韓国大統領発言 日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 17, 2012)
Lee's remarks could paralyze Japan-South Korea relations
韓国大統領発言　日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する（8月16日付・読売社説）

No matter how much South Korea stresses it wants a "future-oriented" relationship with Japan, Seoul's diplomacy toward Tokyo always hits a snag due to historical perceptions and territorial issues.
　どんなに「未来志向」を強調しようとも、結局、歴史認識問題や領土問題で、対日外交が暗礁に乗り上げる。

It seems that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak was unable to escape from this pattern, which has been repeated by his country's previous administrations.
　韓国の歴代政権が繰り返したパターンから、李明博大統領も逃れることはできなかったということだろう。

Following his visit to the Takeshima islands last week, Lee indicated Tuesday that an apology from the bottom of the Emperor's heart to independence activists is a condition for the Emperor to visit South Korea.
　先週の竹島訪問に次いで、今度は、「独立運動家への心からの謝罪」が天皇陛下の訪韓の条件だとする李大統領の発言である。

We have to say Lee's remark is unbecoming to the head of a Japanese ally.
　友邦の国家元首らしからぬ言動と言わざるを得ない。

We are concerned that the Japan-South Korea relationship, which cooled due to Lee's Takeshima visit, will deteriorate further and the estrangement will be prolonged.
　大統領の竹島上陸で冷え込んだ日韓関係が一段と悪化し、それが長期化することも懸念される。

It is very irresponsible for Lee, who has only six months left in his term, to commit himself with words and actions that could create problems for the future bilateral relationship.
　あと半年しか任期が残っていない大統領が、日韓関係の将来に禍根を残すような言動をとるのは、無責任に過ぎよう。

After Japan and South Korea normalized diplomatic relations in 1965, former South Korean presidents, starting with Chun Doo Hwan in 1984, visited Japan and met with the Emperor. In 1990, Seoul formally invited the Emperor to visit South Korea.
　１９６５年の日韓国交正常化以降、韓国の大統領は、８４年の全斗煥氏を最初に、歴代、日本を訪れ、天皇陛下と会っている。９０年には天皇訪韓を公式に招請した。

===

President changes tune

Lee himself invited the Emperor to visit his country while he was on an official visit to Japan in 2008. He also showed eagerness to realize the Emperor's visit to South Korea in 2010, the centennial year of Japan's annexation of Korea.
　李大統領自身、２００８年の来日時に訪韓を招請した。日韓併合から１００年にあたる１０年の訪韓実現へ意欲を見せてもいた。

It has been reported that Lee went so far as to say during a meeting with a group of schoolteachers, "The Emperor doesn't need [to visit South Korea] if he is coming just to express his 'deepest regret.'" Lee was apparently referring to a term used by the Emperor at a banquet at the Imperial Palace for then South Korean President Roh Tae Woo during his visit to Japan 22 years ago.
　李大統領は、教員らとの会合で、「『痛惜の念』という言葉だけなら（天皇訪韓の）必要はない」とまで述べたという。２２年前、当時の盧泰愚大統領が来日した時の、宮中晩さん会における陛下のお言葉を指したものだ。

The side that invited the Emperor set a condition afterward and said he does not need to come if the condition is not met. Such an attitude is extremely impolite.
　招いた方が、後になって条件をつけ、それが満たされないなら来る必要はない、というのはあまりにも礼を失している。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Lee's remark was "hard to understand and regrettable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said, "Making unconstructive remarks goes against South Korea's own interests."
　野田首相は「理解に苦しむ発言で、遺憾だ」と述べ、藤村官房長官も「韓国側が非建設的な発言をすることは韓国自身のためにもならない」と指摘した。

It is only natural that the Japanese government lodged a protest with the South Korean government.
日本政府が韓国に抗議したのは当然だ。

It is desirable for the Emperor's visit to South Korea to be realized in a way that it can be accepted naturally by the people of the two countries. As a result, there is no option but to shelve a possible visit by the Emperor to South Korea for the time being.
　天皇訪韓は、両国民によって自然に受け止められるような形で実現することが望ましい。
　それなら、天皇訪韓問題は、当面、棚上げにするしかない。

===

'Comfort women' issue settled

In a speech Wednesday during a ceremony to commemorate Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee reiterated his demand that the Japanese government take "responsible measures" on the issue of so-called comfort women.
　李大統領は１５日には、日本の植民地支配からの解放を記念する式典で演説し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題で「責任ある措置」をとるよう、改めて日本に求めた。

Against the backdrop of South Korean public opinion, Lee has urged Noda to apologize to victims and pay compensation. But as far as the right to claim compensation is concerned, it was fully and finally settled when the two countries normalized diplomatic ties.
　韓国の世論を背景に、大統領が被害者への謝罪や補償などを野田首相に促してきた経緯があるが、請求権問題についていえば、国交正常化の際に、すでに完全かつ最終的に解決ずみだ。

When it comes to territorial and comfort women issues, Japan and South Korea must calmly discuss history based on accurate facts.
　領土問題にせよ、慰安婦問題にせよ、日韓両国は、正確な事実関係を踏まえた冷静な歴史論議をしなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2012)
（2012年8月16日02時35分 読売新聞）

８月１５日 「史実」の国際理解を広げたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 16, 2012)
Govt must explain historical facts to the rest of the world
８月１５日　「史実」の国際理解を広げたい（8月15日付・読売社説）

　◆日本の発信・説得力が問われる◆

Sixty-seven years have passed since then. Today marks the anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan. This is a day to remember the war dead who laid the foundation for Japan's postwar prosperity.
　あれから６７年。終戦の日を迎えた。繁栄する日本の礎となった戦没者を追悼する一日である。

But almost as if to coincide with this day, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak brazenly visited the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture without any hesitation. We consider his visit extremely regrettable.
　ところが、この日に照準を合わせたかのように韓国の李明博大統領が島根県・竹島への訪問を強行して、はばかるところがない。極めて残念だ。

Why did South Korea make such an outrageous move at this particular time?
　なぜ今、韓国がこうした暴挙に出たのだろうか。

Lee flaunted Seoul's effective control of the islets over which Japan and South Korea remain locked in a standoff over territorial rights. He also referred to the issue of the so-called wartime comfort women. He asserted that Japan has failed to show sincerity on the issue, although it has been raised during a summit meeting with the Japanese prime minister.
　李大統領は、領有権をめぐる日韓対立が続く竹島の支配を誇示するとともに、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題に言及した。首脳会談で提起したのに日本政府が「誠意を示していない」とも語っている。

===

Anti-Japan feeling whipped up
　◆あおられた反日感情◆

It is generally believed that Lee, who has seen his influence wane as his term as president draws to a close, was attempting to show his "achievement" as the first South Korean head of state to visit the Takeshima islands.
　政権末期で求心力を失った李大統領は、「初めて竹島を訪問した国家元首」という“業績”を残そうとしたとの見方が一般的だ。

Deep-rooted anti-Japan sentiment remains in South Korea, which was once under Japan's colonial rule. Lee's actions also can be perceived as populism designed to tap that national sentiment.
　日本の植民地支配を受けた韓国には根強い「反日感情」がある。そこに訴えた大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）とも言えよう。

During the London Olympics, a South Korean soccer player held up a paper sign reading "Dokdo is our land" while celebrating his team's win over Japan in the third-place playoff. The Takeshima islands are called Dokdo in South Korea. The player's act was blatantly a political activity at a games venue, which is prohibited by the Olympic Charter.
　ロンドン五輪で男子サッカーの３位を決める日韓戦の後、勝利した韓国の一選手が「独島（竹島の韓国側呼称）はわが領土」と書いた紙を掲げる一幕があった。五輪憲章が禁止する、競技会場での政治的活動であるのは明らかだ。

