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 08TOKYO785, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 03/24/08
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. #08TOKYO785.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08TOKYO785 | 2008-03-24 01:15 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO2299
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #0785/01 0840115
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 240115Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2790
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//
RHMFIUU/USFJ //J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/CTF 72
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 9184
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 6799
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 0466
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 5278
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 7395
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 2347
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 8392
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 8951
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 14 TOKYO 000785
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: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 03/24/08
Index:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's weekend schedule (Nikkei)
Opinion polls:
4) Fukuda support plunges 9 points to 31 PERCENT in Nikkei poll
(Nikkei)
5) Yomiuri poll finds 64 PERCENT dissatisfied with Fukuda's
performance during first 6 months of premiership; 90 PERCENT
clueless as to what his policy aims are (Yomiuri)
Yokosuka incident:
6) Deserter turns self in to Navy security police, likely to be
questioned by Kanagawa police in connection with cab driver slaying
(Asahi)
7) Kanagawa police to question seaman in U.S. custody on involvement
with cab driver slaying; Suspect connected to African group in
Roppongi (Yomiuri)
8) U.S. Navy Commander Kelly pledges "full cooperation" with
Japanese investigators when the seek to question seaman now in
custody (Nikkei)
Okinawa incidents:
9) Protest rally in Okinawa in wake of school girl rape incident
draws 6,000 in pouring rain (Mainichi)
10) Calls for SOFA revision accompany protest rally in Okinawa
(Mainichi)
11) Prime Minister Fukuda in speech at defense university graduation
promises Defense Ministry reform; 26 graduates, however, refuse
commissions (Mainichi)
12) Japanese, Chinese finance ministers meet, pledge cooperation to
stabilize economic situation, agree on need for sustained growth
(Nikkei)
13) President-elect Ma of Taiwan stresses strong ties with Japan,
expresses hope to visit Japan soon (Yomiuri)
14) South Korean President Lee seeks multilateral solution to
Japan's abduction problem with North Korea (Nikkei)
Political economy issues:
15) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) refuses talks with ruling
parties on gax-tax revision (Tokyo Shimbun)
16) DPJ Secretary General Hatoyama, still playing hardball, will not
agree to revise tax bills before Diet unless gas tax is first
scrapped (Yomiuri)
17) Gasoline price will drop in April when tax expires, wreaking
havoc on local government finances which will lose 1.6 trillion yen
(Sankei)
18) Foreign investors leaving Japan's stock market in droves,
dealing another blow to the weakening economy (Nikkei)
19) Well-known political scientist Kabashima wins Kumamoto
gubernatorial election with LDP backing (Yomiuri)
20) Exit poll in Kumamoto governor's race shows strong LDP support
gave Kabashima the win (Yomiuri)
Articles:
TOKYO 00000785 002 OF 014
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei and Tokyo Shimbun:
Man wanted on murder stabs eight people around Ibaraki station, one
dead
Nikkei:
South Korean President Lee in interview calls for joint efforts by
Japan, ROK, and China for trade accord and environmental issues;
"Time is also ripe" for Emperor's visit to South Korea
Akahata:
Okinawa prefectural rally held to protest crimes by U.S. service
members
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Make House of Councillors into chamber of local districts
Mainichi:
(1) Economic foundations must be strengthened
(2) Junior high schools need higher morals
Yomiuri:
(1) White paper failed to embrace nuclear power
(2) Lay judge system requires more court interpreters
Nikkei:
(1) Improved investment market necessary for emerging companies
Sankei:
(1) Death sentence should have been handed down to child killer
(2) Professional baseball community must be reformed this year
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Thoughts on matters at beginning of week in spring
Akahata:
(1) Sympathy budget agreement financial support for U.S. military
strategy
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)
Prime Minister's schedule, March 21
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
March 22, 2008
08:10
Attended meeting of Regional Bloc System (doshusei) Special Zone
Promotion Headquarters. Attended cabinet meeting. Handed written
appointment to BOJ deputy governors Shirakawa and Nishimura, joined
by Finance Minister Nukaga and Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura.
