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2012年04月16日
recent family photo
Family returns home in Chaiyaphum during songkran holiday from 13 April, 2012 to 14 April, 2012.
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 15, 2012)
N. Korean missile launch demands a strong response
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を（4月14日付・読売社説）
North Korea's missile launch Friday was supposed to be a thunderous salute to celebrate the completion of the transfer of power to Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, and also to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder. But it resulted only in undermining the regime's authority.
３代にわたる権力継承完成と金日成主席生誕１００年の祝砲のはずが、政権の威信を失墜させる結果に終わった。
The international community had warned the regime not to go through with it, but Pyongyang went ahead with the test launch of a long-range ballistic missile that it claimed was a rocket carrying a satellite.
北朝鮮が、国際社会の警告を無視して、「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射を強行した。
Shortly after the launch, however, the missile exploded and its fragments fell into the Yellow Sea. The U.S. Defense Department believes it was a modified version of a Taepodong-2 missile, the same type as one fired in April 2009.
しかし、発射直後に爆発し、破片が黄海に落下した。米国防総省は、２００９年４月と同様の「テポドン２」改良型とみている。
===
Violation of UNSC resolutions
◆追求すべき安保理決議◆
Though the test failed, it was an apparent violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology to launch anything. We cannot overlook North Korea's flouting of the UNSC resolutions.
失敗はしたものの、「弾道ミサイル技術を使ったいかなる発射」も北朝鮮に禁じた国連安全保障理事会決議への明らかな違反だ。決議を愚弄する北朝鮮の行為は、決して看過できない。
The launch threw a U.S.-North Korea agreement reached in February into the dustbin. Pyongyang had made promises, including a temporary suspension of test-firing ballistic missiles, in return for U.S. food aid to the impoverished country.
食糧支援と引き換えに長距離ミサイル発射の一時停止などを約束した２月の米朝合意は反古(ほご)同然となった。
The international community must keep urging Pyongyang to stop its nuclear development program, including its enrichment of uranium.
国際社会は、ウラン濃縮活動を含む核開発の中止を引き続き追求しなければならない。
In a timely action the day before the launch, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries, including Japan and the United States, adopted a chairman's statement at a meeting demanding that North Korea abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
日米など主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議が、核とミサイルの放棄などを北朝鮮に求める議長声明を採択したのは、時宜を得た対応だろう。
We think the U.N. Security Council should adopt a new statement by the chair or pass another resolution against Pyongyang. It should not only condemn North Korea but also strengthen economic sanctions to tighten an international noose around the country.
安保理も、新たな議長声明や決議を採択すべきだ。北朝鮮を非難するとともに、経済制裁を強化し、国際包囲網を強固にする必要がある。
Meanwhile, Japan must seek resumption of negotiations with the country, aiming at comprehensive settlement of nuclear, missile and abduction issues.
日本も、核やミサイル、拉致問題の包括的解決を目指し、日朝交渉の再開を探らねばならない。
It is a concern, however, that Kim Jong Un's administration, which has just started, might rush to conduct the country's third nuclear test in an attempt to make up for the failed missile launch.
懸念されるのは、発足したばかりの金正恩新政権が、発射失敗の挽回を図ろうと、３回目の核実験を急ぐ可能性があることだ。
North Korea test-fired another long-range ballistic missile three years ago. Like this time, the regime claimed it was just a rocket carrying a satellite. After the U.N. Security Council condemned the country in a chairman's statement, Pyongyang reacted sharply and pressed ahead with the second nuclear test.
３年前、今回同様に「衛星」と称した長距離弾道ミサイル発射が、安保理議長声明で非難されるや、北朝鮮は猛反発し、２回目の核実験に突き進んだ。
To make North Korea refrain from carrying out a nuclear test this time, concerned countries must stand together and display a resolute attitude. If they fail to adopt a united stance, the countries will fall right into Pyongyang's trap.
核実験を自制させるには、関係国が結束し、毅然(きぜん)とした対応をとることが肝心である。足並みが乱れれば、北朝鮮の思うつぼだ。
A focal point of the issue is how China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will react.
焦点となるのは、安保理常任理事国の中国の対応である。
Beijing fears the collapse of the North Korean regime and has been enhancing its assistance to the country for years. This time, it has requested that other countries respond calmly, saying North Korea might act negatively and engage in military provocations if international pressure is strengthened.
中国は、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れ、支援を強めてきた。今回も圧力を強めると北朝鮮が反発し、武力挑発の懸念があるとして、関係国に「冷静な対応」を求めている。
However, China's long-standing conciliatory attitude apparently has allowed North Korea to look down on the international community and repeat its reckless deeds.
It has made Pyongyang believe the international community has neither the capability nor the intention to stop Pyongyang even if the regime tries to go ahead with another nuclear test.
そんな長年の融和的な態度が、核実験を強行しても国際社会には止める能力も意思もない、と北朝鮮がみくびり、暴挙を重ねる結果を招いてきたのではないか。
===
Direct menace from Rodong
◆核ミサイルの断念迫れ◆
North Korea invited foreign experts and journalists to the launch site and what it said was the satellite mission control center in a bid to show its "transparency."
北朝鮮は今回、外国の専門家や記者団を発射基地や管制センターに案内するなど、「透明性」の演出に努めてきた。
Pyongyang also acknowledged the failure of the missile launch, for the first time ever in the annals of its missile development program.
初めて発射の失敗も認めた。
These steps are seemingly designed to help justify the "satellite" launch as "utilization of space technology for peaceful purposes."
「衛星」発射がミサイルではなく、「平和利用」だと正当化したいのだろう。
However hard the regime may try to put up such a front, there can be no doubt Pyongyang's ultimate goal is enhancement of its ballistic missile technological capability.
いくら体裁を装っても、最終的に狙っているのは弾道ミサイル技術の向上だ。
Pouring a colossal amount of cash into "satellite" development even at the expense of many of its people who are on the verge of starvation is undoubtedly for the purpose of swiftly developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
飢餓に瀕(ひん)した多くの国民を犠牲にしてまで巨額資金を「衛星」に投じるのは、核兵器を運ぶミサイルの開発を急いでいるためにほかならない。
If it continues to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches, North Korea will sooner or later reach the stage of deploying missiles carrying nuclear warheads--a situation that would be extremely alarming for this country.
核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返せば、北朝鮮はいずれ、核ミサイル配備の段階に行き着こう。日本が最も警戒すべき事態である。
Direct threats to Japan for now are medium-range Rodong ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,300 kilometers that have already been deployed on a war footing.
日本にとって直接の脅威は、既に実戦配備されている射程約１３００キロの中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。
It is vitally important to ensure deterrence against North Korea by further beefing up the alliance between Japan and the United States.
日米同盟を強化し、対北朝鮮抑止力を維持することが欠かせない。
In dealing with the North's latest missile launch, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan worked together by dividing roles between their personnel and sharing missile information through a bilateral joint operations coordination center at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The collaboration is highly significant.
自衛隊と米軍は今回、横田基地の日米統合運用調整所を通じて、ミサイル情報を共有し、部隊運用で役割を分担した。その意義は大きい。
===
Japan-U.S. collaboration vital
◆日米共同対処が重要だ◆
From late March, the SDF had Aegis destroyers deployed in the East China Sea and surface-to-air missile units in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere.
自衛隊は３月末から、東シナ海にイージス艦、沖縄県などには地対空誘導弾部隊を配備した。
The two-layer configuration for missile interception was meant to doubly assure the SDF's ability to respond to a contingency.
二段構えの迎撃態勢は、万一の事態に備えたものだった。
The consultations and preparations between the central government and local entities in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the North Korean missile launch are experiences that should be used to boost the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. military exercises and joint programs for coping with missile attacks.
沖縄県の自治体と協議・調整した経験も踏まえて、今後の日米の共同訓練や対処計画の向上につなげることが重要だ。
Regrettably, however, the government's announcement that the missile launch had actually occurred was markedly slow.
残念なのは、政府のミサイル情報の発表がもたついたことだ。
The Prime Minister's Office could not confirm the missile launch even after South Korea issued an announcement to that effect. The result was that the Japanese government's official announcement came 40 minutes or more after the launch.