There is no doubt that Lee's recent actions have recklessly whipped up nationalism among the South Korean people.
　李大統領の行動が、韓国国民のナショナリズムをいたずらにかきたてたのは間違いない。

Japan-South Korea relations, which appear to be sound, are actually fragile and could suddenly collapse when issues of historical perceptions become politicized. Both sides must make efforts to overcome differences in their perceptions of history and build a constructive relationship.
　良好に見える日韓関係も、政治に歴史認識問題が絡むと、一気に崩れる脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さをはらんでいる。歴史認識の違いを乗り越え、建設的な関係を築いていく努力が日韓双方に必要である。

Meanwhile, South Korea has hosted a summit meeting of the Group of 20 major economies as well as the Nuclear Security Summit. The post of U.N. secretary general is held by a South Korean. That nation has produced many world-class companies, such as Samsung and Hyundai Motor Co., that rival Japanese companies.
　一方、韓国は主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議や核安全サミットの主催国ともなった。国連事務総長には韓国人が就任している。サムスンや現代自動車など日本企業に匹敵する世界的な企業も数多く誕生した。

Lee himself said Japan no longer wields the international influence it once did. It should be noted that Seoul apparently is attaching less importance to some aspects of its relations with Japan as a result of confidence bred by South Korea's rapid economic growth.
　大統領自身、「日本はかつてのような国際的な影響力はない」と述べている。韓国が急速な経済成長を遂げた結果、以前ほど日本との関係を重視しなくなった面にも留意しなければなるまい。

Japan intends to file a suit on the Takeshima issue with the International Court of Justice. At the same time, we believe the government should strongly urge Seoul to refrain from making further efforts to impose its illegal occupation of the islands.
　日本は竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針だ。同時に、韓国に対して、不法占拠をこれ以上強化しないよう強く自制を求めるべきである。

===

Territorial dispute with Russia
　◆領土問題に積極姿勢を◆

A territorial dispute is also causing friction in Japan's relations with Russia.
　ロシアとの関係でも、同様の問題が浮上している。

In November 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kunashiri--one of the four islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan but which have been held by Russia since the end of World War II. In July this year, Medvedev, this time as prime minister, conducted an inspection tour of the same island.
　一昨年１１月、当時のメドベージェフ露大統領は北方領土の国後島を訪れた。今年７月にも再び首相として国後島を視察している。

Moscow probably wants to demonstrate to people at home and overseas that Russia acquired the islands--the northern territories of Japan--as a result of the war and has been promoting development projects there on its own.
　ロシア側は先の大戦の結果として北方領土を領有し、しかも独自に開発を進めていることを内外にアピールしたいのだろう。

Moreover, in view of the fact that Russia's oil and natural gas development projects in Sakhalin in the Russian Far East have been proceeding steadily, Moscow apparently is telling Tokyo it will no longer need Japan's assistance in developing the four islands.
　さらに、極東サハリン州で石油・天然ガス開発は着実に進んでおり、もはや北方領土への日本の支援は必要ない、と日本を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもうかがえる。

In fact, South Korean firms have taken part in development projects on Etorofu and Shikotan islands. If the situation continues like this, the "Russianization" of the northern territories will only advance further.
　実際、択捉島や色丹島では、韓国の企業が開発に参画している。このままでは北方領土の「ロシア化」が進むのは避けられない。

On the other hand, bolstering Japan-Russia relations will be indispensable in countering China, which has been increasing its presence through its growing economic and military might.
　一方で、経済・軍事力で膨張を続ける中国に向き合うためにも、日露関係の強化は欠かせない。

The government must rework its strategy for resolving the territorial dispute with Moscow from many angles.
　政府は、複眼的な視点に立って北方領土問題解決への戦略を練り直さなければならない。

Historical claims made by South Korea and Russia are being heard over the world. The Japanese government should handle these territorial issues with a stronger sense of urgency.
　韓国やロシアの主張する「歴史」が世界に拡散しつつある。日本政府は、もっと危機感を持って対処すべきである。

A cenotaph for the comfort women was installed at a public library in a small town near New York City in 2010. An inscription on the plaque reads: "In memory of the more than 200,000 women and girls who were abducted by the armed forces of the government of Imperial Japan."
　一昨年、米国ニューヨーク近郊の小さな町の公立図書館に「日本軍に拉致された２０万人以上の女性と少女のために」などと記された慰安婦の碑が設置された。

Korean-Americans have been promoting the movement to build such cenotaphs in various parts of the United States. The movement is apparently aimed at generating pressure on Japan from the United States.
　韓国系米国人によって、こうした碑を米国各地に建設する運動が進められている。米国発の対日圧力を強めるのが狙いだろう。

The comfort women issue became more prominent following a statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993.
　慰安婦問題がここまで広がっている根底には、１９９３年の河野官房長官談話の存在がある。

===

Kono's remarks problematic
　◆誤解広める河野談話◆

His statement included a portion indicating as if the women were systematically and forcibly made comfort women by Japanese authorities at the time. This opened the door to greater misunderstanding on the issue. In the end, no documents that could prove there was any truth to what Kono had suggested have been found.
　日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述があり、誤解を広めることになった。しかし、結局、こうした事実を裏付ける資料的な根拠は見つからなかった。

It has been widely publicized in the United States that Korean girls and women were abducted by the Japanese military and used as comfort women. Due to the existence of Kono's statement, the Japanese government cannot refute this effectively. This is extremely problematic.
　「日本軍によって拉致され、慰安婦にされた」と米国で喧伝(けんでん)されているが、この談話の存在のため、日本政府が有効な反論ができないことは極めて問題である。

Tokyo should thoroughly explain both at home and abroad the historical facts and background surrounding the Takeshima, northern territories and comfort women issues.
　日本政府は、竹島、北方領土、そして慰安婦などの歴史の事実関係を、国内はもとより、広く海外にも説明すべきだ。

In August, when we remember the end of the war, it is essential to disseminate Japan's position on these issues to the international community in an effort to seek its understanding and support.
　終戦を思い起こす８月の機会に、国際社会に日本の立場を積極的に発信し、理解と支持を獲得していくことが大切である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 15, 2012)
（2012年8月15日01時37分 読売新聞）

ＧＤＰ減速 景気優先の政策対応を急げ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 15, 2012)
Govt, BOJ must act quickly to shore up economy
ＧＤＰ減速　景気優先の政策対応を急げ（8月14日付・読売社説）

The nation's economic growth, which had been buoyed by demand for reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami disasters, has slowed down.
　東日本大震災の復興需要などに下支えされた経済成長が、減速した。

Concerning the economic outlook, the government said, "Mild growth is expected to continue." But no optimism is warranted.
　今後の景気について政府は「緩やかな成長が続く」としているが、油断は禁物だろう。

The government and the Bank of Japan should strengthen economy-boosting policies and realize stable growth led by private demand.
　政府・日銀は、景気優先の政策運営を強化し、民需が主導する安定成長の実現を図るべきだ。

The real gross domestic product for the April-June period increased 0.3 percent over the previous quarter, marking the fourth straight quarter of growth. But the pace slackened from the 1.3 percent growth recorded in the previous quarter. The nominal growth rate, which reflects economic conditions more vividly than the real economic growth rate, dropped into negative territory for the first time in two quarters.
　今年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比０・３％増と、４四半期連続でプラス成長を維持したものの、成長率は前期の１・３％から鈍化した。景気の実感に近い名目成長率は２期ぶりにマイナスに落ち込んだ。