09:05
Met at Kantei with Internal Affairs and Communications Minister
Masuda, followed by Tokyo Metro President Umezaki.
10:05
Met with Special Advisor Ito. Recorded video-message for "Symposium
to Realize Universal Society" attended by New Komeito deputy chief
TOKYO 00000785 003 OF 014
Hamayotsu.
11:00
Met with Deputy Foreign Minister Kono.
13:28
Met with Machimura.
14:32
Met with Machimura, Special Advisor to the Cabinet Okuda, Ito,
Assistant Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Saka, METI Economic and
Industrial Policy Bureau chief Suzuki, Cabinet Office Economic and
Fiscal Management Director General Saito, and Financial Services
Agency Supervisory Bureau chief Nishihara.
15:46
Met with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Futahashi.
16:47
Met with Special Advisor Yamatani, followed by Vice Foreign Minister
Yabunaka.
19:01
Attended meeting of National Conference on Social Security.
20:16
Returned to his official residence.
Prime Minister's schedule, March 22
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
March 23, 2008
09:24
Arrived at his private residence in Nozawa.
14:11
Met Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura at his official residence.
Prime Minister's schedule, March 23
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
March 24, 2008
09:23
Departed from the Kantei by GSDF helicopter.
09:45
Met Defense Minister Ishiba, National Defense Academy President
Iokibe and others at NDA in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture.
10:02
Attended the National Defense Academy graduation ceremony.
11:47
Departed from the National Defense Academy by GSDF helicopter.
12:05
Arrived at the Kantei.
12:10
Returned to his official residence.
TOKYO 00000785 004 OF 014
4) Poll: Cabinet support dips to 31 PERCENT
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Abridged)
March 24, 2008
The approval rating for Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his cabinet
dropped 9 percentage points from February to 31 PERCENT in a public
opinion survey conducted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on Mar. 21-23.
The disapproval rating rose 6 points to 54 PERCENT . The Fukuda
cabinet's nonsupport rate topped 50 PERCENT for the first time
since it came into office and paralleled that of the Abe cabinet
around the election in July last year for the House of Councillors.
This can be taken as reflecting confusion over the appointment of
Bank of Japan Gov. Toshihiko Fukui's successor and road-related tax
revenues.
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the ruling
Liberal Democratic Party stood at 40 PERCENT , up 1 point. The
leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) was at 30
PERCENT , down 1 point. The gap between the LDP and the DPJ has
increased from 8 points in the last survey to 10 points. The survey
was taken by Nikkei Research Inc. over the telephone on a random
digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, samples were chosen from
among men and women aged 20 and over across the nation. A total of
1,574 households with one or more eligible voters were sampled, and
answers were obtained from 865 persons (55 PERCENT ).
5) Poll: 64 PERCENT unhappy Fukuda cabinet's performance
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full)
March 24, 2008
Mar. 26 will mark a half year since Prime Minister Fukuda and his
cabinet came into office. The Yomiuri Shimbun, in a face-to-face
nationwide public opinion survey conducted Mar. 15-16, asked people
if they gave high marks to the performance in office of Fukuda and
his cabinet. Negative responses of "don't appreciate very much" and
"don't appreciate at all" added up to 64 PERCENT , while affirmative
answers, including "very much" and "somewhat," totaled 34 PERCENT .
The Fukuda cabinet's support rate continued to drop for the third
straight month and is now at 33.9 PERCENT , markedly down from the
59.1 PERCENT rating in a face-to-face survey taken after its
inaugural last October. As seen from these figures in the survey,
the public is taking a severe view of Fukuda and his cabinet.
In the latest poll, the public also was asked to pick one or more
aspects of the accomplishments of the prime minister and his cabinet
that could be positively evaluated. The choice of "blanket relief
for all hepatitis C virus victims" accounted for 50 PERCENT ,
followed by "response to pension record-keeping flaws" at 18 PERCENT
, and "resuming the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission
in the Indian Ocean" and "initiative to deal with global warming" at
12 PERCENT each. But 27 PERCENT of the public found nothing to
appreciate him for.