首相官邸は、韓国の発表後も発射を確認できず、日本の正式発表は発射の４０分以上も後だった。
N. Korean missile launch demands a strong response
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を（4月14日付・読売社説）
North Korea's missile launch Friday was supposed to be a thunderous salute to celebrate the completion of the transfer of power to Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, and also to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder. But it resulted only in undermining the regime's authority.
３代にわたる権力継承完成と金日成主席生誕１００年の祝砲のはずが、政権の威信を失墜させる結果に終わった。
The international community had warned the regime not to go through with it, but Pyongyang went ahead with the test launch of a long-range ballistic missile that it claimed was a rocket carrying a satellite.
北朝鮮が、国際社会の警告を無視して、「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射を強行した。
Shortly after the launch, however, the missile exploded and its fragments fell into the Yellow Sea. The U.S. Defense Department believes it was a modified version of a Taepodong-2 missile, the same type as one fired in April 2009.
しかし、発射直後に爆発し、破片が黄海に落下した。米国防総省は、２００９年４月と同様の「テポドン２」改良型とみている。
===
Violation of UNSC resolutions
◆追求すべき安保理決議◆
Though the test failed, it was an apparent violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology to launch anything. We cannot overlook North Korea's flouting of the UNSC resolutions.
失敗はしたものの、「弾道ミサイル技術を使ったいかなる発射」も北朝鮮に禁じた国連安全保障理事会決議への明らかな違反だ。決議を愚弄する北朝鮮の行為は、決して看過できない。
The launch threw a U.S.-North Korea agreement reached in February into the dustbin. Pyongyang had made promises, including a temporary suspension of test-firing ballistic missiles, in return for U.S. food aid to the impoverished country.
食糧支援と引き換えに長距離ミサイル発射の一時停止などを約束した２月の米朝合意は反古(ほご)同然となった。
The international community must keep urging Pyongyang to stop its nuclear development program, including its enrichment of uranium.
国際社会は、ウラン濃縮活動を含む核開発の中止を引き続き追求しなければならない。
In a timely action the day before the launch, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries, including Japan and the United States, adopted a chairman's statement at a meeting demanding that North Korea abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
日米など主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議が、核とミサイルの放棄などを北朝鮮に求める議長声明を採択したのは、時宜を得た対応だろう。
We think the U.N. Security Council should adopt a new statement by the chair or pass another resolution against Pyongyang. It should not only condemn North Korea but also strengthen economic sanctions to tighten an international noose around the country.
安保理も、新たな議長声明や決議を採択すべきだ。北朝鮮を非難するとともに、経済制裁を強化し、国際包囲網を強固にする必要がある。
Meanwhile, Japan must seek resumption of negotiations with the country, aiming at comprehensive settlement of nuclear, missile and abduction issues.
日本も、核やミサイル、拉致問題の包括的解決を目指し、日朝交渉の再開を探らねばならない。
It is a concern, however, that Kim Jong Un's administration, which has just started, might rush to conduct the country's third nuclear test in an attempt to make up for the failed missile launch.
懸念されるのは、発足したばかりの金正恩新政権が、発射失敗の挽回を図ろうと、３回目の核実験を急ぐ可能性があることだ。
North Korea test-fired another long-range ballistic missile three years ago. Like this time, the regime claimed it was just a rocket carrying a satellite. After the U.N. Security Council condemned the country in a chairman's statement, Pyongyang reacted sharply and pressed ahead with the second nuclear test.
３年前、今回同様に「衛星」と称した長距離弾道ミサイル発射が、安保理議長声明で非難されるや、北朝鮮は猛反発し、２回目の核実験に突き進んだ。
To make North Korea refrain from carrying out a nuclear test this time, concerned countries must stand together and display a resolute attitude. If they fail to adopt a united stance, the countries will fall right into Pyongyang's trap.
核実験を自制させるには、関係国が結束し、毅然(きぜん)とした対応をとることが肝心である。足並みが乱れれば、北朝鮮の思うつぼだ。
A focal point of the issue is how China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will react.
焦点となるのは、安保理常任理事国の中国の対応である。
Beijing fears the collapse of the North Korean regime and has been enhancing its assistance to the country for years. This time, it has requested that other countries respond calmly, saying North Korea might act negatively and engage in military provocations if international pressure is strengthened.
中国は、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れ、支援を強めてきた。今回も圧力を強めると北朝鮮が反発し、武力挑発の懸念があるとして、関係国に「冷静な対応」を求めている。
However, China's long-standing conciliatory attitude apparently has allowed North Korea to look down on the international community and repeat its reckless deeds.
It has made Pyongyang believe the international community has neither the capability nor the intention to stop Pyongyang even if the regime tries to go ahead with another nuclear test.
そんな長年の融和的な態度が、核実験を強行しても国際社会には止める能力も意思もない、と北朝鮮がみくびり、暴挙を重ねる結果を招いてきたのではないか。
===
Direct menace from Rodong
◆核ミサイルの断念迫れ◆
North Korea invited foreign experts and journalists to the launch site and what it said was the satellite mission control center in a bid to show its "transparency."
北朝鮮は今回、外国の専門家や記者団を発射基地や管制センターに案内するなど、「透明性」の演出に努めてきた。
Pyongyang also acknowledged the failure of the missile launch, for the first time ever in the annals of its missile development program.
初めて発射の失敗も認めた。
These steps are seemingly designed to help justify the "satellite" launch as "utilization of space technology for peaceful purposes."
「衛星」発射がミサイルではなく、「平和利用」だと正当化したいのだろう。
However hard the regime may try to put up such a front, there can be no doubt Pyongyang's ultimate goal is enhancement of its ballistic missile technological capability.
いくら体裁を装っても、最終的に狙っているのは弾道ミサイル技術の向上だ。
Pouring a colossal amount of cash into "satellite" development even at the expense of many of its people who are on the verge of starvation is undoubtedly for the purpose of swiftly developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
飢餓に瀕(ひん)した多くの国民を犠牲にしてまで巨額資金を「衛星」に投じるのは、核兵器を運ぶミサイルの開発を急いでいるためにほかならない。
If it continues to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches, North Korea will sooner or later reach the stage of deploying missiles carrying nuclear warheads--a situation that would be extremely alarming for this country.
核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返せば、北朝鮮はいずれ、核ミサイル配備の段階に行き着こう。日本が最も警戒すべき事態である。
Direct threats to Japan for now are medium-range Rodong ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,300 kilometers that have already been deployed on a war footing.
日本にとって直接の脅威は、既に実戦配備されている射程約１３００キロの中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。
It is vitally important to ensure deterrence against North Korea by further beefing up the alliance between Japan and the United States.
日米同盟を強化し、対北朝鮮抑止力を維持することが欠かせない。
In dealing with the North's latest missile launch, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan worked together by dividing roles between their personnel and sharing missile information through a bilateral joint operations coordination center at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The collaboration is highly significant.
自衛隊と米軍は今回、横田基地の日米統合運用調整所を通じて、ミサイル情報を共有し、部隊運用で役割を分担した。その意義は大きい。
===
Japan-U.S. collaboration vital
◆日米共同対処が重要だ◆
From late March, the SDF had Aegis destroyers deployed in the East China Sea and surface-to-air missile units in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere.
自衛隊は３月末から、東シナ海にイージス艦、沖縄県などには地対空誘導弾部隊を配備した。
The two-layer configuration for missile interception was meant to doubly assure the SDF's ability to respond to a contingency.
二段構えの迎撃態勢は、万一の事態に備えたものだった。
The consultations and preparations between the central government and local entities in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the North Korean missile launch are experiences that should be used to boost the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. military exercises and joint programs for coping with missile attacks.
沖縄県の自治体と協議・調整した経験も踏まえて、今後の日米の共同訓練や対処計画の向上につなげることが重要だ。
Regrettably, however, the government's announcement that the missile launch had actually occurred was markedly slow.
残念なのは、政府のミサイル情報の発表がもたついたことだ。
The Prime Minister's Office could not confirm the missile launch even after South Korea issued an announcement to that effect. The result was that the Japanese government's official announcement came 40 minutes or more after the launch.