The standstill in growth is attributed to the stagnation of consumer spending, which accounts for a major portion of domestic demand. New car sales were brisk thanks to government subsidies for purchases of fuel-efficient eco-friendly vehicles. But overall consumer spending did not fare well due to the bad weather and the drop in workers' income, among other factors.
　成長が足踏みした要因は、内需の柱である消費の低迷にある。低燃費車の購入を支援するエコカー補助金の効果で新車の販売は好調だったが、天候不順や労働者の所得減少などが響いて、消費全体は振るわなかった。

===

Grim outlook ahead

The eco-car subsidies, which have been a lifeline for domestic consumption, are likely to be cut off in September as the budget set aside for that purpose runs out. This makes it impossible to dispel concern that the economy will slow down further in autumn.
　頼みのエコカー補助金も、９月には予算が底をつき、打ち切られる見通しという。秋から消費がさらに冷え込む懸念は拭えない。

The growth rate for public investment, which had been robust in disaster-stricken areas, shrank. The signs of decline emerging in domestic demand, which is said to be sustained by government spending for purposes such as reconstruction, are a cause for concern.
　被災地などを中心に堅調だった公共投資も伸び率が縮小した。復興予算など財政に支えられているはずの内需に、陰りが出てきたのは気がかりだ。

Prospects are also growing uncertain over foreign demand. Japan's exports slackened due to the slowdown of the world economy, particularly that of Europe, and domestic industrial production declined for the third straight month in June.
　一方の外需も不透明感が増してきた。欧州をはじめ世界経済の減速の影響で輸出が低迷し、国内の工業生産は、６月まで３か月連続で減少した。

To prevent the economy from losing steam, the government should adopt policies that back up private-sector economic activity.
　景気を失速させないようにするには、民間の経済活動を後押しする政策対応が求められる。

It will also be necessary to rectify the strength of the yen, which has risen to historic highs, to save the export industry from the predicament it now faces. We hope the government and the central bank will look into the possibility of market intervention and further easing of monetary policy. We suggest that they positively study measures, such as the central bank's purchase of foreign government bonds, that will lead to selling of the yen and buying of the U.S. dollar.
　歴史的な円高を是正し、輸出産業を窮地から救う必要がある。政府・日銀は市場介入や追加的な金融緩和策を検討してもらいたい。円売り・ドル買いにつながる日銀の外債購入など、新たな方策について前向きに考えてはどうか。

===

Aggressive policies vital

It will be essential to strengthen aggressive policies such as promoting overseas investment by taking advantage of the yen's strength.
　円高のメリットを生かした海外投資の促進など、攻めの政策も一段と強化したい。

Nearly all of the nation's nuclear reactors currently stand idle, leaving the power supply still in limbo. It is feared that the possibility of power shortages will restrain domestic production and investment, further accelerating the hollowing out of industry. Reactors must be put back into operation in rapid succession as soon as their safety is confirmed.
　ほとんどの原子力発電所が運転を再開できず、電力不足は依然として深刻だ。国内の生産や投資が抑制され、産業空洞化が一層加速しよう。安全を確認できた原発を順次、再稼働すべきである。

It will also be important to push ahead with a growth strategy by working to expand free trade through participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework talks, lowering the corporate tax rate and promoting deregulation for fostering of new industries.
　環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加による自由貿易の拡大や法人税率の引き下げ、新産業の育成に向けた規制緩和など、成長戦略の推進も重要となる。

The delay in implementing policies due to the confrontation between ruling and opposition parties over a dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election is another factor in the uncertain economic outlook.
　衆院解散をにらんで与野党が対立し、政策実現が遅れることも、景気の不安材料だ。

The government and ruling parties must work hard to achieve early legislation of important bills, including a special bill for issuance of deficit-covering bonds that is indispensable to the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year.
政府・与党は今年度予算の執行に欠かせない特例公債法案など、重要法案の成立を急がねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2012)
（2012年8月14日01時32分 読売新聞）

終盤国会 民自公で残る懸案に取り組め

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 14, 2012)
Parties must tackle remaining issues before end of Diet session
終盤国会　民自公で残る懸案に取り組め（8月13日付・読売社説）

The passage rate of bills submitted by the government during the current ordinary Diet session is only 48 percent. Many observers doubt whether it will even reach the record-low 54 percent seen in the 2010 ordinary Diet session.
　政府が今通常国会に提出した法案の成立率が現在、４８％にとどまっている。過去最低となった２０１０年通常国会の５４％に届くかどうかも危ぶまれている状況だ。

Poor management of Diet affairs by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and resistance of the opposition parties, triggered by censure against two cabinet ministers, have stagnated deliberations on bills.
　民主党の稚拙な国会運営や、２閣僚問責を契機とした野党の抵抗が法案審議停滞の原因である。

A large number of issues need to be dealt with in the final phase of the current Diet session. We expect the DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to maintain their current partnership and achieve tangible results.
　終盤国会で処理すべき懸案は、数多い。民主、自民、公明３党は現在の連携を堅持し、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。

Only three weeks--if the Bon holiday period is excluded--remain to discuss bills before the end of the current session on Sept. 8.
　お盆休みを除けば、９月８日の会期末まで実質的に審議できるのは３週間程度しかない。

===

Prioritize important bills

Diet members have to identify important bills and deliberate them efficiently. These include a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and bills on the revision of the Public Offices Election Law to alleviate disparity in the value of votes by reducing the number of seats at the House of Representatives by five.
　赤字国債発行を認める特例公債法案や、衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正する「０増５減」の公職選挙法改正案など重要法案を絞り、効率良く審議する必要がある。

For instance, the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito have agreed on the early passage of bills to create a common personal identification number for social security and taxation systems, which is necessary for comprehensive reform of those systems, and to realize an Osaka metropolis.
　例えば、一体改革に欠かせない社会保障と税の共通番号（マイナンバー）を創設する法案や、「大阪都構想」のための法案について、少なくとも民自公３党は早期実現の方向で一致している。

The three parties must also recognize the urgency of Diet agreement on personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission.
　原子力規制委員会人事の国会同意についても、３党は緊急性の認識を共有しているはずだ。

Why has Diet agreement on the personnel appointments proposed by the government in late July been put off?
　にもかかわらず、政府が７月下旬に提案した同意人事案を放置しているのはどうしたことか。

If the launch of the commission scheduled for September is postponed, it might delay the safety inspections necessary for reactivation of idle nuclear reactors.
９月予定の規制委発足がずれ込めば、原子力発電所再稼働の前提となる安全性審査が遅れかねない。

It is also intolerable the Diet failed to approve international treaties.
　条約承認の停滞も目に余る。

The government has submitted 11 bills in the current session on international treaties for Diet approval, including the Hague Convention on treatment of children when international marriages fail.
　国際結婚が破綻した場合の子の扱いを定めるハーグ条約など、今国会には１１本の条約承認案が提出されている。

However, none have been approved so far, due to confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The Diet cannot escape criticism for being negligent in its duty.
　しかし、衆院外務委員会での与野党対立のあおりを受け、いまだに１本も成立していない。国会として怠慢のそしりは免れまい。

===

TPP, energy also on agenda

There is also a mountain of political issues other than bills, which require consensus building between the ruling and opposition parties.
　法案以外にも、与野党の調整を必要とする重要な政策課題は山積している。

They include possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade agreement, the realization of a new energy policy, including the role of nuclear power, and mid- and long-term reform of the public pension system.
　アジアの成長を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、原子力の活用を含む新エネルギー政策の実現、中長期的な年金制度の改革などである。

