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 08TOKYO2030, DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 07/23/08
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. #08TOKYO2030.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08TOKYO2030 | 2008-07-23 22:28 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO4576
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #2030/01 2052228
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 232228Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6016
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 1354
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 8983
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 2713
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 7189
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 9566
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 4497
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 0487
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0881
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 TOKYO 002030
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 07/23/08
INDEX:
(1) Ruling, opposition blocs in tug of war over extra Diet session
(Tokyo Shimbun)
(2) Additional cuts in public works: Ruling parties already opposing
proposal; Full coordination on estimated budget request guidelines
starts (Nikkei)
(3) Editorial: We welcome cabinet shuffle with Lower House
dissolution in mind (Mainichi)
(4) Questioning the Japan-U.S. alliance (Mainichi)
(5) Editorial: Removing base from prefecture is only way to settle
Futenma relocation issue (Ryukyu Shimpo)
(6) Interview with U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen
Breyer: Ten months to go until introduction of citizen-judge system
in Japan; More impartiality of trial with involvement of citizens
(Tokyo Shimbun)
(7) TOP HEADLINES
(8) EDITORIALS
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, July 22 (Nikkei)
ARTICLES:
(1) Ruling, opposition blocs in tug of war over extra Diet session
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged)
July 23, 2008
The Diet is expected to enter into an extraordinary session this
fall. The question for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its
coalition partner, New Komeito, is when to kick off the game.
Concerning this Diet calendar, LDP and New Komeito lawmakers in the
House of Councillors are calling for moving back its convocation.
They say it should be convened in late September. Meanwhile, the
government and the LDP leadership in the House of Representatives
want the kickoff for late August. In the opposition-controlled upper
chamber, however, LDP and New Komeito executives want to put off
this fall's Diet battle, because they do not want to be under fire
from the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) in
a very long session.
The government and the LDP on the lower chamber's side want to
convoke the extraordinary Diet session in late August, because they
do not want the Diet to be thrown into confusion in December when
the government will be in the final stretch to compile the budget
for fiscal 2009.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Self-Defense Force has been on a refueling
mission in the Indian Ocean under a new antiterrorism special
measures law. This law, however, is to run out on Jan. 15 next year.
The government and the ruling coalition intend to extend the MSDF
mission there, so they will present a bill seeking to revise the law
when the extraordinary Diet session sets in.
The new refueling law was enacted in January this year. At that
TOKYO 00002030 002 OF 010
time, the DPJ was opposed to the new refueling law. The DPJ then put
off Diet deliberations on this new refueling legislation in the
House of Councillors for nearly 60 days after it cleared the House
of Representatives. The Constitution stipulates that a bill passed
by the House of Representatives will be regarded as being rejected
by the House of Councillors and will become law if the House of
Councillors rejects or does not vote on it within 60 days after it
was sent from the House of Representatives and if it is approved by
the House of Representatives in a second vote with a majority of
two-thirds of those present. Given this fact, the DPJ is highly
likely to put up all-out resistance to revising the new refueling
law.
The government and the ruling coalition therefore plan to take a
second vote in the House of Representatives in late November to
enact the new refueling legislation. The ruling coalition expects to
deliberate on the legislation for about a month in the House of
Representatives and 60 days in the House of Councillors, after which
it can be regarded as being rejected by the House of Councillors.
Based on this timeframe, the government and the ruling coalition are
planning to convene the extraordinary Diet session in late August,
substantially earlier than in usual years.
In the House of Councillors, however, some LDP lawmakers and New
Komeito are calling for convening the extraordinary Diet session
after Sept. 21, when the DPJ is slated to hold a presidential
election. "We don't have to be in a hurry to convene the extra Diet
session," says Hidehisa Otsuji, who heads the LDP's caucus in the
House of Councillors.
Meanwhile, the DPJ is now gearing up its offensive toward the
LDP-led coalition in an attempt to push Prime Minister Fukuda to
dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election. The
LDP does not want to give the DPJ much time for a challenge. This is
the primary reason. For another, the DPJ has implied that it will
summon former New Komeito Secretary General Junya Yano, who has
instituted a lawsuit against Soka Gakkai, the nation's largest lay
Buddhist group backing New Komeito. This also seems to have had
repercussions.
