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Viewing cable 08TOKYO1574, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 06/10/08

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08TOKYO1574 2008-06-10 06:21 2011-08-25 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Tokyo
VZCZCXRO4981
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #1574/01 1620621
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 100621Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4899
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 0624
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 8249
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 1940
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 6529
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 8839
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 3796
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 9795
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0221
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 001574 
 
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 06/10/08 
 
 
Index: 
 
Afghan reconstruction: 
1) Government has sent a survey team to Afghanistan to determine 
possibility of dispatching SDF troops for reconstruction assistance 
(Yomiuri) 
2) Ambassador Schieffer welcomes SDF dispatch to Afghanistan 
(Mainichi) 
 
Impact of Okinawa election: 
3) With reversal of power now in the Okinawa prefectural assembly, 
opposition to Futenma relocation is building up steam again  (Asahi) 
 
4) Ruling parties' loss of Okinawa assembly majority will have a 
strong impact on central government politics, centered around the 
medical system for the elderly  (Yomiuri) 
 
5) Cabinet Office sees possibility of economy slipping into a 
recession with two months now of bad indicators  (Yomiuri) 
 
Fukuda "vision" for the global environment: 
6) Prime Minister Fukuda in environmental policy speech sees 
possibility of 14 PERCENT  reduction in greenhouse gases by 2020 
(Yomiuri) 
7) Gist of Prime Minister's speech outlining his environmental 
"vision"  (Asahi) 
8) Fukuda's environmental proposals would cost 52 trillion yen, 
impact heavily on family finances  (Asahi) 
9) Prime Minister Fukuda came out with his environmental vision in 
order to take the policy lead at the upcoming G-8 summit at Lake 
Toya  (Mainichi) 
10) Strong opposition to Fukuda environmental proposals from the 
business community  (Mainichi) 
11) Democratic Party of Japan blasts Fukuda "vision" as lacking 
substance  (Nikkei) 
 
Political agenda: 
12) Fukuda says he has no inclination "for the time being" to 
dissolve the Lower House for a snap election  (Yomiuri) 
13) DPJ head Ozawa denies that he is taking the lead in pushing for 
a censure motion against the prime minister  (Mainichi) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) Survey team off to Afghanistan 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
A team of Japanese government officials left for Afghanistan on June 
8 to explore the possibility of sending Self-Defense Forces troops 
to Afghanistan. The team is made up of Cabinet Secretariat, Foreign 
Ministry, and Defense Ministry officials. 
 
The Maritime Self-Defense Force is currently engaged in a refueling 
mission in the Indian Ocean under the Antiterrorism Special Measures 
Law. This law, however, is set to run out in January next year. The 
government therefore judged that it would have to consider 
continuing Japan's assistance, including the possibility of SDF 
troops working in Afghanistan. 
 
The survey team is scheduled to stay in Afghanistan for about 10 
 
TOKYO 00001574  002 OF 009 
 
 
days to look into the security situation and needs for assistance in 
the capital city of Kabul and other areas. The government is 
considering engaging the Ground Self-Defense Force in logistical 
support for the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and 
tasking the Air Self-Defense Force with airlifting supplies. The 
survey team includes GSDF and MSDF members. 
 
However, there are also many challenges to clear before sending SDF 
troops to Afghanistan. The government will need to create a new law 
or revise the antiterror law in order for Japan to send SDF troops 
there. However, it would not be easy to coordinate with the 
opposition-controlled House of Councillors led by the Democratic 
Party of Japan (Minshuto). In Afghanistan, many people have been 
victimized in Taliban insurgents' terrorist attacks. Afghanistan is 
not expected to recover its public security for now. 
 
2) SDF dispatch welcome: Schieffer 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Schieffer, meeting the press yesterday at 
the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, expressed his welcome for the fact that 
the Japanese government is now exploring the possibility of 
dispatching the Self-Defense Forces to Afghanistan. Schieffer said: 
"Japan is welcome to step up its contribution to Afghanistan. Japan 
is now in a preliminary phase to look into its options, so we'd like 
to see progress." 
 
3) Futenma to face stronger opposition 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
The ruling camp in Okinawa Prefecture's assembly led by the Liberal 
Democratic Party and New Komeito has now lost its majority as a 
result of the recent election. The government and the ruling parties 
presume that the outcome of the election will have no impact on the 
planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in 
the prefecture's central city of Ginowan because there will be no 
situation for the time being to ask for the prefectural assembly's 
consent or agreement. However, Futenma relocation within the 
prefecture will inevitably face stronger opposition. Gov. Hirokazu 
Nakaima is likely to face difficulties over the Futenma issue. 
 