None of the issues can move forward without a stable political foundation where the national leader can look resolutely forward.
　いずれも、将来を見据えられる、安定的な政治基盤がなければ、前に動かすことはできない。

It is a grave fact that neither the DPJ nor the LDP and Komeito have a majority in the House of Councillors. 　参院では、民主党も自公両党も過半数を握っていないという事実は重い。

Whatever election pledges or policy issues the three parties make in the next lower house election, they cannot be realized and will become empty promises without a tripartite partnership among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition maintains control of the upper house.
次期衆院選でどのような政権公約や政策課題を掲げても、衆参ねじれ国会が続く状況では、３党が手を組まなければ実現できず、空証文となってしまう。

We believe it is significant for the three parties to maintain a relationship of trust as they must seek a tripartite partnership not only before, but also after the lower house election.
　衆院選をはさんでも３党連携を模索せざるを得ない以上、３党間の信頼関係を維持していくことが肝要ではないか。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2012)
（2012年8月13日01時17分 読売新聞）

大統領竹島入り 日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 13, 2012)
Lee's visit to Takeshima threatens Japan-S. Korea ties
大統領竹島入り　日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ（8月12日付・読売社説）

South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went ahead with a visit to the Takeshima islands in the Sea of Japan on Friday. The islets are part of Japan's sovereign territory but illegally occupied by South Korea.
　日本固有の領土で、韓国が不法占拠している竹島に、韓国の李明博大統領が上陸を強行した。

If a head of state visits an area of land whose sovereignty is also claimed by another country, the act can be considered provocative, as it blatantly disregards the other nation. It is inevitable that Lee's visit will erode the trust Japan and South Korea have built until now and cool bilateral relations.
　係争中の領土を一方の国家元首が踏めば、相手国を度外視した暴挙と言える。日韓関係も、これまで築いてきた信頼は損なわれ、冷却化は避けられない。

Soon after assuming the presidency, Lee focused on cultivating mature relations with Japan. He maintained a pragmatic, forward-looking stance and was dedicated to strengthening ties with his neighbor.
　李大統領は就任当初から「成熟した日韓関係」を重視してきた。実務的で未来志向が強く、日本との連携強化に熱心だった。

However, Lee spoiled his progressive reputation when he brought up the so-called comfort women issue again during talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in December last year. We cannot help but feel more disappointment over the South Korean president's latest indiscretion.
　だが、昨年１２月の日韓首脳会談で従軍慰安婦問題を蒸し返し、高かった評価を帳消しにした。今回の大統領の短慮には、一層の失望を禁じ得ない。

===

Japan should take firm stance

As territorial issues pertain to state sovereignty, the government should not treat Lee's visit lightly.
　領土問題は国の主権に関わる。ゆるがせにしてはならない。

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba summoned the South Korean ambassador to Japan to file a complaint on the matter and temporarily recalled Japanese Ambassador to Seoul Masatoshi Muto. He also made clear the government's intention to refer the Takeshima issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. These were natural diplomatic countermoves.
　玄葉外相が、韓国の駐日大使を呼んで強く抗議し、武藤駐韓大使を一時帰国させた上で、国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を表明したのは、当然の外交的措置だ。

Noda expressed his strong disapproval of Lee's visit, describing it as "totally unacceptable" and saying the government would "resolutely respond" to the incident.
　野田首相も「到底受け入れることはできない」と不快感を示し、「毅然(きぜん)とした対応」をとる方針を表明した。

The question remains as to how effective the government's response can really be.
問題は、どこまで実効性のある対応をとれるかだ。

The Takeshima islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea, are a symbol of independence and patriotism for South Koreans. However, the country's past presidents--even Lee's predecessor Roh Moo Hyun, who was known for having made many anti-Japan remarks--did not visit the disputed islands out of consideration for Japan and to prevent bilateral relations from deteriorating.
　韓国が「独島」と呼ぶ竹島は、韓国人にとっては独立・愛国の象徴的な存在だ。だが、歴代大統領は、反日的な発言が目立った盧武鉉前大統領ですら、訪問は控えてきた。日本との関係悪化を避けるための配慮があったからだ。

Lee has now crossed the line. The president, in an apparent bid to regain popularity in his last days of presidency, pulled out the anti-Japan card. Lee's leadership has come into question recently as his brother and various close aides have been arrested or resigned from their posts over corruption and other scandals.
　その一線を李大統領は越えた。政権末期で、金銭疑惑などによる実兄や側近らの相次ぐ逮捕、辞任によって求心力が著しく低下する中、人気回復を図ろうと「反日カード」を切った側面があろう。

South Korea's ruling camp might have felt pressured to show hostility toward Japan because opposition parties have been displaying a more confrontational stance against the nation as South Korea's presidential election approaches in December.
　１２月には大統領選が行われる。野党側が反日色を強める中、与党陣営で何らかの対応を迫られていた事情もあるのかもしれない。

===

Govt's leniency also to blame

Japan is also indirectly responsible for the incident. The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been lenient in its diplomatic approach toward Russia over the disputed northern territories.
　だが、今回の事態を招いた遠因は、日本側にもある。民主党政権の対ロシア外交にみられる北方領土問題への対応の甘さだ。

The government was unable to prevent former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev from visiting Kunashiri Island, one of the four islets claimed by Japan, two years ago. It also failed to prevent his subsequent visit to the island in July after he became prime minister.
　２年前、当時の大統領だったメドベージェフ氏の国後島訪問を許した。今年７月には、首相となったメドベージェフ氏の再訪を防ぐことができなかった。

The government said it would take "appropriate steps" when Medvedev first visited the island. However, its later stance toward the issue failed to encourage Russia to exercise restraint.
　日本政府は「適切な対応をとる」と口にこそしたが、その後の展開はロシアの自制につながっていない。

It is only natural South Korea has exploited the fact that Japan's diplomatic relations with the United States and China have been faltering.
対米関係も対中関係も弱体化した日本が、韓国から足元を見られても不思議ではない。

It is also concerning that South Korea has been conducting military exercises near Takeshima in recent years. The government should monitor such developments to ensure they do not lead to the acceleration of the islands' position as a strategic military base, while also calling on Seoul to refrain from further provocations.
　懸念されるのは、韓国が竹島の周辺で近年、軍事訓練を行っていることだ。島の軍事化につながる動きなのか、注視するとともに、韓国には自制を強く求めたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 12, 2012)
（2012年8月12日01時36分 読売新聞）

一体改革法成立 財政健全化へ歴史的な一歩だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 12, 2012)
Tax bill passage historic step toward fiscal soundness
一体改革法成立　財政健全化へ歴史的な一歩だ（8月11日付・読売社説）

　◆首相の「国益優先」を支持する◆

The nation has taken a historic step toward solving the long-standing task of rehabilitating its heavily indebted public finances.
　借金体質の国家財政を健全化するという長年の懸案の解決に向けて、歴史的な一歩である。

The Diet has enacted legislation to comprehensively reform the social security and tax systems, including a consumption tax hike. The bills were passed by the House of Councillors with support mainly from three parties--the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
　消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法が参院本会議で、民主、自民、公明３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。

After more than 200 hours were spent on deliberations in both chambers of the Diet, the legislation was passed by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers. We regard the move highly and hope it will prove to be a turning point in the nation's stagnated politics.
　審議に２００時間以上をかけ、圧倒的多数の賛成で成立させた。高く評価したい。先送りを続けてきた政治に転機をもたらすことを期待する。