The public was further asked if they understood what kind of
political goals the prime minister was aiming at. To this question,
"yes" accounted for only 9 PERCENT , with "no" reaching 89 PERCENT .
Asked if they thought the prime minister's job performance was
sound. In response, 43 PERCENT answered "yes," with 48 PERCENT
saying "no."
TOKYO 00000785 005 OF 014
Respondents were asked how long they would like the Fukuda cabinet
to continue. To this question, "quit as soon as possible" accounted
for 25 PERCENT , topping all other answers.
6) U.S. seaman contacted Navy of whereabouts on own volition;
Kanagawa to seek cooperation for voluntary questioning of suspect
(in connection with cab driver's slaying)
ASAHI (Page 39) (Abridged)
March 23, 2008
In connection with the slaying of Masaaki Takahashi (61), a taxi
driver from Yokosuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, a seaman attached
to the U.S. Naval Base at Yokosuka who had been absent without leave
turned himself in to U.S. Navy authorities on the 22nd and was taken
into custody. He had been missing for about three weeks. Although
the seaman's credit card was found inside the taxi, there is no
other evidence to show that he actually rode in the cab. His
involvement in the killing remains a "blank sheet," so the police
have decided to seek the cooperation of the U.S. Navy for voluntary
questioning of the suspect.
According to U.S. Navy command, the Naval Criminal Investigation
Service (NCIS) at 03:41 am on March 22 took custody of the deserter.
The seaman said he had got into trouble at the base and could not
make the time of departure for his ship, the USS Cowpens, an Aegis
destroyer, of which he was a crewman. He was subsequently declared
a deserter on March 10, having been missing since the first of the
month.
While NCIS was searching for him, the seaman voluntarily turned
himself in by contacting the Navy about his whereabouts. After being
taken into custody, he was questioned about his desertion. According
to an informed source, he reportedly has denied any connection with
the killing.
In the investigation by the prefectural police, authorities found
the seaman's credit card at the foot of the seat of the slain
driver. However, in the NCIS investigation until now, except for the
credit card, there is no other evidence to indicate the seaman had
been riding in the cab.
During the NCIS investigation, the seaman himself contacted the U.S.
Navy about his whereabouts. After being taken into custody, he has
been confined to base, where he has been questioned about his
desertion. According to an informed source, he has reportedly denied
being connected with the murder incident.
7) Kanagawa prefectural police to possibly question U.S. seaman
today over taxi driver murder case, suspecting he is linked to
incident
YOMIURI (Page 39) (Excerpts)
March 23, 2008
Masaaki Takahashi, 61, a taxi driver from Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, was
stabbed to death in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture on the night
of March 19. A special investigation team at the Yokosuka Police
Station has asked U.S. Navy headquarters in Japan for permission to
question as early as today a 22-year-old seaman based at Yokosuka
Naval Base they are holding for being absent without leave,
TOKYO 00000785 006 OF 014
suspecting that he is linked to the incident. The investigation
headquarters has information that the sailor is a U.S. citizen of
Nigerian origin and that he has been keeping company with a private
group for foreigners from Africa living in Tokyo. Police will also
investigate the group, believing the group holds the key to
establishing the seaman's movements and other information.
Seaman might have contacted Roppongi group after desertion
According to U.S. forces, the U.S. Naval Criminal Investigation
Service (NCIS) apprehended the sailor at 3:41 a.m. March 22 in
Gotanda, Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo, after the sailor called the base
earlier that day saying he was in the Tokyo metropolitan area and
that he wanted someone to come for him. In questioning by the NCIS
after being taken to the base, the seaman reportedly denied
involvement in Takahashi's murder.
According to the police, after leaving the base on March 1, the
seaman is believed to have met with members of the group for
foreigners of African descent that have links to U.S. service
members. The group is based in Roppongi, Tokyo, which is close to
where the sailor was apprehended in Gotanda.
The investigation headquarters has been looking into the seaman's
activities before and after the incident. In its voluntary
questioning of the seaman, the special investigation team plans to
probe him over the circumstances in which a credit card belonging to
him was found in the taxi. The team will also investigate the
seaman's connection to the group.