首相官邸は、韓国の発表後も発射を確認できず、日本の正式発表は発射の４０分以上も後だった。
2012年04月15日
一個から注文できます 世界に一つのiphoneケース
今朝は、CollaBornのギャラクシーケース をご紹介いたします。
CollaBornに注文すれば、世界に一つだけのオリジナルXperiaケース を作ることができます。
ケースのデザインが自分でできるのが特徴です。写真だって文字だって、自分のお気に入りを自由に表現することができるのです。
CollaBornでは、Xperiaケースの他にも iPhoneケース や GALAXYケース も販売しています。
私の心をとらえたデザインは下の三つです＾＾。
↓↓↓
一番上は女性向きですね。春爛漫という雰囲気を醸し出しています。
二番目は私のお気に入り、空（スカイ）をモチーフに下デザインです。
三番目は浮世絵ですね。写楽でしょうか。こちらは外国人には大受けでしょう。
あなたも、CollaBornで iphoneケース や最先端のiphone4ケース をつくってみませんか。
レビューブログからの紹介です。
2012年04月12日
お知らせ
英字新聞、休刊日のお知らせです。
電波の届かないチャイヤプームの山の中に別荘があります。
僻地ともいいますが＾＾。
で、４月１３日、１４日、１５日の英字新聞はお休みいたします。
たまにはPC抜きの生活だって必要かもしれませんね。
タイはソンクラーンのお祭りに突入します。１３日〜１６日の４日間、道路は水浸しです。
スラチャイ
電波の届かないチャイヤプームの山の中に別荘があります。
僻地ともいいますが＾＾。
で、４月１３日、１４日、１５日の英字新聞はお休みいたします。
たまにはPC抜きの生活だって必要かもしれませんね。
タイはソンクラーンのお祭りに突入します。１３日〜１６日の４日間、道路は水浸しです。
スラチャイ
母の日のプレゼント、決まりましたか
今年も母の日が近づいてきたので、昨年と同じようにセブンネットショッピング母の日プレゼントギフト専門店 サイトを訪れました。
これは、また、なんと鮮やかなカーネーションですね。鮮やかな赤、ピンクでサイトは春真っ盛りです。
まず定番の花束ですね。
それから、日頃のご苦労をねぎらうためにカステラとお茶で乾杯します。
最後に、こっそり用意しているハンドバッグを渡す。
これで演出は完璧ですね。
でも、一番大切なのは親子の絆であることは間違いありません。
ただいま、セブンネットショッピングでは宅配送料無料キャンペーン継続中 です。
どうぞご利用下さい。
レビューブログからの紹介です。
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 11, 2012)
Hatoyama's foolish trip to Iran hurt national interests
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚（4月10日付・読売社説）
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Iran despite government pressure to call the trip off, with the result that Tehran exploited the occasion. This was a development the government feared.
政府の中止要請を無視して強行した外遊が、相手国に利用される結果となった。事前に懸念された通りの展開である。
Hatoyama met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aides in Tehran on Sunday to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear development program.
鳩山元首相がテヘランを訪問し、イランの核開発問題をめぐって、アフマディネジャド大統領らと会談した。
According to an Iranian report on the talks, Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair.
イラン側の発表によると、鳩山氏は大統領との会談で、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）がイランなどに二重基準的な対応をとっているのは不公平だと語ったという。
At a press conference in the Diet building on Monday following his return home, Hatoyama denied making this comment, saying he profoundly regrets what he called a "complete fabrication" by Tehran.
鳩山氏は帰国後、「完全な捏造(ねつぞう)で、大変遺憾に思っている」などと記者団に語り、イラン側発表を否定した。
There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.
だが、鳩山氏の訪問がイランの核開発の正当化に利用されたのは否定しようがない。
Iran has come under increasingly severe sanctions from the United States and Europe. Talks between Iran and six countries on Tehran's nuclear development program are to resume in the near future.
イランの核問題は今、欧米諸国が制裁圧力を強める中、イランと関係６か国の協議再開を控えた微妙な時期にある。
===
Ridiculous comment
It is extremely unfortunate that Hatoyama's visit to Iran has had a dampening effect on the government's diplomacy, which places priority on cooperating with the United States and European nations.
鳩山氏の外遊が、欧米と協調する日本外交の足を引っ張ったのは、重大な問題だ。
The government repeatedly asked Hatoyama not to visit Tehran. But Hatoyama turned a deaf ear to the requests, arguing that his trip "is part of my activities I'm making in a personal capacity as a legislator, as there is a significant possibility diplomatic efforts by an individual legislator could help the national interest."
政府は再三、訪問中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は「議員個人の活動であり、議員の外交努力で国益に資することが十分あり得る」などと反論し、聞き入れなかった。
When it comes to carrying out diplomacy between a former Japanese prime minister and the president of a foreign country, Hatoyama's remark convinces no one.
しかし、外交の常識として、首相経験者と大統領の会談にそんな言い訳は通用しない。
Is it any wonder that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura reacted with dismay? "We continued to ask him not to make the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord," he said.
藤村官房長官が「個人の立場でも、こういう時期に訪問をしない方がいいと言い続けてきた」と不快感を示したのも当然である。
With his own, self-centered way of thinking, Hatoyama probably felt like he was indirectly supporting Japan's diplomacy.
鳩山氏には、日本外交を側面支援したいという身勝手な思惑があったのだろう。
Diplomacy is the domain of the government, and diplomatic moves by individual lawmakers should be limited to an auxiliary role.
だが、外交は政府の専管事項であり、議員外交はその補完にとどめるべきだ。
The leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan is partly responsible for the problem Hatoyama caused this time. Apparently to ensure party unity, the DPJ leadership decided in late February to appoint Hatoyama, a supreme adviser of the party, to the post of adviser in charge of diplomatic affairs.
民主党執行部にも責任の一端がある。党内融和のため、２月下旬、最高顧問の鳩山氏を外交担当に決めたことだ。
===
Unaware of his incompetence
Immediately after his appointment, Hatoyama visited China at the same time as a DPJ delegation led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. Hatoyama and the DPJ delegation held separate meetings the same day with Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to be elevated to the top Chinese post. The DPJ's lack of coordination for its extraordinary "dual diplomacy" immediately was brought to light.
その直後、鳩山氏は訪中し、輿石幹事長ら党訪中団と同じ日に、中国の習近平国家副主席と別個に会談するという異例の「二元議員外交」を行い、党内の調整不足ぶりを露呈した。
Hatoyama is primarily responsible for virtually causing the Japan-U.S. relationship to collapse. His chaotic handling of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture was epitomized by his controversial "Trust me" remark during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue. As he was prime minister at the time, Hatoyama's summit diplomacy hurt our national interests.
鳩山氏は首相在任中、「トラスト・ミー」といった不見識な言動で、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を迷走させ、日米関係を危機に陥らせた張本人だ。こうした危うい首脳外交が、国益を損ねた。
Even after he stepped down as prime minister, Hatoyama angered Okinawa Prefecture by describing his remarks concerning the deterrence provided by U.S. forces stationed in prefecture as nothing but "expediency." Has he forgotten his bungling already?
退任後も、在沖縄海兵隊の抑止力に関する自らの発言を「方便だった」と言い放ち、沖縄の強い怒りを買った。多くの失敗を、もう忘れてしまったのか。
Hatoyama is a type of politician who should refrain from becoming involved in diplomacy, both in light of his incompetence and personality.
鳩山氏は、能力的にも性格的にも、外交に関与してはならない政治家だ。
He should become more aware his limitations as quickly as possible.
そのことを、一日も早く本人が自覚してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2012)
（2012年4月10日01時08分 読売新聞）
Hatoyama's foolish trip to Iran hurt national interests
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚（4月10日付・読売社説）
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Iran despite government pressure to call the trip off, with the result that Tehran exploited the occasion. This was a development the government feared.
政府の中止要請を無視して強行した外遊が、相手国に利用される結果となった。事前に懸念された通りの展開である。
Hatoyama met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aides in Tehran on Sunday to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear development program.
鳩山元首相がテヘランを訪問し、イランの核開発問題をめぐって、アフマディネジャド大統領らと会談した。
According to an Iranian report on the talks, Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair.
イラン側の発表によると、鳩山氏は大統領との会談で、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）がイランなどに二重基準的な対応をとっているのは不公平だと語ったという。
At a press conference in the Diet building on Monday following his return home, Hatoyama denied making this comment, saying he profoundly regrets what he called a "complete fabrication" by Tehran.
鳩山氏は帰国後、「完全な捏造(ねつぞう)で、大変遺憾に思っている」などと記者団に語り、イラン側発表を否定した。
There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.