===

3 parties share responsibility
　◆消費増税に共同の責任◆

At a press conference following the enactment of the bills Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda first referred to the DPJ's election manifesto, saying, "I'd like to deeply apologize that the [manifesto] did not mention consumption tax increases."
　野田首相は法成立後の記者会見の冒頭、民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に言及し、「消費税引き上げを記載していなかったことを深くおわびしたい」と述べた。

The work to implement the reform, which imposes a burden on the public, has just started. The government needs to work sincerely to broaden public understanding of the need for the changes.
　国民に負担を求める改革は緒に就いたばかりだ。真摯(しんし)な姿勢で国民の理解を広げる必要がある。

With the legislation enacted, the consumption tax rate will be raised in two stages from the current 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014 and then to 10 percent in October 2015.
　消費税率引き上げ法の成立によって、現行５％の税率は２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へと段階的に引き上げられる。

Before the tax rate is increased, elections will be held for both houses of the Diet.
　それまでに衆院選と参院選が確実に行われる。

The sales tax hike is expected to become a contentious issue in the elections. Even though the election results may lead to a change of government and tax-hike opponents may gain momentum, the three major parties should continue to share responsibility for doubling the consumption tax.
　消費増税の是非が争点になるだろう。選挙の結果、政権が代わり、反増税の勢力が台頭しようとも、民自公３党は「消費税１０％」の実現まで責任を共有するべきである。

LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki has said the agreement reached by the three parties before the bills' enactment also covers economic measures intended to lay the groundwork for the tax increases.
　自民党の谷垣総裁は、３党合意には、消費税引き上げの環境を整えるための経済対策も含まれるとの見解を示している。

Amid growing instability of the world economy, the nation must prevent the value of its government bonds from nosediving. It is vital to boost the credibility of the bonds by drawing up a solid road map for restructuring public finances.
　世界経済が不安定さを増す中、日本の国債が暴落する事態は回避しなければならない。財政再建へ確かな道筋をつけ、国債の信認を高めていくことが肝要である。

The government is now expected to work out measures for low-income earners, which will be aimed at helping offset their burden from the tax increases, through year-end discussions on tax reform steps for fiscal 2013.
　増税に伴う低所得者対策については、年末の１３年度税制改正に向けた議論で詰めることになる。

Reduced tax rates for certain items such as food should be introduced when the sales tax is raised to 8 percent. To protect the culture of printed matter and democracy, such measures should also be considered for newspapers and books.
　食料品などの消費税を低くする軽減税率は８％への引き上げ時に導入すべきだ。活字文化と民主主義を守るため、新聞や書籍への適用も検討しなければならない。

Meanwhile, progress is likely to be made in reform of the social security system. A comprehensive child-rearing support plan would aim to reconstruct current social security measures and reallocate budgetary spending that now disproportionately focuses on the elderly. This reallocation would allow every generation to benefit from spending. The pension system is also expected to be revamped significantly by such steps as making part-time workers eligible for employee pension plans.
　社会保障制度改革は、着実に前進する。総合的な子育て支援策は、高齢者向けに偏っている社会保障政策と財源を全世代型に再構築するものだ。年金制度も、パート労働者への厚生年金適用拡大など、懸案がかなり改善に向かう。

Opponents of the reform legislation who criticize "raising the tax before addressing social security system reform" are wide of the mark.
　「増税先行」の批判は当たらない。

To counter such criticism, the three parties must swiftly launch the planned national council for revamping the social security system to start nationwide discussion of the feasibility of mid- and long-term systemic changes in social security arrangements. Discussion of the advisability of cutting back on social welfare benefits to boost efficiency of social welfare services, a subject that was not discussed in the three-party talks, is a must.
３党は社会保障制度改革国民会議を速やかに発足させ、中長期的な制度改革の議論を始めるべきだ。今回見送った給付減などによる効率化も欠かせない。

===

Prize accord of party heads
　◆党首会談合意を大事に◆

The resolve of Prime Minister Noda--who has said he will stake his political career on realizing the reform--made passage of the tax and social security legislation possible.
　極めて困難と見られた一体改革関連法が成立したのは、まず、野田首相が「政治生命を懸ける」覚悟で取り組んだからだ。

He finally reached a de facto agreement with LDP head Tanigaki on a "dissolution by mutual consent of the House of Representatives," although the timing of the dissolution was left vague in the three-party accord, which used the phrase "sometime soon."
最後は、「近いうちに」という曖昧な表現ながら、谷垣氏と事実上の「話し合い解散」でも合意した。

During debates about the reform legislation, the fact that the DPJ's policy pledges in the 2009 general election were pies in the sky became all the more obvious, and the party was split when the lower house passed the reform bills. Intraparty moves are also growing to oust Noda from the DPJ's top post.
　この間、民主党マニフェストの破綻が露(あら)わになり、法案の衆院通過時に党は分裂した。「野田降ろし」も表面化している。

By making such a big sacrifice, the prime minister has remained unfaltering in his decision to place priority on the national interest. This is admirable.
　首相は、大きな犠牲を払いながら、ぶれずに国益優先の判断を重ねた。その姿勢は評価できる。

When the reform bills were put to a vote in the upper house on Friday, six DPJ legislators voted against them. Noda should quickly take disciplinary steps against the six to strengthen his leadership as head of the ruling party.
　参院での法案採決時には民主党の６議員が反対票を投じた。速やかに処分すべきだ。党首としての指導力を強めることになろう。

Given that the Diet is divided, with the ruling camp lacking a majority in the upper house, the role played this time by the two major opposition parties--the LDP and Komeito--was significant.
　衆参ねじれ国会の下、自民、公明両党の役割は大きかった。

Tanigaki, as chief of the largest opposition party, made a weighty decision when he chose to cooperate with the government and the ruling coalition.
　谷垣氏は野党第１党党首として政府・与党に協力するという重い決断を下した。

Only Noda and Tanigaki could have realized the accord between the ruling and opposition blocs.
野田、谷垣両氏のコンビでなければ今回の合意は実現しなかっただろう。

The DPJ, LDP and Komeito should maintain their cooperation to move the nation's politics forward so the pile of political tasks remaining can be resolved by transcending barriers between the ruling and opposition camps.
　民自公３党は、日本の政治をさらに前に動かすために連携を維持し、与野党の垣根を超えて課題解決に取り組んでもらいたい。

===

Narrowing vote gap essential
　◆格差是正が解散の前提◆

One problem in this connection is that DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, referring to Noda's pledge to the LDP and Komeito that he would "seek the public's mandate sometime soon" by dissolving the lower house over the tax and social security reforms, has publically stated that the prime minister "does not have to stick to" his commitment.
　問題なのは、野田首相が自公両党に「近いうちに国民に信を問う」と、早期解散を約束したことに関し、輿石幹事長がこだわる必要はないと発言したことである。

Koshiishi has even said the three-party agreement would be nullified should the prime minister and Tanigaki fail to win reelection in their respective parties' presidential elections to be held in September.
　輿石氏は、首相や谷垣氏が９月に迎える党首選で再選されない場合には、３党合意は無効になるとの見方も示した。

Tanigaki was understandably enraged by Koshiishi's remarks, saying Koshiishi was "utterly ignorant of the basics of party politics and should be severely criticized," thus ratcheting up the LDP's confrontational stance against the DPJ.
　谷垣氏が、この発言に「政党政治が何たるかを心得ていない。厳しく糾弾しなければならない」と激怒し、民主党との対決姿勢を強めたのも無理はない。

Koshiishi's words and deeds, which are contrary to what the prime minister desires and also make light of the prime minister's promise with the LDP and Komeito, are outrageous.
　首相の意に沿わず、自公両党との合意を軽んじるかのような輿石氏の言動は目に余る。