(2) Additional cuts in public works: Ruling parties already opposing
proposal; Full coordination on estimated budget request guidelines
starts
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
July 23, 2008
The government and the ruling parties have begun full coordination
for the compilation of guidelines for estimated budget requests for
fiscal 2009. The Finance Ministry has come up with a policy of
procuring funds to finance a prioritized framework for measures to
address a shortage of doctors by increasing cuts in public works.
Some ruling party members are already opposing the Finance
Ministry's proposal. The government is expected to approve the draft
guidelines at a cabinet meeting on July 29. However, a final
settlement is unlikely to be reached until the year-end budget
compilation.
The prime minister at a meeting of the Council on Economic and
Fiscal Policy on July 22 noted, "It is not easy to strike a balance
between strengthening growth and achieving sound finances. However,
Japan has no choice but to follow this difficult path."
TOKYO 00002030 003 OF 010
Finance Minister Fukushiro Nukaga has revealed a policy of keeping
firm the spending cut policy line, including constraining 220
billion yen in social security expenses, while increasing spending
by up to 30 billion yen for measures to address a shortage of
doctors and global warming from the 50 billion yen set aside this
fiscal year. He is determined to come up with the necessary funds by
increasing spending cuts in discretionary expenses, such as public
works and defense expenditures by 2 PERCENT .
The prioritized framework is a desperate measure to strike a balance
between Prime Minister Fukuda's policy stamp and sound finances.
However, this measure could make an enemy of policy experts in the
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). The ruling camp, which is concerned
about a dissolution of the Lower House for a snap election, is
deeply dissatisfied with the Finance Ministry's plan.
Fierce criticism of the estimated budget request guidelines was
heard at a plenary meeting of the LDP Policy Research Council on
July 22, with one participant noting, "The business slump in the
construction industry is caused by policy. The LDP will not be able
to hold itself together if cuts in public works expenditures are
stepped up to more than 3 PERCENT ." Another participant predicted,
"If subsidies for private schools are slashed, it will be impossible
to run the schools." If discretionary expenditures appropriated to
each government agency are uniformly slashed by 2 PERCENT , the
margin of cuts in public works would expand from the previous 3
PERCENT cut a year to 5 PERCENT .
(3) Editorial: We welcome cabinet shuffle with Lower House
dissolution in mind
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full)
July 23, 2008
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda returned to work on July 22 after
finishing his summer vacation. Ruling camp members have a strong
interest in a cabinet shuffle. Before making a decision on whether
to shuffle the cabinet, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda needs to make
clearer the aim of his cabinet. Fukuda should not evade a
dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election. We
welcome a cabinet shuffle that is aimed at Lower House dissolution.
Even after the Group of Eight (G-8) summit in Hokkaido was over, the
approval rating for the Fukuda cabinet has remained low, nearly
unchanged. Therefore, there is a possibility that a cabinet shuffle
will turn around the situation. Most of the Fukuda cabinet members
were kept on from the cabinet of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
So, Fukuda may want to form a cabinet that could be called his own.
Fukuda should be aware that just changing the roster of his cabinet
members cannot ease public distrust of politics. In case a scandal
involving a new cabinet minister is discovered, the Fukuda
administration will run into a crisis. As Fukuda has acknowledged
that the first thing to do is to make clear what he should do. A
cabinet shuffle is a step toward that end. The Fukuda cabinet's
support rating would rise after showing such an effort to the
public.
It is true that Fukuda has led a debate on a policy of placing
priority on average people and consumers. He plans to submit to the
next extra session a bill establishing a Consumer Affairs Agency and
TOKYO 00002030 004 OF 010
other related bills. However, a move going against Fukuda's plan is
now appearing in the ruling camp. For example, some members are
calling for putting off convening the extra Diet session to
mid-September from the planned late August.
Such urgent political issues as soaring gasoline and food prices, as
well as serious fisheries issues are closely related to the daily
lives of people. However, some members are reluctant to convene the
extra session soon, with one saying: "An early convocation of the
extra session will give the opposition a chance to grill the
government, as well as encaurage lively the campaigning for the
presidential election of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The
official campaign will start on Sept. 8.
The public will not accept such a view.
Fukuda's tendency to put off difficult issues has become stronger.
He has already toned down his argument on a consumption tax hike.
Even some have rumored that the Fukuda government may postpone a
plan to increase the government's share of basic pensions to 50
PERCENT in 2009. Meanwhile, the government has not pushed ahead
with the worked of reducing the wasteful use of tax revenues.