U.S. Naval Forces Japan headquarters explained yesterday afternoon
to the Kanagawa prefectural police that it would respond to its
request for questioning the seaman.
The U.S. Navy headquarters specifically said that it was prepared to
accept a request from Japanese authorities to hand the sailor over
for questioning at any time and that it would fully cooperate with
the police's voluntary questioning at the base.
8) Yokosuka murder: U.S. Navy commander vows to fully cooperate on
investigation
NIKKEI (Page 43) (Full)
March 24, 2008
The U.S. military has now detained a 22-year-old U.S. Navy
serviceman, who is the owner of a credit card that was discovered in
a taxi when its driver was found slain in the city of Yokosuka,
Kanagawa Prefecture. U.S. Naval Forces Japan Commander Rear Adm.
Kelly held a press conference yesterday afternoon at the U.S. Navy's
Yokosuka base. Kelly said there was still no request from Kanagawa
prefectural police for questioning. However, he clarified that the
U.S. Navy would fully cooperate on the prefectural police's
investigation if there is a request.
The Kanagawa prefectural police's Yokosuka Police Station
investigative taskforce asked the U.S. military yesterday if it
would be possible to question the U.S. serviceman. The local police
will make a formal request to the U.S. military after obtaining its
answer.
"As a representative of the U.S. Navy in Japan, and as a citizen of
TOKYO 00000785 007 OF 014
Yokosuka, I am worried about the incident this time," Kelly said.
However, he avoided accounting in detail for whether the serviceman
was involved in the incident. "Japanese investigative authorities
are investigating the murder case, and I neither confirm nor deny
what has been reported," Kelly said. He added: "He is in custody for
desertion. At this point, he is not a suspect in the murder case."
Kelly said he was "not in a position to comment" when asked how the
serviceman explained the credit card that was found in the taxi. He
revealed that the serviceman, who had been absent without leave
since Mar. 8, called U.S. naval authorities to report his
whereabouts. However, Kelly said he had no information about what
made the serviceman turn himself in.
9) 6,000 take part in protest in Okinawa against crimes by U.S.
military personnel
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
March 24, 2008
Teruhisa Mitsumori
A rally in protest against incidents and accidents caused by U.S.
military personnel was held yesterday in a park in front of a
baseball stadium in Okinawa's Chatan Town. Despite heavy rain, some
6,000 persons (according to the rally's executive committee)
attended.
Because of a series of crimes committed by U.S. military personnel
even after the arrest of a U.S. Marine on charge of raping a junior
high school girl (though the victim withdrew her complaint later),
96 organizations, including the Prefectural Liaison Council for
Nurturing Children, organized an executive committee to hold a
rally. The executive committee initially aimed at staging a
suprapartisan rally, but the rally was not joined by the LDP, the
largest group in the prefectural assembly. Nor did Gov. Hirokazu
Nakaima attend it. But the New Komeito, a junior coalition partner
of the LDP in the prefectural assembly, joined the rally. Ten heads
of municipalities, including conservatives, such as Naha Mayor
Takeshi Onaga, the former secretary general of the LDP Prefectural
Chapter, attended the rally.
Tetsuei Tamayori (73), chair of the executive committee and chair of
the above prefectural liaison council, stated in a speech: "We need
to continue our efforts so that the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces
(SOFA) Agreement will be modified drastically." Okinawa City Mayor
Mitsuko Toumon said: "I am indignant with the central government for
its inability to take any effective measures even after an incident
occurs." Naha Mayor Onaga said: "I am really angry at the
possibility that Okinawa will be forced to continue to bear a large
burden of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty."
The rally adopted a four-point resolution, which calls for a drastic
revision to the SOFA, in which the U.S. military has the upper hand,
a reduction and realignment of U.S. military bases, and a troop cut
of U.S. forces in Okinawa. Executive committee members will visit
Tokyo, possibly in early April, and present the resolution to the
central government.