だが、鳩山氏の訪問がイランの核開発の正当化に利用されたのは否定しようがない。
Iran has come under increasingly severe sanctions from the United States and Europe. Talks between Iran and six countries on Tehran's nuclear development program are to resume in the near future.
イランの核問題は今、欧米諸国が制裁圧力を強める中、イランと関係６か国の協議再開を控えた微妙な時期にある。
===
Ridiculous comment
It is extremely unfortunate that Hatoyama's visit to Iran has had a dampening effect on the government's diplomacy, which places priority on cooperating with the United States and European nations.
鳩山氏の外遊が、欧米と協調する日本外交の足を引っ張ったのは、重大な問題だ。
The government repeatedly asked Hatoyama not to visit Tehran. But Hatoyama turned a deaf ear to the requests, arguing that his trip "is part of my activities I'm making in a personal capacity as a legislator, as there is a significant possibility diplomatic efforts by an individual legislator could help the national interest."
政府は再三、訪問中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は「議員個人の活動であり、議員の外交努力で国益に資することが十分あり得る」などと反論し、聞き入れなかった。
When it comes to carrying out diplomacy between a former Japanese prime minister and the president of a foreign country, Hatoyama's remark convinces no one.
しかし、外交の常識として、首相経験者と大統領の会談にそんな言い訳は通用しない。
Is it any wonder that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura reacted with dismay? "We continued to ask him not to make the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord," he said.
藤村官房長官が「個人の立場でも、こういう時期に訪問をしない方がいいと言い続けてきた」と不快感を示したのも当然である。
With his own, self-centered way of thinking, Hatoyama probably felt like he was indirectly supporting Japan's diplomacy.
鳩山氏には、日本外交を側面支援したいという身勝手な思惑があったのだろう。
Diplomacy is the domain of the government, and diplomatic moves by individual lawmakers should be limited to an auxiliary role.
だが、外交は政府の専管事項であり、議員外交はその補完にとどめるべきだ。
The leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan is partly responsible for the problem Hatoyama caused this time. Apparently to ensure party unity, the DPJ leadership decided in late February to appoint Hatoyama, a supreme adviser of the party, to the post of adviser in charge of diplomatic affairs.
民主党執行部にも責任の一端がある。党内融和のため、２月下旬、最高顧問の鳩山氏を外交担当に決めたことだ。
===
Unaware of his incompetence
Immediately after his appointment, Hatoyama visited China at the same time as a DPJ delegation led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. Hatoyama and the DPJ delegation held separate meetings the same day with Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to be elevated to the top Chinese post. The DPJ's lack of coordination for its extraordinary "dual diplomacy" immediately was brought to light.
その直後、鳩山氏は訪中し、輿石幹事長ら党訪中団と同じ日に、中国の習近平国家副主席と別個に会談するという異例の「二元議員外交」を行い、党内の調整不足ぶりを露呈した。
Hatoyama is primarily responsible for virtually causing the Japan-U.S. relationship to collapse. His chaotic handling of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture was epitomized by his controversial "Trust me" remark during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue. As he was prime minister at the time, Hatoyama's summit diplomacy hurt our national interests.
鳩山氏は首相在任中、「トラスト・ミー」といった不見識な言動で、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を迷走させ、日米関係を危機に陥らせた張本人だ。こうした危うい首脳外交が、国益を損ねた。
Even after he stepped down as prime minister, Hatoyama angered Okinawa Prefecture by describing his remarks concerning the deterrence provided by U.S. forces stationed in prefecture as nothing but "expediency." Has he forgotten his bungling already?
退任後も、在沖縄海兵隊の抑止力に関する自らの発言を「方便だった」と言い放ち、沖縄の強い怒りを買った。多くの失敗を、もう忘れてしまったのか。
Hatoyama is a type of politician who should refrain from becoming involved in diplomacy, both in light of his incompetence and personality.
鳩山氏は、能力的にも性格的にも、外交に関与してはならない政治家だ。
He should become more aware his limitations as quickly as possible.
そのことを、一日も早く本人が自覚してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2012)
（2012年4月10日01時08分 読売新聞）
2012年04月11日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
April 08, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Distrust toward the consumption tax hike
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
Will the consumption tax finally be raised? The plan is said to be to increase it to 8 percent in April 2014 and 10 percent in October 2015.
消費税がついに上がるのだろうか。２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％と段階的に引き上げられる予定だという。
When I mention the proposed consumption tax hike at university, many students say, "I'm just barely getting by on my part-time wages.
大学で消費税の話をすると、多くの学生たちはまず「バイト代で生活がギリギリなのに、生活に必要なものの値段がこれ以上、上がるのは困る」と“個人の事情”を口にする。
If the price of things needed for daily living goes up further, I'll be in trouble." However, afterwards, they say, as if to themselves, "But without the raise there won't be enough money for social security, so it can't be helped."
しかしその後で、「でも、そうしないと社会保障の財源が足りない、っていうなら仕方ないのかな」と“社会の事情”に顔を向け、自分に言い聞かせるようにつぶやく。
I think that after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people hold a stronger feeling that rather than thinking only about their own gains or losses, everyone in society has to share the burden.
「自分の損得ばかり言わずに、みんなで“痛み”を引き受けなければ」という気持ちは、大震災以降、多くの人で強くなっているのだと思う。
However, there is one big problem, and that is lingering distrust that the money gathered by raising the consumption tax will really be used for the benefit of everyone.
しかし、ここにひとつ大きな問題がある。「消費税を上げたとして、そのお金は本当に“みんなのため”に使われるの？」という不信感が、どうしても消えないのだ。
According to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, all the income from the consumption tax will be used for social security payments and child-raising measures, but people do not believe this.
野田首相によると、消費税の税収はすべて社会保障給付と少子化対策にのみあてる、と言っているが、それがどうしても信用できない。
They hold suspicions that however much money is taken by the government, it will not lead to improved social security in their lives. They suspect that the money will be used to plug budget deficits elsewhere.
「結局、取るものだけ取っても、私たちの生活の安心にはつながらないのではないのか」「別の赤字を補填（ほてん）するのに使われるのではないのか」など、限りなく疑ってしまいたくなる。
During debates on the consumption tax, it is often cited that in northern Europe "all countries have consumption tax rates of around 25 percent."
消費税の議論でよく引き合いに出されるのは、「どの国も消費税が約２５％」という北欧諸国の例だ。
Compared to that, the figures for the Japanese consumption tax are low.
それに比べれば、数字の上だけで考えれば日本の消費税はまだまだ低い。
However, there is a definite difference.
ただ、北欧諸国と日本には決定的な違いがある。
In northern Europe there is very high trust amongst citizens in their governments.
それは、北欧では国民の政治や行政に対する信頼度がとても高い、ということだ。
Of course there are various problems there, but overall citizens trust their governments and, feeling they can receive proper services that will let them live securely, they are willing to pay high consumption taxes.
もちろんいろいろな問題もあるにはあるが、それでも全体的には国民は政府や行政を信頼しており、「きちんとしたサービスが受けられ、安心して暮らせる」と思っているからこそ、高い消費税も支払う気になるわけだ。
Looking at those who come into my consultation room, I think that the largest source of stress for people is distrust.
診察室で見ていると、人間にとっていちばんのストレスは、この「不信感」だと思う。
People might not believe the things others in their family, school, or workplace say.
家族や学校、職場を信じられない。
Even if someone tells them nice words, they find a way to doubt them and wonder if they're being tricked.
誰かがやさしい言葉をかけてくれても、「だまされているのでは」と疑心暗鬼になってしまう。
It is this distrust itself that pushes people into depression and darkness.
こういった不信感こそが、人をうつ病などの心の病に追い込んでいくのだ。
We actually want to trust our governments.
私たちだって、できれば政治や行政を信用したい。
Rather than saying, "The government's pledge to raise the consumption tax rate and use it for welfare is a lie," we should say, "I'm sure it won't act in bad faith, so although I'm not happy about it, I'll help."
「消費税を上げて福祉にあてる？ どうせ口だけでしょ」などと疑わず、「あなたたちなら悪いようにはしないだろうから、うれしくはないけれど協力しましょう」と言ってみたい。
If the tax rate is increased while we are full of distrust, it will only become a big burden on both heart and wallet. 不信感いっぱいの中でただ税率だけが上がるのは、心にとっても財布にとっても大きな負担になるだけだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月03日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Distrust toward the consumption tax hike
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
Will the consumption tax finally be raised? The plan is said to be to increase it to 8 percent in April 2014 and 10 percent in October 2015.