We cannot see what Fukuda wants to do. He seems unable to do
anything, anyway. The divided Diet is not the only reason for
preventing the government's moves. The major reason may be that the
Fukuda government has yet to receive the judgment of the people. It
is difficult for such a government to carry out its policies.
If the Lower House dissolution is put off even after the cabinet is
shuffled, there will be no change in the situation. We suggest
Fukuda and the ruling coalition prepare for Lower House dissolution
and general elections after a cabinet shuffle.
(4) Questioning the Japan-U.S. alliance
MAINICHI (Page 8) (Abridged slightly)
July 20, 2008
Major points of the dialogue:
? What is the implication of a series of incidents by U.S. service
members in Japan?
? Should the SOFA be revised?
? How should the government respond to the relocation of Futenma Air
Station?
? What kind of alliance should the Japan-U.S. alliance be in the
future?
Senior Vice-Foreign Minister Itsunori Onodera -- United States'
policy toward Japan positive
A series of criminal cases involving U.S. service members in Japan
has substantially worried the residents near the bases. The
incidents have made it difficult to look calmly at the environment
surrounding the Japan-U.S. alliance.
At the same time, the Japan-U.S. Joint Committee to discuss the use
of U.S. bases in Japan and the status of U.S. service members has
been functioning well. In the wake of the murder-robbery of a taxi
drive in Yokosuka, a system has been established to report all U.S.
military deserters to Japan. The United States has dealt with Japan
quite positively in comparison to the similar pacts the United
TOKYO 00002030 005 OF 010
States has concluded with other countries.
The LDP and New Komeito that support the governor in U.S. force
realignment have now become a minority in the Okinawa prefectural
assembly. This means responses must be more careful than before. We
would like to deal with the matter while taking into account
Okinawa's request for moving into the sea the envisaged Futenma
replacement facility. We also intend to discuss with the affected
municipalities what specifically can be done to eliminate the danger
of Futenma Air Station.
The Japan-U.S. alliance has deepened in various fields and has long
history, as well. Some people are concerned about Japan-U.S.
relations because the United States has decided to delist North
Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism. At the same time, I am
certain that they are aware that the abduction issue will not be
resolved without the cooperation of the United States. I also
believe that for the United States, the strategic importance of
Japan as an ally has increased in the Far East where Russia and
China's military expansion is evident.
The United States' policy toward Japan will probably not change
drastically, regardless of who becomes the new U.S. president,
Senator Obama or Senator McCain. Then again, how to deal with the
United States and Japan's foreign policy might change subtly
depending on how the new U.S. administration is going to deal with
Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan. The Japan-U.S. alliance has always been
around like air, but we should not take it for granted. We must make
efforts to make the United States understand Japan's standpoint and
to confirm the importance of Japan-U.S. relations.
DPJ shadow cabinet senior vice-foreign minister Koichi Takemasa --
SOFA must be revised into pact of equality
On August 13, 2004, a U.S. military helicopter crashed on the campus
grounds of Okinawa International University. When I visited the
accident site three days later, the fuselage had been removed by the
U.S. military, and prefectural police officers were looking at the
site from afar. I thought, "What happened to Japan's sovereignty? Is
this really Japan?" A similar accident could occur anywhere in
Japan. The Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) must be
revised. The accident became my major turning point.
In February this year, a middle school girl was sexually assaulted
by a U.S. service member living off-base, an unexpected case. It
took nearly two weeks for Kanagawa prefectural police to get to
question the U.S. serviceman who was believed to have robbed and
killed a taxi driver in Yokosuka. The question of the SOFA has been
left unaddressed, so three opposition parties -- the Democratic
Party of Japan, Social Democratic Party, and the People's New Party
-- have drafted a SOFA revision plan.
The government has repeatedly insisted on improving SOFA
administration, but the infringement of sovereign must not be
allowed. The events were symbolic of this country's diplomacy, in
which Japan does not say what should be said. The DPJ, representing
a sovereign state, will always say what it has to say to the United
States. The Japan-U.S. alliance will remain the cornerstone of
Japan's foreign policy.
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima has repeatedly asked for a
revision of the SOFA at all costs. Okinawa hosts the bulk of U.S.
TOKYO 00002030 006 OF 010
bases in Japan, so there are dangerous factors and strong concerns
in the prefecture. U.S. bases play a major role in the Japan-U.S.
alliance. One cannot try too hard to understand the pain as one's
own.
In June, I attended the U.S.-Japan Legislative Exchange Program and
explained the SOFA revision plan. I was urged by U.S. counterparts
between meetings to let them know if there were any calls in Japan
for revising the SOFA. The Foreign Ministry had told me that U.S.
