarding foreign troops that come under
attack during their activities in international cooperation for
peace.
"Troops from a foreign country work together with those from other
countries for international peace. If and when they come under
attack, those who are there from the armed forces of foreign
countries will try to help their friends out. Only our country's
personnel cannot do so. I wonder if that's acceptable."
With this, Prime Minister Abe raised a question when the Council for
Rebuilding the Legal Foundation of National Security, a government
advisory panel of experts, met on May 18 for the first time.
Masahisa Sato, a retired GSDF colonel, commanded an advance team in
Iraq. "The Dutch military officers were aware of Japan's
constraints," Sato said. "But," he recalled, "I felt they were
expecting us to help them out in a pinch."
Sato cudgeled his brains, and what came across his mind was to get
involved in an attack. "We have only to say we will go scouting in
order to gather intelligence or otherwise in order to rescue someone
injured," Sato said. "And," he added, "we go to a place near the
Dutch troops, and if we happened to get involved in an attack there,
then we can fight back." His idea was to induce an attack and fight
back in the form of justified self-defense.
"As a matter of fact," Sato said, "they would hesitate to do so." He
also said, "That's a fatal risk there." One former SDF staff officer
noted that they could be charged later with a violation of the
weapons use standards-or the rules of engagement (ROE).
In 1992, Japan sent SDF members to Cambodia to engage in United
Nations peacekeeping operations. Since then, the SDF has constrained
its personnel's use of weapons overseas while playing it by ear.
According to the government's view, firing back on duty
overseas-when attacked by foreign military troops-could be
categorized as the constitutionally prohibited use of armed force.
However, the SDF is allowed to fight back when attacked by a
criminal group of unknown nationality. It is very difficult for SDF
members to tell military troops from criminal or insurgent groups in
an instant. The government's view has now reached its limit.
Those in the government and many of those concerned take it that the
question of whether or not to rush to guard friendly troops, as
noted by an SDF veteran, is not a matter pertaining to the
advisability of exercising the right to collective self-defense but
one that intrinsically has something to do with the government's
guidelines for the use of weapons. That is because they think that
this matter is for SDF personnel on duty overseas to decide,
TOKYO 00002361 004 OF 009
anticipating that SDF members on duty over there may have to use
weapons to deal with an emerging situation and cannot wait until the
government goes through procedures, such as making a cabinet
decision.
The government's current set of regulations for SDF personnel to use
weapons overseas was shaped under the PKO Cooperation Law of 1992.
The regulations were later stipulated in various laws, such as the
Antiterror Special Measures Law, which was enacted in the wake of
the terrorist attacks on the United States in 2001, and the Iraq
Reconstruction Assistance Special Measures Law of 2003.
"We didn't know if the situation over there was safe. If they were
allowed to use weapons under such circumstances, they could have
eventually been involved in combat. That's why their use of weapons
was constrained." With this, a senior official of the Cabinet
Legislation Bureau familiar with the past situation recalled how the
weapons-use standards were created.
What does Prime Minister Abe have in mind for now? Abe, according to
one of his aides, is thinking about the SDF's future international
contributions overseas and is laying emphasis on legislative
measures to that end.
The question is whether rushing to guard friends is an act of
exercising the right of collective self-defense. The advisory panel
is expected to discuss this matter. In addition, the panel is also
expected to discuss what reason could justify SDF members doing so.
One of the advisory panel's members asserts that using weapons
within the framework of United Nations activities is not an act of
using armed force as a sovereign right of the nation. This is the
idea of collective security.
Meanwhile, in October last year, Abe was asked in the Diet about a
case where foreign troops acting together with SDF members came
under attack and those SDF members rush to guard those attacked
foreign troops. In his reply, Abe categorized this case as "an act
of policing." This indicated that the SDF, based on police
authority, would be allowed to use weapons to guard foreign troops
acting in concert with SDF members.
"Restricting the use of weapons is based on a policy-based
judgment," says Shigeru Ishiba, former director general of the
Defense Agency, now the Defense Ministry. "The government should
ease the standards on guarding friendly troops," Ishiba asserts.