消費税がついに上がるのだろうか。２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％と段階的に引き上げられる予定だという。
When I mention the proposed consumption tax hike at university, many students say, "I'm just barely getting by on my part-time wages.
大学で消費税の話をすると、多くの学生たちはまず「バイト代で生活がギリギリなのに、生活に必要なものの値段がこれ以上、上がるのは困る」と“個人の事情”を口にする。
If the price of things needed for daily living goes up further, I'll be in trouble." However, afterwards, they say, as if to themselves, "But without the raise there won't be enough money for social security, so it can't be helped."
しかしその後で、「でも、そうしないと社会保障の財源が足りない、っていうなら仕方ないのかな」と“社会の事情”に顔を向け、自分に言い聞かせるようにつぶやく。
I think that after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people hold a stronger feeling that rather than thinking only about their own gains or losses, everyone in society has to share the burden.
「自分の損得ばかり言わずに、みんなで“痛み”を引き受けなければ」という気持ちは、大震災以降、多くの人で強くなっているのだと思う。
However, there is one big problem, and that is lingering distrust that the money gathered by raising the consumption tax will really be used for the benefit of everyone.
しかし、ここにひとつ大きな問題がある。「消費税を上げたとして、そのお金は本当に“みんなのため”に使われるの？」という不信感が、どうしても消えないのだ。
According to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, all the income from the consumption tax will be used for social security payments and child-raising measures, but people do not believe this.
野田首相によると、消費税の税収はすべて社会保障給付と少子化対策にのみあてる、と言っているが、それがどうしても信用できない。
They hold suspicions that however much money is taken by the government, it will not lead to improved social security in their lives. They suspect that the money will be used to plug budget deficits elsewhere.
「結局、取るものだけ取っても、私たちの生活の安心にはつながらないのではないのか」「別の赤字を補填（ほてん）するのに使われるのではないのか」など、限りなく疑ってしまいたくなる。
During debates on the consumption tax, it is often cited that in northern Europe "all countries have consumption tax rates of around 25 percent."
消費税の議論でよく引き合いに出されるのは、「どの国も消費税が約２５％」という北欧諸国の例だ。
Compared to that, the figures for the Japanese consumption tax are low.
それに比べれば、数字の上だけで考えれば日本の消費税はまだまだ低い。
However, there is a definite difference.
ただ、北欧諸国と日本には決定的な違いがある。
In northern Europe there is very high trust amongst citizens in their governments.
それは、北欧では国民の政治や行政に対する信頼度がとても高い、ということだ。
Of course there are various problems there, but overall citizens trust their governments and, feeling they can receive proper services that will let them live securely, they are willing to pay high consumption taxes.
もちろんいろいろな問題もあるにはあるが、それでも全体的には国民は政府や行政を信頼しており、「きちんとしたサービスが受けられ、安心して暮らせる」と思っているからこそ、高い消費税も支払う気になるわけだ。
Looking at those who come into my consultation room, I think that the largest source of stress for people is distrust.
診察室で見ていると、人間にとっていちばんのストレスは、この「不信感」だと思う。
People might not believe the things others in their family, school, or workplace say.
家族や学校、職場を信じられない。
Even if someone tells them nice words, they find a way to doubt them and wonder if they're being tricked.
誰かがやさしい言葉をかけてくれても、「だまされているのでは」と疑心暗鬼になってしまう。
It is this distrust itself that pushes people into depression and darkness.
こういった不信感こそが、人をうつ病などの心の病に追い込んでいくのだ。
We actually want to trust our governments.
私たちだって、できれば政治や行政を信用したい。
Rather than saying, "The government's pledge to raise the consumption tax rate and use it for welfare is a lie," we should say, "I'm sure it won't act in bad faith, so although I'm not happy about it, I'll help."
「消費税を上げて福祉にあてる？ どうせ口だけでしょ」などと疑わず、「あなたたちなら悪いようにはしないだろうから、うれしくはないけれど協力しましょう」と言ってみたい。
If the tax rate is increased while we are full of distrust, it will only become a big burden on both heart and wallet. 不信感いっぱいの中でただ税率だけが上がるのは、心にとっても財布にとっても大きな負担になるだけだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月03日 地方版
2012年04月10日
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 8, 2012)
Make sure nuclear fields have quality human resources
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ（4月7日付・読売社説）
How can Japan secure and develop human resources who will work in the nuclear power field? This task needs to be jointly tackled by the government and the private sector.
原子力を担う人材を今後、どう育て、確保するか。官民が協力して取り組むべき課題である。
The number of students wishing to study nuclear power has declined since the crisis started last year at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. In addition, many young people have become reluctant to take jobs in nuclear-related industries.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、原子力を学ぼう、という学生が減った。原子力関連産業への就職も敬遠されている。
The seriousness of the Fukushima accident certainly is one factor behind these developments. Moreover, stances taken by prime ministers since the crisis began have negatively impacted the situation. Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan abruptly announced that he wanted to free the country's future energy policy from its dependence on nuclear power generation, apparently without carefully considering the ramifications of such a change. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who succeeded Kan, has been slow in crafting specific policies on how to utilize nuclear power in this country.
事故の深刻さもあろうが、菅前首相が安易に、「脱原発」を標榜(ひょうぼう)し、野田首相も、原発の具体的な活用策をなかなか打ち出そうとしないことが響いている。
===
Future vision needed
Fields devoid of future potential will be unable to attract talented personnel.
将来の展望が開けない分野に人材は集まらない。
Yet, when considering an ideal combination of power sources for this nation, nuclear power will be essential along with thermal power and other energy sources. The government must clearly devise a future vision for the country's energy supply by squarely looking at reality.
最適な電源の組み合わせを考えるうえで、原子力は火力などとともに欠かせない。政府は、その現実を見据えた将来像を、明確に描いてみせるべきだ。
Even if the government opts to depart from the country's dependence on nuclear power, Japan still will need human resources to tackle the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and decommission reactors there. According to a plan compiled by the government and the utility, decommissioning the reactors and clearing up the site will take at least 40 years.
仮に「脱原発依存」を選択するとしても、福島第一原発の事故処理や廃炉を担う人材は必須だ。政府と東電がまとめた計画では、最終的に廃炉にし、現場を片づけるまでに最短でも４０年かかる。
This lengthy operation will be shouldered by the children of today.
この長丁場を、今の子供たち世代が担うことになる。
Furthermore, such work will require highly advanced technologies.
しかも高度な技術を要する。
Safely removing and reducing radioactive contaminants at the nuclear plant will require more sophisticated robot and remote control technologies. Making estimates on the extent of the damage inside the crippled reactors, where people are still unable to enter, also will need the latest computer technology.
放射能汚染を安全に除去、軽減するには、今のロボット、遠隔操作技術を洗練せねばならない。人が近づけない原子炉内の損傷状況を推計するにも、最新のコンピューター技術が活用される。
A wide array of research and development activities, as well as technological innovations, will be needed over a long period of time.
さらに長期にわたって、多彩な研究開発と技術革新が必要だ。
Capable personnel will have to be available to the nuclear regulatory agency, electric power companies and nuclear-related manufacturers to improve the safety of existing reactors through regulations, inspections and repairs. Strict safety controls are required around the clock even at idled nuclear reactors.
既存の原発の安全性を向上させる規制や点検、補修でも、原子力規制庁や電力会社、メーカーに優秀な人材を配したい。運転を停止している原発でも、常に厳重な安全管理が求められる。
===
Japan has intl role to play
An option of replacing dated reactors with new models is expected to be discussed in the future. Electric utilities and nuclear-related manufacturers will have to nurture and train engineers capable of leading the design and building of these reactors.
老朽化した原発を新型に置き換えることも今後検討されよう。その設計や建設を主導できる技術者を、電力会社やメーカーは育てておかなくてはならない。
Exports of nuclear power infrastructure--a field the government has been promoting--will be impossible without engineers well versed in safety regulatory measures of international standards.
政府が進める原発の輸出も、国際水準の安全規制策に熟知した技術者なしでは実現しない。
Japan's neighboring countries, such as China and South Korea, have been constructing nuclear power plants one after another. With lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear crisis, international cooperation must be promoted to prevent the occurrence of a similar serious nuclear accident. In this field, too, experts will play vital roles.