"The ruling parties faced a setback in the Okinawa prefectural 
assembly election, but we'd like to push ahead with the realignment 
of U.S. forces in Japan and other important issues without making a 
fuss," Prime Minister Fukuda stressed in a liaison meeting of the 
government and the ruling parties yesterday. Chief Cabinet Secretary 
Machimura also said in a press conference: "We need the governor's 
permission for reclamation from the sea, but there are not so many 
things that need the prefectural assembly's agreement." 
 
However, one LDP lawmaker, who once served in one of the LDP's three 
top executive posts, predicts a major impact, indicating that the 
governor will face difficulties in managing his prefectural 
administration on the whole. Some government officials are also 
concerned about the potential impact. "I can't say we will not be 
affected when we listen to Okinawa Prefecture's people in an 
environmental impact assessment," a senior official of the Foreign 
Ministry said. 
 
TOKYO 00001574  003 OF 009 
 
 
 
The government plans to build an alternative facility for Futenma 
airfield in the prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago. In this 
regard, Nakaima has asked the government to move the relocation site 
offshore. Basically, however, he has accepted Futenma relocation 
within the prefecture. Meanwhile, the opposition camp is poised to 
square off with the governor while seeking to submit a no-confidence 
motion against him. "We can't say we have only to move the 
relocation site just a little bit into the sea," said Kantoku 
Teruya, a House of Representatives member of the Social Democratic 
Party, who chairs the SDP's Okinawa prefectural federation. The 
government is paying close attention to the governor and the 
prefectural assembly. 
 
4) Ruling parties defeated in Okinawa assembly election due to 
strong opposition to new health insurance system for the elderly; 
Deliberations on opposition-drafted bill abolishing the system to be 
continued 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Excerpts) 
June 10, 2008 
 
The ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New 
Komeito lost its majority in Sunday's Okinawa prefectural assembly 
election probably because of strong opposition to the new health 
insurance system for those aged 75 and older. Taking into account 
such public opinion, the ruling camp intends to continue 
deliberations on an opposition-drafted bill to abolish the new 
health insurance scheme for the elderly, not voting it down in the 
House of Representatives. The opposition camp, meanwhile, has 
stepped up its offensive, calling for an early Lower House 
dissolution. 
 
In the 48-member assembly election, the ruling parties lost five 
seats to 22 from their pre-election strength of 27, while the 
opposition camp gained five seats to 24. Two seats are neutral. (One 
seat had been vacant.) All four candidates backed by the main 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) were elected, while most 
LDP candidates had uphill battles in the election. 
 
In a meeting yesterday between the government and ruling coalition, 
LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki pointed out: 
 
"The reasons (for our defeat) are likely the (changes in the fixed 
numbers of electoral districts because of) merger of municipalities, 
generational changes of candidates, and the new health insurance 
system for the elderly." 
 
The government and ruling coalition will hurriedly hammer out 
concrete measures, such as reducing the burden on low-income 
elderly, while pointing out problems in the opposition-drafted bill 
through Diet deliberations. In a session yesterday of the House of 
Councillors Audit Committee, Fukuda took a stance of keeping the 
framework of the new health insurance system, saying: "I cannot 
approve of the view calling for immediately abolishing the system. 
It's a rash view." 
 
However, LDP Election Strategy Council Chairman Makoto Koga 
yesterday told the press at the Prime Minister's Official 
Residence: 
 
"There is an emotional argument as to whether (the new health 
 
TOKYO 00001574  004 OF 009 
 
 
insurance system was introduced) for the sake of the elderly people. 
It is very difficult (to get public understanding for the system)." 
 
There is the possibility that calls for a drastic review of the 
system will gain ground in the ruling camp. 
 
5) Cabinet Office sees possibility of economy slipping into 
recession with two months of bad indicators 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpt) 
June 10, 2008 
 
The Cabinet Office yesterday revised its judgment of the state of 
the economy, based on four months of economic indicators, from last 
month's "seesaw-like movement" to this month's "possibility that 
aspects are changing." This was the first time for the forecast to 
hint at the possibility that the economy was moving toward a 
recession, the  longest expansion period in the postwar period 
(since Feb. 2002) having peaked a few months before. 
 