Another member of the advisory panel maintains that the government
should ease its weapons-use standards, insisting on the necessity of
creating a permanent law for the Self-Defense Forces' overseas
activities.
Sato, who has experienced on-site assignments overseas, stressed in
earnest: "The SDF is working in the national interests of Japan.
However, the government's guidelines allowing the use of weapons is
a far cry from the international rules of engagement. I want the
advisory panel to discuss this matter so that the SDF will be able
to carry out their missions and ensure safety."
(3) 2007 Upper House election: LDP, Minshuto compete for measures to
revitalize regional economies
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Almost full)
TOKYO 00002361 005 OF 009
May 23, 2007
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) decided on May 22 to
propose establishing a "community basic law" (tentative name) as one
of the measures to stimulate regional economies to be included in
campaign pledges for the House of Councillors election in July. The
LDP is considering creating a system to financially support such
organizations as community associations (jichikai) and fire brigades
(shobodan), aiming at solidifying the weakening regional support
base. The largest opposition party Minshuto (Democratic Party of
Japan) is gearing up to win more votes from farmers. Some may
criticize the two parties for "wasting public funds."
The LDP Research Commission, chaired by Seiichi Ota, will come up
with measures for revitalizing regional economies with the Upper
House election in mind. Besides the establishment of a community
basic law, the commission will propose 1) introducing a "hometown
tax system," under which a taxpayer will pay a certain percentage of
local tax to his or her hometown, 2) promoting a program supporting
local governments that have made efforts to improve their economies
on their own by increasing tax allocations, and 3) improving on-site
education in rural communities for children in urban areas.
A special feature of the planned community basic law is supporting
regional leaders. The legislation will include plans for the
government to subsidize activity expenses for neighborhood
associations through municipalities. Those organizations would be
given tax breaks. The LDP intends to enact the bill during an
extraordinary session of the Diet in the fall. "We will get the bill
through the Diet in the extra Diet session in the fall," said
Commission Chief Secretariat Yasuhiro Hanashi.
The LDP's moves reflect a sense of alarm toward its weakening
regional chapters. In the April unified local elections, the LDP
lost a large number of municipal assembly seats. Local tax grants
were decreased due to the "trinity reform" of taxation and fiscal
relations between the central and local governments promoted by the
former government of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. As a result,
many think that the trinity reform accelerated the trend of voters
abandoning the LDP in provincial areas.
Of the nine bills related to revitalizing regional economies, the
government submitted to the current Diet session, eight, including a
bill revising the Regional Revitalization Law, have been enacted. A
senior Cabinet Office official pointed out: "We will do everything
that we can do, although some say that's wasting public funds."
The New Komeito has focused on improving regional medical services.
Local residents are in need of a medical system that will enable
them to live with peace of mind even in depopulated regions by
resolving the shortage of medical doctors in rural areas, and by
promoting the so-called Doctor-Heli system to transport emergency
patients.
Under the leadership of Ichiro Ozawa, Minshuto (Democratic Party of
Japan) is intent on expanding its strength in local regions. Its
manifesto (campaign pledges) proposes the establishment of a system
to provide farmers with approximately 1 trillion yen in income
support. In a meeting on May 23 of the Next Cabinet, the largest
opposition party will decide on measures to support revitalization
of the forestry industry. It will also include in its manifesto the
goal of creating 1 million jobs in the wood treating industry and in
mountainous areas.
TOKYO 00002361 006 OF 009
The Japanese Communist Party will suggest that tax subsidies
allocated to local governments not be reduced and that loans to
agriculture, forestry and fisheries industries be expanded. The
Social Democratic Party will propose establishing a "regional
reinvestment law" aimed at creating jobs in provincial areas and
developing local industries. The People's New Party will propose
changing the local tax grant system in order to allocate local tax
grants based on the percentage of elderly population and
depopulation.