近隣の中国、韓国などは原発を次々に増設している。福島第一原発の事故を教訓に、重大事故が起きないよう国際協力を進めるべきだ。ここでも、やはり専門家が重要な役割を果たす。
Japan is a country with many reactors and a proponent of the peaceful use of nuclear power. Other nations expect Japan to contribute to such fields as nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear terrorism countermeasures at the International Atomic Energy Agency and in other international arenas.
多数の原発を有し原子力の平和利用を進める日本には、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）などを舞台に核不拡散や核テロ対策で国際貢献することも期待されている。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is implementing projects to nurture human resources in the nuclear power field including subsidies to nuclear-related courses at universities and other educational institutes. We think the government should accelerate efforts to improve and expand such programs.
文部科学省は、大学などが設けた原子力関連の講座を予算面で支援するなど、人材育成の事業を進めている。こうした取り組みの充実、拡大を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 7, 2012)
（2012年4月7日01時30分 読売新聞）
Make sure nuclear fields have quality human resources
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ（4月7日付・読売社説）
How can Japan secure and develop human resources who will work in the nuclear power field? This task needs to be jointly tackled by the government and the private sector.
原子力を担う人材を今後、どう育て、確保するか。官民が協力して取り組むべき課題である。
The number of students wishing to study nuclear power has declined since the crisis started last year at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. In addition, many young people have become reluctant to take jobs in nuclear-related industries.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、原子力を学ぼう、という学生が減った。原子力関連産業への就職も敬遠されている。
The seriousness of the Fukushima accident certainly is one factor behind these developments. Moreover, stances taken by prime ministers since the crisis began have negatively impacted the situation. Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan abruptly announced that he wanted to free the country's future energy policy from its dependence on nuclear power generation, apparently without carefully considering the ramifications of such a change. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who succeeded Kan, has been slow in crafting specific policies on how to utilize nuclear power in this country.
事故の深刻さもあろうが、菅前首相が安易に、「脱原発」を標榜(ひょうぼう)し、野田首相も、原発の具体的な活用策をなかなか打ち出そうとしないことが響いている。
===
Future vision needed
Fields devoid of future potential will be unable to attract talented personnel.
将来の展望が開けない分野に人材は集まらない。
Yet, when considering an ideal combination of power sources for this nation, nuclear power will be essential along with thermal power and other energy sources. The government must clearly devise a future vision for the country's energy supply by squarely looking at reality.
最適な電源の組み合わせを考えるうえで、原子力は火力などとともに欠かせない。政府は、その現実を見据えた将来像を、明確に描いてみせるべきだ。
Even if the government opts to depart from the country's dependence on nuclear power, Japan still will need human resources to tackle the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and decommission reactors there. According to a plan compiled by the government and the utility, decommissioning the reactors and clearing up the site will take at least 40 years.
仮に「脱原発依存」を選択するとしても、福島第一原発の事故処理や廃炉を担う人材は必須だ。政府と東電がまとめた計画では、最終的に廃炉にし、現場を片づけるまでに最短でも４０年かかる。
This lengthy operation will be shouldered by the children of today.
この長丁場を、今の子供たち世代が担うことになる。
Furthermore, such work will require highly advanced technologies.
しかも高度な技術を要する。
Safely removing and reducing radioactive contaminants at the nuclear plant will require more sophisticated robot and remote control technologies. Making estimates on the extent of the damage inside the crippled reactors, where people are still unable to enter, also will need the latest computer technology.
放射能汚染を安全に除去、軽減するには、今のロボット、遠隔操作技術を洗練せねばならない。人が近づけない原子炉内の損傷状況を推計するにも、最新のコンピューター技術が活用される。
A wide array of research and development activities, as well as technological innovations, will be needed over a long period of time.
さらに長期にわたって、多彩な研究開発と技術革新が必要だ。
Capable personnel will have to be available to the nuclear regulatory agency, electric power companies and nuclear-related manufacturers to improve the safety of existing reactors through regulations, inspections and repairs. Strict safety controls are required around the clock even at idled nuclear reactors.
既存の原発の安全性を向上させる規制や点検、補修でも、原子力規制庁や電力会社、メーカーに優秀な人材を配したい。運転を停止している原発でも、常に厳重な安全管理が求められる。
===
Japan has intl role to play
An option of replacing dated reactors with new models is expected to be discussed in the future. Electric utilities and nuclear-related manufacturers will have to nurture and train engineers capable of leading the design and building of these reactors.
老朽化した原発を新型に置き換えることも今後検討されよう。その設計や建設を主導できる技術者を、電力会社やメーカーは育てておかなくてはならない。
Exports of nuclear power infrastructure--a field the government has been promoting--will be impossible without engineers well versed in safety regulatory measures of international standards.
政府が進める原発の輸出も、国際水準の安全規制策に熟知した技術者なしでは実現しない。
Japan's neighboring countries, such as China and South Korea, have been constructing nuclear power plants one after another. With lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear crisis, international cooperation must be promoted to prevent the occurrence of a similar serious nuclear accident. In this field, too, experts will play vital roles.
近隣の中国、韓国などは原発を次々に増設している。福島第一原発の事故を教訓に、重大事故が起きないよう国際協力を進めるべきだ。ここでも、やはり専門家が重要な役割を果たす。
Japan is a country with many reactors and a proponent of the peaceful use of nuclear power. Other nations expect Japan to contribute to such fields as nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear terrorism countermeasures at the International Atomic Energy Agency and in other international arenas.
多数の原発を有し原子力の平和利用を進める日本には、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）などを舞台に核不拡散や核テロ対策で国際貢献することも期待されている。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is implementing projects to nurture human resources in the nuclear power field including subsidies to nuclear-related courses at universities and other educational institutes. We think the government should accelerate efforts to improve and expand such programs.
文部科学省は、大学などが設けた原子力関連の講座を予算面で支援するなど、人材育成の事業を進めている。こうした取り組みの充実、拡大を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 7, 2012)
（2012年4月7日01時30分 読売新聞）
2012年04月09日
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
この毎日英字紙の記事には日本語版がありません。
仕方がないのでスラチャイが意訳しておきました。
鳩山さんはお金持ちなので旅費・宿泊費だって自由になるのでしょうね。
個人旅行レベルだったら政府も口を出せませんよね＾＾。
困ったものです（汗）；
スラチャイ
(mainichi Japan) April 07, 2012
Ex-PM Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran highlights Noda admin's lack of control
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran -- under fire from the international community for its nuclear program -- to meet with high-ranking officials despite opposition from the government illustrates the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's lack of control.
このような世界情勢の中で鳩山元首相のイラン訪問はいかがなものか。野田首相どうした！
When his plan was revealed, the diplomatic authorities attempted to persuade him to abandon the visit, but he refused to comply. The Prime Minister's Office is standing idle, regarding the visit as a personal trip.
今回は見送るよう説得したら聞く耳をもたない＾＾。
Despite criticism, Hatoyama justified his planned visit to Iran by saying, "If only the executive branch of the government is allowed to perform diplomacy, legislators cannot be engaged in diplomacy. It's important for each individual to make efforts to contribute to diplomatic efforts based on their own will."
私が個人レベルで世界平和のために努力することのどこが悪い！（意訳です＾＾）
The role that Diet members play in diplomacy is of great significance. Exchanges of visits and discussions between Japanese and U.S. legislators helped strengthen the bilateral alliance. When serious problems arose in Japan's relations with South Korea and China, experienced Diet members familiar with these countries' situations played a key role in solving them. Now, the role that legislators play in diplomacy has declined considerably.
議員が外交に関与するのは当り前だ。（のクラッカー＾＾）
日米でも同じ。
だって、韓国や中国のときだって、それなりの通が外交目的で外遊したじゃないか。（中曽根元首相のことだと思います＾＾）
一介の議員だって頑張らないとね。
However, the executive branch of the government is primarily responsible for diplomacy, and lawmakers should play a supplementary role that does not deviate from the executive branch's negotiating positions. In other words, individual legislators should not perform diplomacy based on their own will as Hatoyama claims. If individual legislators' diplomatic efforts deviate from government policy, it will only allow other countries to use the inconsistency to their own advantage.
