THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe returned to Japan on Monday and faced a heated Diet session after indicating he would resign if the anti-terrorism special measures law is not extended.
In Sydney, Abe said Sunday that extending the law, which allows the Maritime Self-Defense Force to refuel vessels in the Indian Ocean in the war against terrorism in Afghanistan, is Japan's responsibility to the international community.
"The situation in the Diet is extremely difficult, but I have great responsibilities now that it has become an international commitment, putting my job job on the line," he said.
Asked if the Cabinet would resign en masse if the MSDF activities are not extended past the anti-terror law's Nov. 1 expiry date, Abe said: "I must make every effort to carry out my responsibilities. Naturally, I will not cling to my duties (as prime minister)."
An extraordinary Diet session opened today in which the special measures law is expected to be the main topic of debate.
Opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan), which gained a majority in the Upper House after the July 29 election, plans to oppose the extension.
Abe was in Sydney for a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
On the sidelines, he met Saturday with President George W. Bush and said he will make every effort to continue the MSDF's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean.
Bush noted that Japan's cooperation is indispensable for the international community.
Abe told Sunday's news conference, "In submitting the bill (to extend the law), we will work to the fullest in order to obtain understanding, especially of Minshuto."
The prime minister also said he plans to seek a meeting with Minshuto President Ichiro Ozawa "as soon as possible."
On Saturday, Abe called the extension of the special measures law an "external commitment," saying the MSDF mission is Japan's responsibility to international society and stressed that it was not a commitment only to the United States.
He also said he was not thinking about dissolving the Lower House.(IHT/Asahi: September 10,2007)
My comment
Finally Prime Minister Abe referred to his duty. He adheres the extension of the anti-terrorism special measures law. Officially Abe told that Japan should cooperate with US in order to take off the threat of the terrorism and as a member of international community. But the bottom line is that Japan intends to solve the abduction issue connected with North Korea in cooperation with US.
At Six-Party Talks US comes to terms the removal North Korea from terrorism list instead of abandoning nucleus-related institutions. So I think US may change its position if US doesn’t regard the abduction issue as the national interest.
I’m wondering if the extension of the anti-terrorism special measures law serves the national interest for Japan.
On and on, I’m noticing that the current of Abe cabinet and Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan).
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2 comments:
According to Asahi, the prime minister Abe manifested giving up his job, have you heard that?
Yes, I heard! I'm very surprised at sudden news. I'm wondering why PM Abe resign in that time.
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