To ensure an environment conducive to dissolving the lower chamber for a general election, it is indispensable to reform the electoral system.
　衆院解散・総選挙の環境を整えるには選挙制度改革が不可欠だ。

The Supreme Court has ruled that the current disparity in the weight of votes between the most and least represented electoral districts is "in a state of unconstitutionality."
最高裁は現在の「１票の格差」を「違憲状態」と判断している。

Should a lower house election be held without any measures to rectify the vote disparity because the legislature abdicates its duties, the judiciary could nullify the election results because they violate the Constitution.
　国会の怠慢で、格差是正措置を講じずに衆院選に踏み切れば、憲法違反として選挙無効の判決が出る可能性も否めない。

Under the circumstances, the DPJ, LDP and Komeito must act urgently to narrow the electoral disparity by first realizing plans to reduce the number of lower house single-seat constituencies by five.
　民自公３党は、小選挙区の「０増５減」を先行実施し、格差を是正することが急務である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 11, 2012)
（2012年8月11日01時22分 読売新聞）

一体法案成立へ 首相の求心力回復が急務だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 11, 2012)
Noda must waste no time in restoring his leadership
一体法案成立へ　首相の求心力回復が急務だ（8月10日付・読売社説）

The turmoil in the Diet over the government-envisioned raising of the consumption tax rate has brought to the fore the fragility of the power base of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration. It is urgent for the prime minister to restore his leadership.
　消費税政局では、野田政権の基盤の脆(もろ)さが露呈した。首相にとっては求心力の回復が急務だ。

A set of bills for comprehensive reform of the tax and social security systems was set to pass the House of Councillors and become law, Friday.
　社会保障・税一体改革関連法案はきょう、参院で可決、成立する運びとなった。

This is because of an agreement reached Wednesday night between the heads of the Democratic Party of Japan and two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, on the need for early enactment of the reform bills.
８日の民主、自民、公明３党党首会談で、法案の早期成立で合意したことによるものだ。

We welcome this development, in which a worst-case scenario was averted in an 11th-hour compromise to avoid scrapping the bills as a result of bickering among the three parties over when to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election.
　衆院解散の時期をめぐる３党の駆け引きで成立目前の法案が葬られる、という最悪の事態を避けられたことは歓迎したい。

If the bills had been scrapped, domestic and overseas opinion of Japan's political system would have been irrevocably damaged. That would have triggered various negative repercussions, such as declines in the creditworthiness of Japanese government bonds.
　仮に法案が廃案になれば、日本の政治に対する内外の評価は決定的に悪化し、国債の信認の低下など様々な悪影響が出ただろう。

A major factor that enabled the last-ditch accord may be the fact that Noda and LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki, who have both served as finance minister, concurred on the urgent necessity of rehabilitating the government's debt-stricken finances.
　野田首相と自民党の谷垣総裁がともに財務相経験者で、財政健全化の緊急性で一致していたことが土壇場での合意を可能にした。

===

Both Noda, Tanigaki under fire

On the other hand, there is no denying that Noda and Tanigaki, each facing a party leadership election in September, are facing higher hurdles for reelection as their power bases within their respective parties have weakened because of the tripartite accord.
　一方で、両氏とも、９月に党首選を控える中、今回の合意で党内基盤が弱まり、再選のハードルが上がったのは否定できない。

The commitment Noda was driven to make to seek a mandate from the public by dissolving the lower house "sometime soon" after the Diet passes the bills has drawn fire from such intraparty groups as one headed by former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
　首相は「近いうちに国民に信を問う」と約束させられたことで、鳩山グループなどの反発を招いた。谷垣氏も、今国会中の解散を首相に確約させられず、党内の主戦論者らに不満を残した。

Tanigaki, for his part, did not win assurance from the prime minister that the lower chamber would be dissolved during the current session of the legislature, which ends Sept. 8. As a result, hard-line LDP legislators who want an early dissolution of the lower house are dissatisfied with Tanigaki.
　首相は、谷垣氏との間では一定の信頼関係を築いたが、両氏の党内統治能力に疑問符が付けられる事態に陥っている。

Although the prime minister seems to have built up mutual trust with Tanigaki, the two men's abilities to steer their intraparty affairs have been called into question.
For example, the prime minister's lack of caution has been conspicuous, as exemplified by his careless remark regarding compilation of a state budget for next fiscal year, which provoked outrage from the LDP.
　首相自身、来年度予算編成をめぐる不用意発言で自民党の怒りを買うなど、脇の甘さが目立った。

To secure cooperation in Diet affairs under the divided legislature, in which the opposition controls the upper house while the ruling camp has a majority in the lower house, the prime minister must watch his step extremely carefully.
衆参ねじれ国会で野党の協力を得るには細心の注意が必要だ。

===

LDP holds bargaining chips

There are also other causes of conflict.
　ほかにも、火種はある。

When a no-confidence motion submitted to a plenary session of the lower house against the Noda Cabinet by six minor opposition parties such as People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party was voted down Thursday, almost all LDP and Komeito lawmakers were absent or abstained from voting.
　国民の生活が第一、共産など野党６党が衆院に提出した野田内閣不信任決議案が否決された際、自民、公明両党は欠席・棄権した。

This was because the two parties were against the no-confidence motion but did not want to endorse the Noda administration by explicitly opposing it.
不信任案に賛成はできないが、反対して野田内閣を信任することも避けたいという思惑からだ。

The LDP has held such bargaining chips as submission of a censure motion against the prime minister, which it opted not to present this time, and blocking Diet approval of a government plan to issue deficit-covering bonds.
　自民党は、今回見送った問責決議案の提出や、特例公債法案の成立阻止という、政権を揺さぶるカードも手元に残している。

The DPJ and LDP also differ widely in their interpretation of the vague term "sometime soon" regarding dissolution of the lower house.
　「近いうち」の解散という玉虫色の合意をめぐる解釈も、民主、自民両党は大きく隔たっている。

While the LDP has persistently sought dissolution before the end of this Diet sitting, a great majority of the lower house members belonging to the DPJ are for holding a general election later than sooner, as the party's popularity ratings have been low.
自民党があくまで今国会での解散を求め続けているのに対し、支持率の低迷する民主党は、総選挙の先送りを望む声が大勢だ。

The different interpretations of "sometime soon" are expected to rise to the surface sooner or later, in the form of a demand from the LDP for early dissolution of the lower house, thus certainly intensifying the tug-of-war with the DPJ.
　解釈の違いはいずれ、自民党の早期解散要求という形で再び顕在化し、民主党との間で攻防が激しくなることが避けられまい。

Under these circumstances, Noda must swiftly redouble his efforts to consolidate the power base of his administration, to rack up specific achievements by addressing not only tax and social security reform but also other key pending political tasks.
　野田首相は、早急に政権の態勢を立て直すとともに、一体改革以外の重要課題にも取り組み、実績を重ねなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 10, 2012)
（2012年8月10日01時16分 読売新聞）

民自公党首合意 一体改革の再確認を評価する

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 10, 2012)
Parties should be commended for reaffirming integrated reform
民自公党首合意　一体改革の再確認を評価する（8月9日付・読売社説）

A crisis in the country's politics was narrowly averted. We commend the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for acting sensibly in dealing with the recent political impasse.
　日本政治の危機は瀬戸際で回避された。民主、自民、公明３党の党首が良識をもって対処したことを評価したい。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi agreed during a meeting Wednesday night to ensure the early passage of bills for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate. It is highly significant that the three parties united to realize "politics that do not put things off."
　野田首相と谷垣自民党総裁、山口公明党代表が８日夜会談し、消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の早期成立を期すことで一致した。「先送りしない政治」の実現を目指して３党が結束したことは、大きな意義がある。