10) Need for review of SOFA voiced by many in rally in Okinawa;
Ruling parties now positive about review
TOKYO 00000785 008 OF 014
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
March 24, 2008
Nakae Ueno
A rally protesting incidents and accidents committed by U.S.
military personnel was held in Okinawa yesterday. The calls voiced
in the rally were focused on the need for a drastic revision to the
Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA). Joining the rally from
the ruling bloc, whose previous position toward the SOFA was
improving its operation, was the junior coalition partner New
Komeito's Prefectural Chapter members. They attended the rally to
call for a review of the SOFA. In response to the local call, the
ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) now appears willing to discuss
a review of SOFA. The rally has created momentum in the ruling bloc
to review the SOFA.
Immediately after a U.S. Marine was arrested on a charge of raping a
junior high school girl last month, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka
Machimura and other leaders in the central government clearly ruled
out the possibility of revising SOFA. Their attitude came under
criticism from a number of rally participants, including Naha City
Mayor Takeshi Onaga. The New Komeito's House of Councilor member
Kiyohiko Toyama also stated: "It is necessary for Okinawa to
demonstrate its intent to seek to revise the SOFA. I also would like
everybody to realize that the problem facing Okinawa is a problem
facing Japan."
With the prefectural assembly election slated for June in Okinawa,
the ruling and opposition parties will assume a more confrontational
stance. The New Komeito was initially not positive about attending
the rally by noting that its attendance would only benefit the
opposition bloc, whose position toward the base issue is different
from the ruling bloc's. But because the focus of the rally shifted
later to calling for a review of the SOFA, the New Komeito decided
to participate in the rally on the grounds that doing so meets the
party's assertions.
The central government and the ruling bloc have moved in tandem so
far by containing calls for a review of the SOFA but insisting on
improving its operation. But senior members of the LDP and the New
Komeito in the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly have asked the
government since the start of the month to drastically review SOFA.
Taku Yamasaki, a former vice LDP president who now heads the LDP's
foreign affairs panel as well as the Okinawa economic promotion
panel, noted: "After seeing a proposal made by the prefectural side,
I want to set a timetable for a joint session and begin discussion
on specifics." New Komeito Representative Akihiro Ota, as well,
softened his attitude and told a news conference on March 21: "We'd
like to discuss fully the matter with the Okinawa side."
11) Fukuda pledges Defense Ministry reform in National Defense
Academy graduation ceremony; 26 refuse commissions
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
March 29, 2008
Delivering a speech in a graduation ceremony at National Defense
Academy (in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, with Principal Makoto
Iokibe) yesterday, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda restated his
determination to reform the Defense Ministry to regain public trust.
TOKYO 00000785 009 OF 014
He said:
"Public trust in the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Force has
been significantly undermined due to the collision between a
Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer and a fishing boat and other
incidents. I am determined to prove what problems lay in them and
why such incidents took place. I will also make utmost efforts to
carry out reform."
Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba indicated in a speech the need to
ensure civilian control, saying:
"The past war is a striking example of civilian control not
functioning. After losing the war, our nation has not directly
tackled the essence of security with military affairs as the core.
Those who learn nothing from history repeat the same mistakes."
Excluding nine students from overseas, 415 graduated from the
school. This year, 26 graduates - 16 more than last year - refused
to receive commissions. In FY1990 during the bubble economy years,
the number was 94, marking the highest record since the school was
established, but the 26 is the highest since (the 34 was marked) in
FY1991. With three not appointed for such reasons as health
problems, 386 have received commissions. Those who left school
midway through totaled 100, two less than last year.
12) Japanese, Chinese finance ministers agree on cooperative efforts
to stabilize Asia economy
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts)
March 24, 2008
Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga and his Chinese counterpart Xie
Xuren met yesterday as part of the second Japan-China Finance
Dialogue to discuss their countries' economic and financial issues
at the Finance Ministry. Given concerns growing about a slowing
global economy triggered by the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis, the
two finance ministers agreed that Japan and China should work
together to keep the Asian economy from being negatively affected by
such concerns. Nukaga asked his counterpart to make the yuan more
flexible against foreign currencies so that China's economic growth
will continue into the future.