(4) Matsuya welcomes OIE designation of US as controlled-risk
country for BSE but Yoshinoya remains cool
YOMIURI (Page 3) (Full)
May 24, 2007
The World Organization for Animal Health's (OIE) decision to
classify the United States as a controlled-risk country for BSE has
solicited mixed reaction from beef bowl (gyudon) restaurant chains
and large-scale retail stores, with some voicing expectations for an
expansion of consumption and others calling for caution.
Matsuya Foods Co., a gyudon chain, put gyudon using US beef on its
menu again in January. It has welcomed the OIE's decision, with an
executive saying: "The authorization will help dissolve consumers'
concerns about the safety of US beef," adding: "We are considering
using even beef from cattle aged over 20 months, whose import is now
banned."
Meanwhile, Yoshinoya D&C., the nation's largest gyudon chain,
remains cool, an executive saying: "We have long desired to see US
beef imports normalized, but we cannot make too much of the OIE
authorization." Zensho Co., which operates the Sukiya chain, has
used Australian beef instead of US beef since September 2004. Its
spokesman said: "We found in our independent inspections of
meatpacking plants in the US that the slaughtering process was quite
lax. No blanket testing has been conducted, either. Until such
points are rectified, we will never use US beef."
A spokesman of Seven & i Holdings, said: "If the authorization
serves to dissolve consumers' concerns, it could be a standard."
Seiyu, which resumed the sale of US beef on March 31, takes the view
that it remains to be seen if the OIE decision will work to expand
consumption. A spokesman for Aeon, which has continued to suspend
the sale of US beef, said: "We have no plans to resume sales in the
near future."
Consumers' reactions also vary. A male company employee, 20, who
bought US beef at Seiyu Akabane yesterday, said: "I recognize no
major differences among beef exported from various countries, so I
do not care much. If the age-limit restriction is removed, more US
beef will be placed on the market and its prices will eventually be
lowered, so I welcome (the OIE's authorization of the safety of the
US beef)."
A housewife, 57, who bought domestic beef, said: "I have not eaten
American beef over the past several years because I am worried about
its safety. I feel that matters have gone as told by the US. I want
the government to make a cautious response."
(5) Imperial couple arrive in Estonia
TOKYO 00002361 007 OF 009
SANKEI (Page 30) (Full)
May 25, 2007
Mao Oshima, Tallinn
The Emperor and Empress, now on a tour of five European countries,
arrived on April 24 at Tallinn airport in Estonia from Sweden. It is
the first visit to a former Soviet-bloc state for the Imperial
couple.
The Imperial couple visited Song Square in the suburbs of Tallinn.
The chorus festival held once in five years in Song Square is called
"Singing Revolution" because it became great power for national
independence. The chorus festival is registered as an intangible
cultural asset of UNESCO.
The Emperor and Empress watched a chorus practice at the square,
which can accommodate up to 300,000 people. The couple applauded
vigorously.
(6) Editorial: Will post-Kyoto framework bring in the US, China?
YOMIURI (Page 3) (Full)
May 25, 2007
It should serve as the starting point for creating an international
framework to fight against climate change.
Prime Minister Abe announced his basic policy for the "post-Kyoto"
era, because the Kyoto Protocol, which came into effect in 2008,
will not cover beyond 2012. Abe's proposal indicated Japan's
approach of how to build an international framework to replace the
Kyoto Protocol. Abe is expected to present it to the upcoming Group
of Eight (G-8) major industrialized nations summit in Germany in
June.
The Kyoto Protocol set country-specific numerical targets for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, Abe's proposal would
have every country in the world confirm that they will aim for the
same goal and then discuss how to attain that goal.
One major feature in Abe's proposal is to reduce greenhouse gas
emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), to half the current levels
by 2050. Making that target the common world goal, Abe suggests the
need for technological development to bring about emissions
reduction and economic growth together.
The United States, the largest emitter in the world, remains outside
the Kyoto Protocol. And though it is a matter of time until China
outpaces the US in greenhouse gas emissions, it is not obligated by
the protocol to reduce emissions. Taking these things into
consideration, we think Abe's proposal is reasonable and
appropriate. In order to make a new framework effective, it is
absolutely required to have the US and China take part.