Regarding an assurance that the House of Representatives will be dissolved, which the LDP demanded Noda give, it was agreed during the meeting that the prime minister "will seek the people's mandate sometime soon" after the Diet passes the bills. Tanigaki said after the meeting, "'Sometime soon' is a heavy term."
　党首会談では、自民党が首相に要求していた「衆院解散の確約」について、法案成立後、「近いうちに国民に信を問う」ことで落ち着いた。谷垣氏は「『近いうち』とは重い言葉だ」と語った。

It is an ambiguous expression and can be interpreted various ways, but the DPJ and LDP compromised at the last minute.
　玉虫色の表現であり、様々な解釈が可能だろうが、民主、自民両党がぎりぎりで歩み寄った。

===

Specific timing difficult

The agreement is reasonable. The right to dissolve the lower house is solely in the hands of the prime minister and it is difficult to present specific timing in advance. Many within the DPJ oppose dissolving the lower house at an early date, so Noda was unable to be more specific regarding timing.
　妥当な合意である。衆院解散は首相の専権事項であり、事前に具体的に明示することは難しい。民主党内では早期解散反対論が大勢で、首相にはこれ以上踏み込めないという事情もあった。

Tanigaki, meanwhile, laid down his arms at the last minute in keeping with the wishes of veteran LDP lawmakers who feel it would be irresponsible politics not to maintain the three-party agreement on the bills. Also, heart-to-heart talks with Noda seem to have encouraged Tanigaki to make the decision.
　谷垣氏は、土壇場で矛を収めた。「３党合意を守れなければ、責任ある政治ではない」とするベテラン議員らの意向があった。首相との腹を割った話し合いも決断を後押ししたようだ。

Both Noda and Tanigaki have, in their respective parties, groups opposing both integrated reform and their reelection as party leader. It is praiseworthy that Noda and Tanigaki affirmed they will carry out reform while their power bases are weakening.
　野田首相、谷垣氏とも、党内に一体改革や党首再選に反対する勢力を抱えている。権力基盤が弱体化している中、改革実現を改めて確認したことは評価できる。

Yamaguchi has called on the LDP to exercise self-restraint, consistently maintaining that motions such as a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet should not be submitted until the bills are enacted.
　山口氏は、「法案が成立するまでは内閣不信任決議案などを出すべきではない」と一貫して主張し、自民党に自制を促した。

Yamaguchi also said the agreement between the three parties on Wednesday "gave due consideration to the possible impact at home and abroad, and proved that [the nation's] politics is functioning." Komeito showed its dignity as a party that was in power for years.
　「内外への影響を配慮し、政治が機能することを示した」と語ったが、長年政権を担った政党としての矜持(きょうじ)を示したと言えよう。

===

Motions likely to be defeated

As the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito agreed on the early passage of the integrated reform bills, a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet and a censure motion against Noda submitted by small and midsize parties, including People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party, are expected to be voted down.
　民自公３党が法案の早期成立で一致したことで、国民の生活が第一や共産党など中小野党が提出した内閣不信任案、首相問責決議案は否決される見通しだ。

Noda expressed his appreciation to the LDP and Komeito, saying the decision by the two parties not to submit no-confidence and censure motions was weighty. The three parties should firmly maintain the unity they have reaffirmed.
　野田首相は、内閣不信任決議案などを提出しないという自公両党の決断は重いと述べ、両党に謝意を表した。再確認した３党の結束を今後も堅持してもらいたい。

The DPJ leadership should engage in serious self-reflection for having caused the recent turmoil. Although Noda vowed to stake his political life on passing the bills during the current Diet session, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi and other party executives have cast a chill over his efforts.
　民主党執行部は、こうした事態を引き起こしたことを猛省すべきである。首相が今国会での法案成立に政治生命をかけると明言しているのに、輿石幹事長らは水を差してきた。

Noda, though suffering from a low approval rating, is trying to realize the consumption tax hike and seek a mandate from the people. He should be faithful to his beliefs and not be daunted by interference from inside and outside the party.
　野田首相は、低支持率にあえぎながらも、消費増税を実現し、国民に信を問おうとしている。党内外の妨害にひるむことなく、その信念を貫くべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 9, 2012)
（2012年8月9日01時28分 読売新聞）

内閣不信任案 一体改革を党利党略で弄ぶな

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 9, 2012)
Reform bills shouldn't be exploited as political tool
内閣不信任案　一体改革を党利党略で弄ぶな（8月8日付・読売社説）

The integrated reform of the social security and tax systems is a vital issue that will determine this nation's future. We cannot allow ruling or opposition parties to toy with these matters for the sake of their own interests or political maneuvering.
　社会保障と税の一体改革は、日本の将来を左右する重要案件だ。与野党が党利党略で弄ぶことがあってはならない。

Several minor opposition parties, including the People's Life First, the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party, have submitted a joint no-confidence motion against the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to the House of Representatives and a censure motion against Noda to the House of Councillors.
　国民の生活が第一、共産、社民などの中小野党が、衆院に野田内閣不信任決議案を、参院に野田首相問責決議案を、それぞれ共同提出した。

In opposing the proposed increase in the consumption tax rate, these parties argue that a tax hike would be a breach of the Democratic Party of Japan's election manifesto and that the Noda Cabinet can therefore not be trusted.
　消費税率引き上げに反対する立場から、「消費増税は民主党の政権公約違反であり、野田内閣は信任できない」と主張している。

We urge the three parties that have reached an agreement on revised bills for the integrated reform--the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito--to duly vote down the no-confidence and censure motions.
　一体改革関連法案に修正合意した民主、自民、公明の３党は、不信任案と問責決議案を粛々と否決すべきである。

===

LDP position problematic

However, the wrench in the works is an LDP reaffirmation of its hard-line plan to submit its own no-confidence motion against the Noda Cabinet and a censure motion against the prime minister, unless Noda promises to dissolve the lower house soon for a snap election. The LDP following through on their pledge could push the three-party agreement to the brink of collapse.
　問題なのは、自民党が、野田首相から衆院解散の確約が得られない限り、内閣不信任案や問責決議案を独自に提出する、という強硬姿勢を再確認したことだ。自民党が提出に踏み切れば、３党合意は崩壊の危機に直面する。

Any no-confidence motion is certain to be voted down in the lower house, but a censure motion could easily pass the upper house. A censure motion, although not legally binding, could lead to a boycott by opposition parties of upper house deliberations on the reform bills, making passage of the bills extremely difficult.
　衆院で不信任案は否決される見通しだが、参院では問責決議案が可決される公算が大きい。法的拘束力はないが、野党が参院審議を拒否すれば、一体改革法案の成立が極めて困難になる。

We consider it to be the pinnacle of stupidity to push the reform plans back to the drawing board, just when they are on the brink of realization. The resulting logjam would also negatively impact other serious issues, such as leaving personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission to be launched in September up in the air.
　実現目前の一体改革を白紙に戻すのは、愚の骨頂である。さらに、９月に発足する予定の原子力規制委員会の人事も宙に浮くなど、多大な悪影響が出るだろう。

Considering the recent political stalemate with the Diet divided between the ruling camp-controlled lower house and an opposition-controlled upper house, the three-party agreement on the reform bills was seen as a major step toward returning to a political climate where decisions can be made. If the agreement collapses and the reform bills fail to pass, public opinion of existing political parties could nose-dive.
　衆参ねじれ国会で政治が停滞する中、一体改革の３党合意は「決められる政治」に立ち返る一歩となるはずだった。合意が崩れ、法案が成立しなければ、既成政党への国民の評価は失墜しよう。