6) Greenhouse gas emissions can be cut 14 PERCENT  by 2020: Prime 
minister announces introduction of emissions trading system in fall 
on trial basis 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Prime Minister Fukuda during a press conference held at the Japan 
National Press Club in Uchisaiwai-cho, Tokyo, on the evening of June 
9, released Japan's new guidelines for the battle against global 
warming. Regarding a mid-term goal of cutting greenhouse gas 
emissions by between 2020 and 2030, an issue in the spotlight, the 
prime minister indicated an estimate that it would be possible to 
cut carbon emissions by 14 PERCENT  by 2020, compared with the 2005 
level. He then revealed his plan to release a nation-specific cap, 
which would serve as Japan's mid-term goal, within next year. He 
also announced his intention to introduce an emissions trading 
system for companies to trade carbon emissions quotas, saying, "The 
government will introduce a domestic market on a trial basis this 
fall." 
 
The new guidelines could be viewed as the Fukuda Vision of a package 
of his ideas on global warming measures. His aim is to lead domestic 
and overseas discussions in the run-up to the G-8 to be held in 
Hokkaido in July. The prime minister underscored, "Tackling a 
low-carbon revolution seriously would enhance Japan's presence in 
the international community and solidify the Japanese economy." 
 
The prime minister categorically mentioned a long-term goal of 
cutting emissions by 60 PERCENT  to 80 PERCENT  by 2050 from the 
present level. Concerning a mid-term goal, he said, "We have no time 
to play political games with a mid-term target." Concerning the 
basis for achieving a 14 PERCENT  cut by 2020, he proposed combining 
sector-specific reductions with the introduction of cutting-edge 
energy-conservation systems and new energy technologies. 
 
7) Main points of prime minister's speech 
 
ASAHI (Page 7) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
The following is a gist of Prime Minister Fukuda's speech on turning 
 
TOKYO 00001574  005 OF 009 
 
 
Japan into a low-carbon society, delivered on June 9: 
 
(Preface) 
 
In order to realize a low-carbon society, global efforts and a 
national movement are essential. The envisioned shift to a 
low-carbon society must be taken as an opportunity for new economic 
growth. 
 
(Japan's long- and mid-term targets) 
 
Japan's long-term target is to reduce CO2 by 60 PERCENT -80 PERCENT 
from current levels by 2050. 
 
The country cannot afford to spend time on setting (mid-term) goals. 
The sector-by-sector approach (proposed by Japan) is a means to find 
pragmatic solutions. Japan has recently announced that it is 
possible to reduce emissions by 14 PERCENT  -- about the same level 
as the EU -- from current levels by 2020. Japan would like to 
announce nation-by-nation targets at an appropriate time next year. 
 
(Development of innovative technologies) 
 
Japan will contribute up to 1.2 billion dollars to the establishment 
of a new multilateral fund to support developing countries along 
with the United States and Britain. I will propose the International 
Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation in the upcoming Lake 
Toya Summit. 
 
The ratio of renewable energy, such as solar power, wind, and water, 
and "zero-emission energy sources," such as nuclear power, must be 
raised to over 50 PERCENT . One out of two new cars to be sold must 
be next-generation automobiles. In order to win the world's No. 1 
position in solar-energy generation (back from Germany), increase 
the volume 10-fold by 2020 and 40-fold by 2030, over 70 PERCENT  of 
houses to be built must be equipped with a solar-energy generation 
system. 
 
(Emission trading and tax reform) 
 
Japan must shift to a stance active enough to propose more effective 
rules on emissions trading. In the fall, the government will 
implement a domestic emission trading system on a trial basis joined 
by as many businesses and companies as possible. 
 
In a fundamental tax reform meeting, planned for the fall, the 
government will comprehensively review the taxation system, 
including the handling of an environment tax, from the perspective 
of promoting a low-carbon society, and will push ahead with the 
envisioned environment tax. 
 
(Public as central player) 
 
The introduction of daylight saving time is under consideration by 
the ruling parties. I hope for a conclusion at an early time. 
Designating July 7 as Cool Earth Day, the country will carry out a 
movement to turn off all lights and other events. 
 
(Conclusion) 
 
To deal with the situation, our lifestyle, everything from the 
economy to society to community, must be changed. We must work hard 
 
TOKYO 00001574  006 OF 009 
 
 
so that future generations can look back and describe our efforts 
for a low-carbon revolution with pride. 
 