Meanwhile, the European Union (EU) has set its own numerical target
of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 PERCENT or more from
1990 levels.
Abe is reportedly determined to aim for "a flexible and diversified
framework that considers each country's situation." In the process
of creating the framework, whether to set numerical targets country
by country must be discussed. In doing so, Japan will likely be
TOKYO 00002361 008 OF 009
forced to make a difficult decision, sandwiched among the US, China,
and the EU.
The three working groups of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate
Change (IPCC) under the United Nations Environment Programme
released their reports in succession. The reports say that global
warming has steadily advanced for the past century and predict that
if society continues relying on fossil fuels, the average
temperature could rise as much as 6.4 degrees.
The reports also note that global warming could be stopped if
appropriate measures were taken, urging every country to address
climate change.
Abe in his proposal mentioned financial and technical assistance to
developing countries willing to take measures to combat climate
change. Japan is a world leader in terms of energy-conservation, and
this technology will serve as an effective tool to combat climate
change.
Japan is mandated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 6 PERCENT
from 1990 levels. But Japan saw its emissions increase by 8.1
PERCENT in 2005. A rise in emissions from office buildings and
households is noticeable. It is important to continue steady
efforts, such as turning up the thermostat on air conditioners.
Japan, without making its utmost effort, will find its proposal
unpersuasive.
(7) Abe unveils climate initiative, with aim of playing up Japan's
environmental contributions
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
May 25, 2007
Prime Minister Abe unveiled a global-warming initiative yesterday.
The proposal is apparently aimed at underscoring, ahead of the G-8
Summit in Heiligendamm starting on June 6, Japan's eagerness to
address environmental issues. Japan cannot ignore recent
environmental deterioration in developing countries, such as loess
from the Gobi Desert blown by wind through China and then to Japan.
Given this, Japan is willing to make greater contributions in the
environment area by making use of its cutting-edge technologies.
The prime minister plans to place environmental issues high on the
agenda for the Lake Toya Summit in Hokkaido next year. The climate
proposal reflects Japan's desire to take the lead in debate on the
issue.
Strong appeal to US, China
(Commentary)
Prime Minister Abe proposed setting a global goal of halving
greenhouse gas emissions across the world by 2050. The
emission-reduction targets set in the Kyoto Protocol are to end in
ΒΆ2012. Abe's proposal reflects his desire to convey a strong message
that if such major greenhouse gas emitters as the US and China are
left outside a post-Kyoto framework, the framework will be
meaningless.
The total volume of greenhouse gases emitted by industrialized
countries mandated to cut emissions under the Kyoto Protocol
TOKYO 00002361 009 OF 009
accounts for only 30 PERCENT of total emissions worldwide. The US,
China, and India - large greenhouse gas emitters - are not mandated
to cut emissions. Listing these three countries, Abe stressed the
need for a post-Kyoto framework that involves the entire global
community.
According to a report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel
on Climate Change (IPCC), it is possible to absorb about 3.1 billion
tons of greenhouse gases, but 7.2 billion tons have been emitted
across the world. This means that unless emissions are halved,
global warming will not be contained.
Abe proposed that the global community should strive to halve
greenhouse gas emissions from current levels by 2050. The report is
based on this proposal. Based on the judgment that even if
country-specific goals are presented the US and China may not accept
them, Japan aims to have the global community adopt a common goal
first and then discuss such details as methods to cut greenhouse gas
emissions and numerical targets.
The prime minister also stressed the need to create a diverse
framework that takes into account each country's abilities and
circumstances. Such a view had never been presented before. Abe
keeps in mind that China, which will be the largest emitter in the
near future, should bear a heavier burden than other minor
developing countries.
A senior official of the Environment Ministry confidently said:
"This is Japan's unique proposal. The US, Europe, and China are
paying attention to it." However, some observers pose questions,
wondering if Japan will be able to persuade other countries without
showing its own long-term goal. Will this proposal be included in
the G-8 joint statement in Heiligendamm? This will be the first test
for Japan over whether it will be able to take the lead in future
talks on global warming.
SCHIEFFER