Congress was opposed to revising the pact, but I felt the need to
exchange views move actively between lawmakers of the two
countries.
In addition to the SOFA revision plan, our party has produced an
"Okinawa Vision" tha spells out the need to relocate Futenma Air
Station out of Okinawa and eventually out of Japan. We are also
considering including it in our manifesto for the next Lower House
election. A plan to relocate the base to the Henoko district has
been stalled. Even if the plan moves forward, it would be several
years before the functions are completely relocated there. The
danger of Futenma Air Station before then cannot be left
unaddressed. There is every reason to explore ways to relocate it to
a site outside the prefecture and eventually outside Japan.
(5) Editorial: Removing base from prefecture is only way to settle
Futenma relocation issue
RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 5) (Full)
July 20, 2008
How long is the government going to use cheap tricks? It has been
nearly 12 years since the Japan-U.S. Special Committee on Okinawa
(SACO) reached an agreement in 1996 to return the U.S. Marine Corps'
Futenma Air Station to Japan in five to seven years. Work is
proceeding slowly. It is natural to think the plan has flaws.
The Japanese government apparently does not think so. The government
has clearly exhibited a stance of sticking to its original plan.
The establishment of two working teams was decided in the July 18
meeting of the Futenma relocation consultative council (presided
over by Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura) composed of the
central government and affected municipalities. One is to study ways
to eliminate the danger of Futenma Air Station, and the other is to
mull a replacement facility construction plan. The decision
reportedly takes into account Governor Hirokazu Nakaima's call for
effectively closing down Futenma Air Station in three years and for
moving offshore the envisaged replacement facility.
The government has effectively ignored the two requests all this
time. What prompted the government to take "a step forward," as
Governor Nakaima put it? There is no doubt that it is ascribable to
the fact that the prefectural assembly is now controlled by the
opposition bloc. The decision also alludes to the government's
intention to give heed to popular will.
If the government is truly mindful of popular will, it should go a
step further. Incidentally, the Okinawa prefectural assembly that
day adopted by a majority of votes an opinion letter and a
resolution opposing the construction of the new base in the Henoko
district. There must be no objection to equating the assembly's
wishes with the popular will.
TOKYO 00002030 007 OF 010
The matter must be returned to the starting point. Why is the return
of Futenma Air Station being mentioned? Needless to say, that is
because of the danger of the air station. Questions have repeatedly
been raised about the dangerous aspects of the airfield that sits in
the middle of residential areas.
It is still fresh in our memories that in November 2003, then U.S.
Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld viewed Futenma Air Station from
the air and pointed out the danger of it. As if to prove that, a
U.S. military helicopter crashed into Okinawa International
University less than a year later. The air station remains
dangerous; no one can deny that.
The inability to find a way out of this situation comes clearly from
the negligence of lawmakers and the administration.
The matter has become complicated. The reason is simple: The return
of Futenma Air Station is based on the relocation of its functions
to another site in the prefecture. A dangerous facility remains
dangerous no matter where it is relocated.
To resolve the problem, there is no option but to remove the base
from the prefecture. In the prefectural assembly, the ruling bloc
pressed the opposition camp for a counterproposal. It was absurd.
The Japan-U.S. security setup exists to defend the safety of the
people. A base that exists for the security setup puts Okinawa
residents at risk. The people of Okinawa are seeking a solution to
that paradox. The obligation to settle the matter does not rest with
the people of Okinawa but with the governments of Japan and the
United States.
(6) Interview with U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen
Breyer: Ten months to go until introduction of citizen-judge system
in Japan; More impartiality of trial with involvement of citizens
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full)
July 23, 2008
Preparations for the introduction of a lay judge system next May are
under way, as can be seen in the holding of a mock trial involving
lay judges at the Tokyo District Court, which started on July 22.
The Tokyo Shimbun asked U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen
Breyer (69), now visiting Japan, about the meaning and impact of
citizens being involved in trials. The U.S. jury system, which
allows citizens to be involved in the judicial process, has a
history of 200 years.
Even a judge can serve as jury
-- Is it difficult to realize the involvement of citizens in the
judicial process?
"No, it isn't. Citizens are expected to take part in the judicial
process in the U.S. They actually participate in the process and are
satisfied with the results. I incidentally was also satisfied when I
served on a jury. When I was a judge of the federal appeals court,
which is equivalent to Japan's high court, I served on a jury at a
district court in my native state. Though it may be prohibited in
Japan (under the Japanese lay judge system), it is possible for
judges to serve on a jury in Massachusetts.