そんなことを主張されても一介の議員のイラン訪問が、国の方針と違っていれば問題だ。
一介の議員は外交活動は控えるべきなのだ。
海千山千の諸外国に付け入る隙を与えるようなものだ。
It is essential for Japan to try to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program through various channels. Hatoyama, who serves as a supreme diplomatic adviser to the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), has decided to visit Iran based on this belief. If so, he should go there after sufficiently coordinating his views with those of the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Remarks made by ex-PM Hatoyama will be taken seriously by foreign officials.
イランには日本政府よりあらゆる手段を通して核保有への野望を断ち切ってもらうようにすべきなのだ。
鳩山元首相の個人的信念だけで済まされる問題ではない。
外務省と綿密な打ち合わせをしたあとでもよいではないか。
外国首脳陣だって不快感をただよわせている。
A fierce tug-of-war is under way between Iran and six major countries -- five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany -- over the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. It is embarrassing that Japan is confused over whether the former prime minister should visit Iran while the international community is trying to maintain a unified front on the Iranian nuclear issue.
イランと関係主要６カ国は紛争の真っ最中。
世界が必死になってイランを説得しようとしているこの時期に何故イラン訪問をするのか。
それはイラン（いらん）のだ＾＾。
Prime Minister Noda is partially responsible for the confusion. His appointment of Hatoyama -- also to blame for the government's muddled approach to the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture -- as a diplomatic adviser to the DPJ has been called into question.
野田首相にも一端の責任はある。
鳩山元首相を普天間移設問題のアドバイザーに起用したのもうなずけない。
If Noda wants Hatoyama to play a diplomatic role as an individual legislator, the prime minister should have exchanged opinions with him and made it clear that the government would not approve his visit unless it was in line with the government's policy.
鳩山元首相が出発前に野田首相と事前に綿密な打ち合わせをして政府のイラン外交方針と矛盾しないような布石を打っておくべきであった。
The confusion over Hatoyama's visit to Iran and the appointment of Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka, whose qualification for the post has been called into question, has suggested that Prime Minister Noda is unable to take the lead in diplomatic and security policy.
野田首相は外交問題に関していえば落第点なのだ。
なぜなら、今回の鳩山元首相のイラン訪問容認、それと田中防衛相の起用。しっちゃかめっちゃかじゃないか＾＾。
Hatoyama also visited China apart from a DPJ delegation to China led by party Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi. Chinese officials apparently raised doubts about the DPJ's control over its own members' activities.
前にも中国へ手前勝手に出かけているし、中国だって困惑してるのではないの。
The DPJ does not appear to fully understand the basic principle that diplomacy should not be performed based on a political party's or an individual's ideas. The DPJ should be aware of this principle in order not to repeat this embarrassing behavior.
民主党は外交手段に長けていない。外交には基本的手法があるのだ。個人レベルでやってはいけない事だって存在する。今後、民主党には猛省を期待する。
（翻訳は意訳で、話し言葉を多用しました＾＾ ｂｙ スラチャイ）
関連記事１：
鳩山元首相:イラン訪問へ 日本政府は不快感
毎日新聞 2012年04月04日 19時12分（最終更新 04月04日 22時26分）
鳩山由紀夫元首相＝藤井太郎撮影
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６〜９日にイランを訪問し、アフマディネジャド大統領やジャリリ最高安全保障委員会事務局長らと会談する予定であることが４日分かった。鳩山氏は同日、東京都内で記者団に「イラン情勢は緊迫の度を加えているが、戦争状態にしてはならない。個人の立場で努力したい」と語った。
しかし国際社会は核開発を続けるイランに制裁圧力を強め、日本もイラン産原油の輸入削減方針を打ち出したばかり。玄葉光一郎外相は同日の記者会見で、鳩山氏のイラン訪問について「政府としては適切なレベル、適切なタイミングで働き掛けを行うことが極めて重要と考える」と述べ、不快感を示した。【横田愛】
関連記事２：
ルース駐日大使:鳩山氏のイラン訪問 政府に懸念伝える
毎日新聞 2012年04月08日 02時30分
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６日にイラン訪問へ出発する前にルース駐日米大使が首相官邸に電話で懸念を伝えていたことが７日分かった。政府関係者によると、訪問中止を強く求める発言はなかったものの、大使は「鳩山氏のためにも良いことではない」と指摘。米国と欧州が核開発を続けるイランへの経済制裁を強める中、鳩山氏の訪問が国際協調の足並みを乱しかねないと憂慮したとみられる。
電話を受けた官邸スタッフは「野田佳彦首相と玄葉光一郎外相も中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は一議員として行くとのことだ」と説明。政府として関与していないことを強調したという。鳩山氏は政府側からの中止要請に応じずイラン入り。８日にアフマディネジャド大統領と会談する予定だ。
仕方がないのでスラチャイが意訳しておきました。
鳩山さんはお金持ちなので旅費・宿泊費だって自由になるのでしょうね。
個人旅行レベルだったら政府も口を出せませんよね＾＾。
困ったものです（汗）；
スラチャイ
(mainichi Japan) April 07, 2012
Ex-PM Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran highlights Noda admin's lack of control
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran -- under fire from the international community for its nuclear program -- to meet with high-ranking officials despite opposition from the government illustrates the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's lack of control.
このような世界情勢の中で鳩山元首相のイラン訪問はいかがなものか。野田首相どうした！
When his plan was revealed, the diplomatic authorities attempted to persuade him to abandon the visit, but he refused to comply. The Prime Minister's Office is standing idle, regarding the visit as a personal trip.
今回は見送るよう説得したら聞く耳をもたない＾＾。
Despite criticism, Hatoyama justified his planned visit to Iran by saying, "If only the executive branch of the government is allowed to perform diplomacy, legislators cannot be engaged in diplomacy. It's important for each individual to make efforts to contribute to diplomatic efforts based on their own will."
私が個人レベルで世界平和のために努力することのどこが悪い！（意訳です＾＾）
The role that Diet members play in diplomacy is of great significance. Exchanges of visits and discussions between Japanese and U.S. legislators helped strengthen the bilateral alliance. When serious problems arose in Japan's relations with South Korea and China, experienced Diet members familiar with these countries' situations played a key role in solving them. Now, the role that legislators play in diplomacy has declined considerably.
議員が外交に関与するのは当り前だ。（のクラッカー＾＾）
日米でも同じ。
だって、韓国や中国のときだって、それなりの通が外交目的で外遊したじゃないか。（中曽根元首相のことだと思います＾＾）
一介の議員だって頑張らないとね。
However, the executive branch of the government is primarily responsible for diplomacy, and lawmakers should play a supplementary role that does not deviate from the executive branch's negotiating positions. In other words, individual legislators should not perform diplomacy based on their own will as Hatoyama claims. If individual legislators' diplomatic efforts deviate from government policy, it will only allow other countries to use the inconsistency to their own advantage.
そんなことを主張されても一介の議員のイラン訪問が、国の方針と違っていれば問題だ。
一介の議員は外交活動は控えるべきなのだ。
海千山千の諸外国に付け入る隙を与えるようなものだ。
It is essential for Japan to try to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program through various channels. Hatoyama, who serves as a supreme diplomatic adviser to the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), has decided to visit Iran based on this belief. If so, he should go there after sufficiently coordinating his views with those of the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Remarks made by ex-PM Hatoyama will be taken seriously by foreign officials.
イランには日本政府よりあらゆる手段を通して核保有への野望を断ち切ってもらうようにすべきなのだ。
鳩山元首相の個人的信念だけで済まされる問題ではない。
外務省と綿密な打ち合わせをしたあとでもよいではないか。
外国首脳陣だって不快感をただよわせている。
A fierce tug-of-war is under way between Iran and six major countries -- five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany -- over the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. It is embarrassing that Japan is confused over whether the former prime minister should visit Iran while the international community is trying to maintain a unified front on the Iranian nuclear issue.
イランと関係主要６カ国は紛争の真っ最中。
世界が必死になってイランを説得しようとしているこの時期に何故イラン訪問をするのか。
それはイラン（いらん）のだ＾＾。
Prime Minister Noda is partially responsible for the confusion. His appointment of Hatoyama -- also to blame for the government's muddled approach to the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture -- as a diplomatic adviser to the DPJ has been called into question.
野田首相にも一端の責任はある。
鳩山元首相を普天間移設問題のアドバイザーに起用したのもうなずけない。
If Noda wants Hatoyama to play a diplomatic role as an individual legislator, the prime minister should have exchanged opinions with him and made it clear that the government would not approve his visit unless it was in line with the government's policy.