The two finance ministers discussed the Asian economic situation and
other issues for about one and a half hours. In reference to the
ongoing panic in the U.S. economy caused by the subprime loan
problem, Nukaga said: "To avoid any negative impact on the Asian
economy, it is important for Japan, China, and India to play the
role of a locomotive to drive forward the economy." Xie replied:
"Japan and China should exchange frank views and make efforts to
resolve various global economic issues." The two agreed to cooperate
for continued Asian economic growth.
The finance ministers also referred to the recent poisoning outbreak
caused by tainted Chinese dumplings. They agreed that they should
endeavor to resolve the issue at an early date in order to provide
the peoples of the two countries with a sense of safety. The next
session of the dialogue will be held in China in 2009. Nukaga and
Xie also agreed to hold vice-ministerial and bureau-director-level
meetings as the need arises.
13) Taiwan's present-elect Ma emphasizes "importance of relations
TOKYO 00000785 010 OF 014
with Japan"; Wishes to visit Japan soon
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
March 24, 2008
(Kenichi Yoshida, Taipei)
Taiwan's president-elect Ma Ying-jeou gave an interview to members
of the Japanese press corps, including Yomiuri Shimbun, at his
election office in Taipei on March 23. The 57-year-old Ma revealed
that he is looking into an early visit to Japan, remarking: "I won't
exclude Japan and the U.S. (from my first overseas trip prior to my
presidential inauguration) in light of the importance of those
countries' relations with Taiwan." It was Ma's first interview with
foreign press corps after his election on the 22nd.
Ma emphasized: "I place great importance on ties with Japan." He
then indicated a desire to further promote cooperative relations
with Japan in a variety of areas, such as culture, education, and
science and technology. But Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled
to visit Japan in May. Given this, attention is focused on whether
Ma's Japan visit will be realized.
Ma stressed his willingness to build a favorable relationship with
Japan through continuous efforts to be knowledgeable about Japan,
saying: "I support the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. Although I have
yet to learn much about Japan, I would like to deepen my
understanding of Japan from various quarters."
14) ROK President Lee: "Abduction issue should be resolved through
multilateral framework"
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
March 24, 2008
Masanori Yamaguchi, Seoul
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak called for a multilateral
framework that will involve Japan, South Korea, the United States,
and China as a means to resolve the issue of abductions of Japanese
nationals. Lee noted: "I think it will be better for countries to
work together to resolve the issue than for Japan to singly try to
resolve the issue." On how to strengthen Japan-South Korea
relations, Lee said, "I will discuss an action plan in concrete
terms with Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, when he visits South Korea."
Lee indicated his plan to reach agreement on specifics on the action
plan when Fukuda visits South Korea this fall.
The South Korean government has estimated that the number of South
Koreans abducted by North Korea totaled some 480. It also has
estimated that there are 500 or more South Korean soldiers still
taken prisoners of war (POWs) in North Korea since the Korean War.
Lee stressed: "North Korea needs to take a humanitarian measure
without any conditions attached to deal with the issue." Lee
indicated his willingness to resolve the humanitarian issues
involving North Korea, particularly the abductions of South
Koreans.
Keeping in mind also the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals,
Lee stated, "Cooperation between South Korea and Japan, between
South Korea and the U.S., and between South Korea and China are all
necessary in order to resolve the humanitarian issues
TOKYO 00000785 011 OF 014
comprehensively." Lee indicated he will use the six-party framework
on the North Korean nuclear issue to pressure (North Korea) to
resolve the humanitarian issues. Lee's diplomatic position is in
sharp contrast to his predecessor Roh Moo Hyun, who prioritized
reconciliation with North Korea and was critical of the Japanese
government for its seeking to resolve the abduction issue at the
forum of six-party talks.
15) DPJ to reject ruling bloc's call for gasoline tax revision
talks
Evening, TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Excerpts)
March 22, 2008
Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama,
appearing on a commercial television program on the morning of March
22, indicated that his party would not respond to the ruling camp's
call for talks on revising a bill amending the Special Taxation
Measures Law, including the maintenance of the provisional gasoline
tax rate, unless the ruling bloc assures that it would place the
road tax revenues into the general account and abolish the
provisional tax rates. The DPJ leadership, including President
Ichiro Ozawa, is expected to formally decide to reject the ruling
bloc's request in their talks on March 24.