TOKYO 00002030 008 OF 010
Juries have their own views. They handed down a guilty verdict to a
defendant who was charged with driving under the influence of
alcohol. The judge then sentenced the person to attend a driving
school and suspended his driver's license. (U.S. juries just decide
whether defendants are guilty or not.) They do not determine
appropriate judgments. I am very interested how Japan's lay judge
system, under which lay judges also determine appropriate
punishments, will work."
-- What impact has the jury system had on the American society?
In my view, the jury system has had a positive impact on the
American society. Courts are a venue for judges to meet defendants
with troubles and listen to whatever they say. Lay juries'
involvement in such a setting helps the system work more
impartially. Furthermore, trials by juries are a good venue to teach
citizens the way justice should be carried out.
Impossible to silence juries
-- In Japan, lay judges have a duty to keep deliberating
(discussions held between judges and lay judges during a trial
process) about their cases. However, juries in the U.S. are not
allowed to speak about the details of their deliberations. Why is
that?
"It is difficult to silence juries. We know from our experience that
there would be no major problems even if they speak about their
concerns. In addition, attorneys sometimes learn from juries. In my
view, it is better for juries not to reveal confidential
discussions. However, there is no way to silence them."
-- You handled the Watergate case in 1972, which forced former
President Nixon to step down.
"I worked as an assistant to a special prosecutor (independent of
the government) for several months. He was loyal to his job. It is
difficult to investigate cases that could bring a serious political
result. However, I learned from that prosecutor that cases like that
require cool-headedness and sincerity. We must not protect or hurt
someone availing ourselves of our position. It is important to
pursue the facts."
-- What do you value as a U.S. Supreme Court associate justice?
"Judgments we have made or will make will have an impact on the U.S.
as a whole, where various ethnic groups with different values live
together, based on the consensus that they abide by the law. As
such, we must not make rigid judgments. Our judgments must be such
that help the state stay united.
(7) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi:
Government Tax Commission begins debate to revise inheritance tax
Mainichi, Yomiuri & Sankei:
Woman dies after being stabbed at bookstore in Hachioji
Nikkei & Tokyo Shimbun:
At least 3.9 trillion yen combined fiscal deficit for central and
local governments projected for FY2011
TOKYO 00002030 009 OF 010
Akahata:
JCP holds lecture meeting on 86th anniversary of founding
(8) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Heavy security for Beijing Olympics underscores China's serious
issues
(2) We need rewarding jobs
Mainichi:
(1) Social unrest in China cannot be resolved by Olympic patriotism
(2) Cabinet shuffle with Lower House dissolution in mind would be
welcome
Yomiuri:
(1) Economy white paper sidesteps key issues
(2) Pass down the joy of books
Nikkei:
(1) Structural reform leads to improvement in employment
(2) System failure damages confidence in Tokyo Stock Exchange
Sankei:
(1) Bus explosions in China: Protect security and human rights
(2) Daughter kills father: Need to build good relations between
parents and children
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Performance-based pay: Don't rob people of their will to work
(2) Arrest of Karadzic: Good opportunity for Balkan stability
Akahata:
(1) Japan must reject U.S. demands for increased military spending
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, July 22
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
July 23, 2008
09:31
Attended an LDP executive meeting at LDP headquarters.
10:00
Attended a cabinet meeting at the Kantei. Afterward met Chief
Cabinet Secretary Machimura, followed by Deputy Chief Cabinet
Secretary Futahashi.
11:03
Met Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Ota and Assistant Chief
Cabinet Secretary Saka. Ota stayed on.
12:24
Met Machimura.
14:15
Met Cabinet Intelligence Director Mitsuya, followed by Consumer
Administration Promotion Minister Kishida.
15:04
Met Ambassador to the European Union Onoda, Ambassador to Kazakhstan
TOKYO 00002030 010 OF 010
Natsui, and Ambassador to Malawi Noro.
15:28
Met LDP Reform Headquarters chief Takebe.
16:11
Met LDP Foreign Affairs Research Commission Chairman Yamasaki.
16:31
Attended a meeting of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy.
17:37
Met outgoing and incoming vice-environment minister Nishio and
Tamura, followed by LDP Secretary General Ibuki.
18:23
Returned to his official residence.
ZUMWALT