8) Realizing prime minister's proposal would cost 52 trillion yen; 
Households likely to be affected 
 
ASAHI (Page 7) (Excerpts) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's set of proposals to combat global 
warming underlines the need for a "national movement," such as the 
dissemination of solar power and next-generation automobiles, while 
urging the industrial sector to join a domestic emissions trading 
system. The proposal, which is certain to run huge costs, might make 
electricity, automobiles, and home appliances cost more. 
 
The prime minister emphasized: "A low-carbon society cannot function 
without actions by the people." When the fiscal 2006 domestic CO2 
emissions levels are compared with 1990 levels, the amount produced 
by the industrial sector dropped by about 5 PERCENT  while that of 
the livelihood-connected and transport sectors combined increased by 
about 28 PERCENT . Of the total, the industrial sector accounted for 
40 PERCENT , the livelihood-connected sector for over 30 PERCENT , 
and transport 20 PERCENT . 
 
The proposal calls for reducing emissions by 14 PERCENT  from 
current levels by 2020. The proposal lists such specific means as 
making half of all new cars sold next-generation automobiles and 
installing a solar-power generation system in over 70 PERCENT  of 
new houses with the aim of raising the introduction of solar-power 
generation ten-fold. The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry 
estimates that purchasing such cutting-edge equipments would cost 
approximately 52 trillion yen. 
 
The ratio of hybrid cars sold today is less than 10 PERCENT  and 
that of electric cars is essentially zero. The promotion of sales of 
such automobiles might require enhanced subsidies, something that 
would make the use of tax revenues inevitable. 
 
Electric transmission facilities would be a bottleneck for the rapid 
dissemination of solar power. The country's solar-power generation 
capability was 1.7 million kilowatt at the end of 2006. The 
Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan says that existing 
electric transmission facilities can handle up to 10 million 
kilowatts -- six times that volume -- and that a volume over that 
level would require huge investment. 
 
9) Fukuda Vision: Conscious of displaying leadership at G-8; Rivalry 
with EU over emissions trading 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on June 9 released a set of global 
warming measures, which included proposals for the introduction of a 
domestic emissions trading system this fall on a trial basis and the 
setting of a mid-term goal next year of cutting global warming 
greenhouse gas emissions. The Fukuda Vision goes half a step farther 
than his usual cautious stance. This is because the prime minister 
has determined that it would be inevitable for Japan to announce its 
stance on those issues in order for it to display leadership as the 
host nation of the G-8, which is only a month away. 
 
TOKYO 00001574  007 OF 009 
 
 
 
The prime minister made this decision in view of the present 
situation in which the EU is taking the lead in an international 
discussion on global warming measures with the introduction of 
emissions trading and the adoption of a mid-term goal of cutting 
global warming greenhouse gas emissions 20 PERCENT  from the level 
of 1990 by 2020.   One government source noted, "Japan would lose 
ground in future talks, unless it tackles global warming on a common 
ground." 
 
However, regarding a mid-term goal, the prime minister argued, "We 
have no time for engaging in a political propaganda-like 
target-setting game." He thus tacitly criticized the approach of the 
EU, which attaches importance to setting a numerical target. He is 
sticking to a sector-specific approach of each industry piling up 
achievable emissions, increasing feeling alarmed that Japan with 
advanced energy-saving technology would find itself in a 
disadvantageous situation, unless it digs its heels in the basis for 
emissions cuts. 
 
In formulating the Fukuda Vision, the prime minister adopted the 
specifics in a meeting with a small number of staff members of the 
Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) without prior coordination of 
views, such as talks with ministers from related ministries, 
including the Foreign Affairs, Economy, Trade and Industry, and 
Environment Ministries.  He thus tried to give the impression that 
he had displayed leadership in switching the policy on global 
warming measures. 
 
The prime minister wants to stop the international trend of giving 
priority to numerical targets. However, there are no prospects of 
other G-8 nations riding on Japan's approach. 
 
10) Deep-rooted opposition in business circles to emissions trading 
 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Business circles are strongly against the adoption of a domestic 
emissions trading system, the showcase of the Fukuda Vision of 
global warming measures. The Japan Business Federation (Nippon 
Keidanren) was quick to dismiss the proposal, noting that since the 
system is only one option among various policy means, it is 
important to pursue discussion cautiously and completely. 
 