16) DPJ Secretary General Hatoyama: Abolition of provisional tax
rates precondition for passage of tax reform bills within this
fiscal year
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
March 24, 2008
When asked about his party's response to a revision of the tax
reform-related bills including a bill amending the Special Taxation
Measures Law, aimed at retaining the current provisional gasoline
tax, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Yukio
Hatoyama said during an NHK talk show: "It is impossible to enact
the bills while maintaining the present provisional tax rates." He
expressed again that the DPJ would agree to the government's and
ruling coalition's plan to enact the bills within the current fiscal
year if they accept its proposal abolishing the provisional tax
rates.
Hatoyama, however, took a negative stance toward a ruling camp call
for consultations on a revision of the bills, saying: "We should
debate at the Diet, not behind closed doors.
DPJ Deputy President Naoto Kan delivered a speech yesterday in
Utsunomiya City. In it, Kan stated: "(The ruling camp) does not
intend to modify the bills. Since their plan does not specify
details, we cannot discuss them."
Liberal Democratic Party Secretary Bunmei Ibuki, also appearing on
yesterday's NHK talk show, criticized the DPJ, noting: "Noting will
be decided if the DPJ rejects consultations when things do not go as
they wish."
Referring to the agreement mediated by the top leaders of the two
Diet chambers that a certain conclusion will be reached within this
fiscal year, Ibuki stated on a Fuji TV program yesterday: "The
mediation would be authoritative. I think the Lower House speaker
will present a solution this week." He hoped for coordination by the
TOKYO 00000785 012 OF 014
speaker.
17) Drop in gasoline prices: What are local governments going to do
about revenue shortfalls totaling 1.6 trillion yen?
SANKEI (Page 1) (Full)
March 24, 2008
With the battle between the ruling and opposition parties entering
the homestretch with the expiration of the provisional gas tax rate
close at hand on Mar. 31, cheaper gasoline prices appear inevitable.
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the New Komeito are placing
their last glimmer of hope on revision talks with the Democratic
Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto). However, there are no indications
of the DPJ responding to the call. Provided that the provisional tax
rate for special-purpose road construction revenues is abolished,
the central and local governments would suffer revenue shortfalls
totaling 2.6 trillion yen. Taking measures to deal with this
situation has emerged as a pressing issue.
LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki and his DPJ counterpart Yukio
Hatoyama yesterday appeared on Fuji TV's Hodo-2001 and other TV talk
shows to discuss the issue. However, their exchanges ended up
without the two making any progress, with Ibuki noting: "We will
protect local government's fiscal resources. We have proposed
holding talks to that end," and Hatoyama rebutting: "Upper House
deliberations have yet to start. Discussing the issue at another
venue at such a stage is tantamount to bid-rigging."
Hatoyama categorically said that the ruling camp's revision policy
is forgoing the issue and making no revisions. He thus indicated his
party's stance of making no concessions on the abolition of the
provisional gas tax rate.
Hatoyama is taking such a bullish stance because he finds the
current situation overwhelmingly advantageous to his party. That is
to say, if the Upper House at the end of the month adopts the DPJ's
counterproposal -- three bills related to road policy reform,
excluding portions for special-purpose road construction revenues,
all provisional rates, such as tariffs, would be abolished. In order
to avoid a major panic from occurring, the ruling parties have no
other option but to adopt the DPJ-sponsored bills in the Lower
House.
If the price of gasoline drops about 25 yen per liter starting on
April 1 and the ruling camp reinstates the provisional rate one to
two months later by adopting their bills once again in the Lower
House, public criticism of the government and the ruling parties is
bound to mount. In addition, the DPJ says that if the ruling camp
adopts the bills once again in the Lower House, it would most likely
submit a censure motion against the prime minister, as Hatoyama
warned. Should that occur, the likelihood is that the administration
would be pushed over the precipice.
Local governments will lose tax resources worth approximately 900
billion yen, such as the light oil delivery tax and the automobile
acquisition tax, if the provisional rate for road funds is scrapped.