We see the LDP's willingness to seek an early dissolution of the lower house, even if it sacrifices the integrated reform, as incredibly selfish.
　一体改革を犠牲にすることも辞さずに、早期解散を求める自民党の姿勢は、身勝手すぎる。

===

Promises must be kept

Some political observers believe LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki is insisting on a lower house dissolution during the current Diet session because without one, he will face a difficult reelection fight in his party's leadership race in September.
　谷垣総裁が今国会での解散に固執していることにも、それが実現できなければ、９月の総裁選で自らの再選が困難になるためではないか、との見方が出ている。

The LDP is completely unjustified in preparing to submit a censure motion against Noda without regard to the party's agreement to hold a vote on the reform bills at a Wednesday session of an upper house special committee, as was proposed by the DPJ.
　自民党が参院特別委員会での８日採決の日程に同意しながら、問責決議案の提出の用意をしているのは、筋が通らない。

The three parties' agreement stipulates that they intend to pass reform legislation during the current Diet session. The DPJ's administration of the Diet has been somewhat problematic. Nevertheless, if the LDP unilaterally goes ahead with its plan, it could render any agreement between political parties invalid and wreck mutual trust between them.
　３党合意は、一体改革法案について「今国会で成立を図る」と明記している。民主党の国会運営に問題があったにせよ、自民党が一方的に反故(ほご)にするなら、政党間の合意や信頼は成り立たない。

Even if the LDP returns to power through a snap election, how could it expect opposition parties to cooperate on raising the consumption tax?
　仮に自民党が政権に復帰した場合、消費増税について野党の協力を一体どう得るつもりなのか。

We applaud Komeito's drawing a line in the sand with the LDP, insisting that passage of reform legislation should be prioritized and not used as a tool in political power struggles. We urge Komeito to stick to its position.
　公明党が「一体改革を政局の道具にすべきでない」として自民党と一線を画し、法案成立を優先しているのは、妥当な姿勢だ。今の方針を堅持してもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 8, 2012)
（2012年8月8日01時41分 読売新聞）

一体改革法案 党首会談で事態を打開せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 8, 2012)
DPJ-LDP talks needed to end Diet impasse
一体改革法案　党首会談で事態を打開せよ（8月7日付・読売社説）

The prospects for passage of bills for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems through the Diet are doubtful.
　社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の成立が危ぶまれる状況である。

This is because of the high-handed attitude of the Liberal Democratic Party, which refuses to help enact the bills unless Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda gives assurance he will dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election immediately after the bills are passed.
　自民党が、野田首相から衆院解散の確約を得られなければ法案の成立を認めない、という強硬路線へ強引に舵(かじ)を切ったからだ。

The lower house passed the bills after some modifications following a three-party agreement among the Democratic Party of Japan, the LDP and New Komeito that the bills were needed to rehabilitate the government's finances.
　民主、自民、公明３党が財政再建の重要性を確認し、修正合意の末に衆院を通過させた法案だ。

It is intolerable for the LDP to treat the three-party accord so lightly at this late date. The bills must be enacted swiftly through a vote in the House of Councillors.
今になって蔑(ないがし)ろにすることは到底許されない。参院で速やかに採決し、成立させるのが筋である。

"To accomplish the task of carrying out the integrated reform, we should seek a public mandate to rebuild momentum," LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki said.
　自民党の谷垣総裁は「一体改革を成し遂げるには国民に信を問い、態勢を立て直すことが必要だ」と述べた。

He indicated that if the LDP's demand for dissolution of the lower chamber was not met, the party would submit a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet or a censure motion against the prime minister as early as Tuesday.
解散要求が通らない場合、内閣不信任決議案や首相問責決議案を７日にも提出する。

===

Public won't understand

The LDP is using a tactic in which it holds the reform bills--the national interest--hostage as it is making support for them contingent on the prime minister pledging to dissolve the lower house.
　法案成立と引き換えに早期の衆院選に持ち込もうとするのは、一体改革という国益を“人質”に取るような手法ではないか。

Should a censure motion against Noda or a no-confidence motion against his administration be submitted, the Diet would almost certainly be thrown into turmoil and the bills would face the danger of being scrapped.
　問責決議案や内閣不信任案が出されれば、国会は混乱し、法案は廃案になりかねない。

Besides the disintegration of the three-party agreement, confidence in Japan's political system would evaporate both at home and abroad.
　その場合、３党合意の瓦解どころか、日本の政治そのものが内外の信用を失うだろう。

In a comment on the LDP's hard-line stance, Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi quite reasonably pointed out that the largest opposition party should be "more circumspect about what consequences would ensue."
　自民党の強硬姿勢について、公明党の山口代表が「どういう結果を招くか、慎重に考えるべきだ」と指摘したのはもっともだ。

The LDP's stance is hardly likely to gain the understanding of most people.
多くの国民の理解は得られまい。

The party must think carefully about the wisdom of submitting a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet. And the idea of using a censure motion, which has no binding power under the Constitution, as a means of toppling an administration would set a bad precedent in the nation's politics.
　自民党は内閣不信任案の提出を再考すべきだ。法的拘束力のない問責決議案を倒閣に使うのも悪(あ)しき前例を残すことになる。

"The three-party agreement is highly important, and I'm determined to do my utmost to enact the bills," Noda said.
　野田首相は、「３党合意は大変重たい。法案を成立させることに全力を尽くす」と語った。

If he really wants to maintain his resolve, the prime minister will have no other recourse but to try to break the impasse through face-to-face talks with Tanigaki.
それなら、谷垣氏との会談で事態の打開を図るしかないだろう。

One major factor behind the current imbroglio is the lack of sincerity on the part of the prime minister and other DPJ executives.
　そもそも、こうした状況を招いた一因は、首相と民主党執行部の不誠実さにある。

===

DPJ move belated

In his talks with Nobuaki Koga, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), Noda expressed his desire to stay in office for the compilation of next fiscal year's state budget. This struck a nerve in the LDP, which wants the lower house dissolved soon after the passage of the tax and security reform bills.
　首相は、連合の古賀伸明会長との会談で来年度予算編成に意欲を示し、法案成立後の解散を求める自民党の神経を逆なでした。

The DPJ leadership has been cautious about agreeing on an early vote on the bills for fear that a number of legislators could bolt the party.
　民主党執行部は、離党者がさらに出ることを恐れ、法案の早期採決には及び腰だった。

It earlier called for a vote on Aug. 20, arguing that the bills should be voted on at the same time as votes on bills to enable the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and for lower house electoral system reform to rectify the disparity in the weight of votes between the most and least represented constituencies.
当初、赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案の成立や衆院選挙制度の「１票の格差」是正との同時決着を主張し、２０日の採決を唱えていた。

Although all this legislation is important, the DPJ's argument can only be seen as a pretext for putting off a vote on the social security and tax reform bills.
　これらが大事なのは言うまでもないが、一体改革関連法案の参院採決を先送りする口実ではないか、と疑われても仕方がない。

The DPJ has finally changed its stance, as it is now making overtures to the LDP to have the relevant committees vote on the tax and social security bills on Wednesday. There can be no denying the DPJ's move is belated.
　ようやく民主党は自民党に８日の委員会採決を提案したが、対応が後手に回ったのは確かだ。

One thing must not happen: The DPJ-LDP brawling and bickering must not lead to scrapping of the reform bills.
　民主、自民両党の駆け引きの揚げ句に、法案を葬り去ることだけは回避しなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 7, 2012)
（2012年8月7日01時52分 読売新聞）