The EU in 2005 adopted an emissions trading system, under which an 
upper limit (emissions quota) of greenhouse gas emissions is imposed 
on individual companies, and companies trade their balances. 
Emissions trading under the Fukuda Vision is viewed as voluntary for 
the time being. It thus gives moderate consideration to the 
corporate side. 
 
However, the power industry is increasingly alarmed about the 
adoption of an emissions trading system, with the Federation of 
Electric Power Companies of Japan announcing continued opposition to 
the setting of binding emissions quotas. Cooperation from business 
circles is indispensable in adopting a system. However, too much 
deference could emasculate the system. 
 
Regarding the setting of a mid-term goal, another focus of 
attention, the prime minister steered clear of making a clear-cut 
 
TOKYO 00001574  008 OF 009 
 
 
comment, simply saying, "I will announce such a goal at an 
appropriate time next year." He referred to a 14 PERCENT  reduction 
by 2020 compared with the 2005 level as a technically feasible 
target. However, this is just a quotation from the Long-Term Outlook 
for Energy Supply and Demand, which the Ministry of Economy, Trade 
and Industry's council mapped out in March this year. He underscored 
that Japan's reduction rate could be equal to the EU's goal, if the 
base year is changed, citing that the EU's mid-term goal of cutting 
carbon emissions by 20 PERCENT , compared with the 1990 level, can 
be translated into a 14 PERCENT  cut compared with the 2005 level. 
 
However, Japan's emissions increased 7.7 PERCENT  in 2005, compared 
with the 1990 level, while the EU steadily decreased its emissions 
in comparison with the level of the same base year. Many countries, 
including EU members, are bound to oppose Japan if it insists on the 
adoption of a base year favorable to it. Deputy Representative 
Yurika Ayukawa of the G-8 Summit NGO Forum criticized the prime 
minister: "That number is phony. It's just a different base year was 
used. Developing countries will not get the message that Japan is 
seriously tackling the issue." 
 
11) DPJ criticizes Fukuda vision for lack of content 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Katsuya Okada, chair of the anti-global warming headquarters of the 
main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), released yesterday 
a statement criticizing the so-called Fukuda vision that Prime 
Minister Yasuo Fukuda unveiled the same day. The statement wrote 
that the contents (of the prime minister's climate change 
initiative) are extremely poor. Okada stated: "I cannot see at all 
how he will deal with the matter at the Group of Eight summit in 
Hokkaido." DPJ Upper House Policy Deliberation Committee Chairman 
Tetsuro Fukuyama also said: "Setting a mid-term goal for (reducing 
greenhouse gas emissions), an environment tax, and a greenhouse gas 
emission trading scheme were all put off." 
 
12) Prime Minister Fukuda: No Lower House dissolution for time 
being 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
In a speech yesterday at the Japan National Press Club, Prime 
Minister Yasuo Fukuda revealed his intention of not dissolving the 
House of Representatives for the time being and of giving priority 
to resolving policy issues. He stated this on the timing for a Lower 
House dissolution and snap election: "I want to choose the right 
timing so that we can first come up with various policies and 
implement them." 
 
Regarding the timing for dissolving the Lower House, Fukuda said: 
 
"Considering various circumstances, I will try not to have an 
impact, especially on politics. I think there is a reason for a 
rumor that I may dissolve the Lower House after the Group of Eight 
summit in July." 
 
He then added: 
 
"I wonder what will happen if a political situation similar to the 
 
TOKYO 00001574  009 OF 009 
 
 
present one continues even after dissolving the Lower House. We must 
deal with issues that should be resolved. I want to prioritize 
them." 
 
He said this about a cabinet shuffle: "That's a blank. It's a clear 
blank sheet." 
 
13) Ozawa denies taking initiative to submit censure motion against 
Fukuda 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 10, 2008 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) President Ichiro Ozawa, meeting 
the press yesterday in the city of Niigata, said his party's 
decision to submit a censure motion against Prime Minister Fukuda in 
the House of Councillors at the end of the current Diet session is 
to "sum up" political issues for the present, such as the 
controversial new healthcare system for the elderly, pension 
record-keeping flaws, gasoline surcharges, and scandals involving 
the Defense Ministry. Meanwhile, Ozawa denied taking the initiative 
to submit a censure motion against the prime minister. "I didn't 
tell them to do so," Ozawa said. He added, "If that's their 
consensus, I told them that's good." 
 
SCHIEFFER