They will also lose approximately 700 billion yen in special local
tax allocation subsides for road construction. As a result, they
would register a total of 1.6 trillion yen in revenue shortfalls.
18) Foreign investors moving away from Japanese stocks due to strong
TOKYO 00000785 013 OF 014
yen, uproar over selection of BOJ governor: Selling in second week
of March second-heaviest on record
NIKKEI (Page 1) ( Full)
March 22, 2008
According to statistics released on March 21 by the Tokyo Stock
Exchange, foreign investors' Japanese stocks selling on balance in
the second week of March (Mar. 10-14) on the Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya
Stock Exchanges increased to 922.6 billion yen, marking the second
largest figure, following 1.122 trillion yen recorded in the third
week of October 1987, after "Black Monday." Japan-selling by foreign
investors apparently reached a record level following the turmoil
over the selection of Bank of Japan governor.
Foreign investors are a major market player, commanding 60 PERCENT
of the trading volume. Up until recently, the second-largest selling
on account was 751.9 billion yen recorded in the third week of
August last year, which saw world-wide stock plunges stemming from a
commotion on the financial market due to the subprime mortgage
crisis. But the amount marked in March topped that amount by about
170 billion yen.
Japanese stocks are increasingly suffering setbacks, such as the
strengthening yen, with the currency breaking the 100 yen to the
dollar level. Candidates for BOJ governor have been rejected in the
Upper House, which has dampened foreign investors' expectations of
structural reforms, as it indicates that political decision-making
is not going smoothly, as Nikko Citigroup securities strategist
Patrice Moor put it. This has also accelerated the trend of foreign
investors moving away from Japanese stocks.
19) Poll: Kabashima gets most votes of ruling coalition supporters,
Kamakura fails to obtain many DPJ supporters' votes
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
March 24, 2008
According to the results of Yomiuri Shimbun's exit polls on
yesterday's Kumamoto gubernatorial election, Ikuo Kabashima received
most votes from supporters of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party
and New Komeito. However, Takayuki Kamakura failed to get votes from
supporters of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),
which recommended him. He was also unable to obtain support from
nonaligned voters.
A total of 61 PERCENT of the LDP supporters voted in favor of
Kabashima and about 70 PERCENT of the New Komeito supporters voted
for him.
Only 40 PERCENT of the DPJ supporters voted for Kamakura. Kabashima
secured 26 PERCENT of the votes of the DPJ supporters, while 10
PERCENT of the DPJ votes went other candidates Toshiaki Kitazato
and Masayoshi Yagami respectively.
20) Kabashima wins Kumamoto gubernatorial election
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
March 24, 2008
Ikuo Kabashima, 62, a former University of Tokyo professor, backed
by the ruling Liberal Democratic party, won the Kumamoto
TOKYO 00000785 014 OF 014
gubernatorial election yesterday, defeating Takayuki Kamakura, 61,
who was recommended by the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan
(DPJ) and three other candidates. Kabashima said (during his
election campaign) that he would make a decision after six months
after taking over the governorship on whether to implement a project
to build a dam on the Kawabe River (in Sagara Village) or cancel the
project, even though the construction project was planned 41 years
ago. Therefore, all eyes are now on what decision Kabashima will
make after he assumes the governor's post. Voter turnout was 49.36
PERCENT , topping the record law of 38.67 PERCENT in the previous
election.
The election was contested by Kabashima, Kamakura and three other
conservative candidates.
Because of his desire to secure support from wide-ranging voters,
Kabashima refrained from receiving formal support and recommendation
from the LDP. He, however, won a landslide victory, backed by
supporters of the LDP and New Komeito, as well as unaffiliated
voters.
Meanwhile, Kamakura played up his opposition to the dam construction
project, while stressing his experience of serving as a prefectural
government official. However, the DPJ decided to recommend Kamakura
immediately before the start of the official campaign for the
gubernatorial race. The Rengo (Japan Trade Union Confederation)
Kumamoto decided to let its members cast their votes independently.
SCHIEFFER