鳩山元首相が出発前に野田首相と事前に綿密な打ち合わせをして政府のイラン外交方針と矛盾しないような布石を打っておくべきであった。
The confusion over Hatoyama's visit to Iran and the appointment of Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka, whose qualification for the post has been called into question, has suggested that Prime Minister Noda is unable to take the lead in diplomatic and security policy.
野田首相は外交問題に関していえば落第点なのだ。
なぜなら、今回の鳩山元首相のイラン訪問容認、それと田中防衛相の起用。しっちゃかめっちゃかじゃないか＾＾。
Hatoyama also visited China apart from a DPJ delegation to China led by party Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi. Chinese officials apparently raised doubts about the DPJ's control over its own members' activities.
前にも中国へ手前勝手に出かけているし、中国だって困惑してるのではないの。
The DPJ does not appear to fully understand the basic principle that diplomacy should not be performed based on a political party's or an individual's ideas. The DPJ should be aware of this principle in order not to repeat this embarrassing behavior.
民主党は外交手段に長けていない。外交には基本的手法があるのだ。個人レベルでやってはいけない事だって存在する。今後、民主党には猛省を期待する。
（翻訳は意訳で、話し言葉を多用しました＾＾ ｂｙ スラチャイ）
関連記事１：
鳩山元首相:イラン訪問へ 日本政府は不快感
毎日新聞 2012年04月04日 19時12分（最終更新 04月04日 22時26分）
鳩山由紀夫元首相＝藤井太郎撮影
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６〜９日にイランを訪問し、アフマディネジャド大統領やジャリリ最高安全保障委員会事務局長らと会談する予定であることが４日分かった。鳩山氏は同日、東京都内で記者団に「イラン情勢は緊迫の度を加えているが、戦争状態にしてはならない。個人の立場で努力したい」と語った。
しかし国際社会は核開発を続けるイランに制裁圧力を強め、日本もイラン産原油の輸入削減方針を打ち出したばかり。玄葉光一郎外相は同日の記者会見で、鳩山氏のイラン訪問について「政府としては適切なレベル、適切なタイミングで働き掛けを行うことが極めて重要と考える」と述べ、不快感を示した。【横田愛】
関連記事２：
ルース駐日大使:鳩山氏のイラン訪問 政府に懸念伝える
毎日新聞 2012年04月08日 02時30分
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６日にイラン訪問へ出発する前にルース駐日米大使が首相官邸に電話で懸念を伝えていたことが７日分かった。政府関係者によると、訪問中止を強く求める発言はなかったものの、大使は「鳩山氏のためにも良いことではない」と指摘。米国と欧州が核開発を続けるイランへの経済制裁を強める中、鳩山氏の訪問が国際協調の足並みを乱しかねないと憂慮したとみられる。
電話を受けた官邸スタッフは「野田佳彦首相と玄葉光一郎外相も中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は一議員として行くとのことだ」と説明。政府として関与していないことを強調したという。鳩山氏は政府側からの中止要請に応じずイラン入り。８日にアフマディネジャド大統領と会談する予定だ。
2012年04月08日
１２年度予算成立 「赤字国債」で野党と接点探れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 7, 2012)
Seek common ground over deficit-covering bonds
１２年度予算成立 「赤字国債」で野党と接点探れ（4月6日付・読売社説）
The fiscal 2012 budget has finally passed the Diet.
２０１２年度予算がようやく成立した。
General-account spending totals 90 trillion yen and total outlays for fiscal 2012 reach a record high if separate special-account spending on reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake is included.
予算の一般会計総額は９０兆円で、別枠の東日本大震災復興特別会計と合わせると過去最大だ。
The dole-out fiscal 2012 budget also includes such handout policies as income compensation for individual farmers. The budget relies on issuing new government bonds to cover 49 percent of total revenues, the highest percentage ever.
農家の戸別所得補償などバラマキ政策も含まれ、国債依存度も過去最悪の４９％に上る。問題の多い予算である。
The fiscal 2012 budget has many problems. However, further delay must not be allowed, to facilitate reconstruction from the March 11, 2011, disaster and economic revitalization. The government should do its utmost to quickly implement the budget.
だが、復興や経済再生にこれ以上の遅滞は許されない。政府は、速やかな予算執行に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
One concern is that there is virtually no prospect the Diet will pass a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering government bonds, due to objections from the opposition parties. If Diet passage of the bill, which will provide financial resources for the budget, is substantially delayed, the government will not be able to implement the budget, which will adversely affect people's lives.
懸念されるのは、野党の反対で、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立のメドが全く立っていないことだ。財源の裏付けとなる法案の成立が大幅に遅れれば、政府は予算を執行できず、国民生活に影響が出る恐れがある。
Last year, the bill for issuance of deficit-covering government bonds became a political football. Then Prime Minister Naoto Kan set passage of the bill as one of three conditions for his resignation, and the bill was enacted in late August.
昨年、特例公債法案は政争の具となった。菅首相が自ら「退陣３条件」の一つに掲げ、８月下旬、なんとか成立にこぎ着けた。
===
Avoid repeat of last year
Such turmoil should not be repeated this year. The government and the Democratic Party of Japan must create an environment in which they can secure cooperation from the opposition parties.
今年は、混乱を繰り返すべきではない。政府・民主党は、野党から協力を取り付けるための環境整備を図らねばならない。
During deliberations on the fiscal 2012 budget, the opposition parties strongly criticized the government and the ruling parties for covering part of the government's share of contributions to basic pension benefits with special bonds. It is certain the government took such a tricky move--issuing special bonds--to make the issuance of government bonds appear low.
今回の予算審議で野党は、基礎年金の国庫負担分の一部を交付国債で賄ったことを強く批判している。国債発行額を見かけ上低くするため、交付国債という奇策を弄したのは確かだ。
Saying it is an attempt to pull the wool over the people's eyes, the Liberal Democratic Party is urging the government to compile a supplementary budget and change the special bonds to deficit-covering bonds. This is worth discussing if it leads to cooperation with the LDP.
自民党は「国民の目を欺くものだ」として、補正予算を編成し、赤字国債へ振り替えることを求めている。自民党との協調につながるなら、検討に値しよう。
Replacing special bonds with deficit-covering bonds will increase momentum toward the passage of the bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds.
それが特例公債法案の成立機運を高めることになる。
During the latter half of the Diet session, many important bills, including one to raise the consumption tax rate and others on nuclear regulatory measures, are on the waiting list. The ruling and opposition parties should make efforts to build consensus on these matters.
後半国会は、消費税率引き上げ関連法案や原子力規制関連法案など重要法案が目白押しだ。与野党は合意形成に努力すべきだ。
===
Bold concessions needed
First of all, we suggest the government and the DPJ make bold concessions, such as withdrawing its new pension system plan, the main pillar of which is a minimum guaranteed pension of 70,000 yen a month.
まずは、政府・民主党が、月額７万円の「最低保障年金」を柱とする新年金制度案の撤回など、大胆に譲歩してはどうか。
Due to opposition parties' resistance and the DPJ's poor Diet management, budget deliberations were delayed until the new fiscal year, forcing the government to compile a stopgap budget for the first time in 14 years.
予算審議は、野党の抵抗に加えて、民主党の稚拙な国会運営で新年度にずれ込み、１４年ぶりの暫定予算編成に追い込まれた。
The DPJ leadership needs to review what Diet management should be, as the DPJ's way of managing the Diet poses problems for Japan's diplomacy as well.
民主党執行部は、国会運営のあり方を見直す必要がある。日本外交にも支障が出ているためだ。
For example, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was tied up with Diet deliberations when the Nuclear Security Summit was held in Seoul late last month and he was not able to fully utilize the opportunity for summit diplomacy, which is important for Japan.
例えば、３月下旬のソウルでの核安全サミットの際、野田首相は国会審議に縛られ、日本にとって重要な首脳外交の機会を十分に生かせなかった。
The DPJ should present to the opposition parties a Diet schedule that takes the nation's diplomacy into account and squarely seek cooperation from them.
民主党は、外交に配慮した国会日程を野党に示し、正面から協力を求めるべきだ。
The rejection of the DPJ's request for cooperation by the LDP, which was in power for years, would damage national interests. The main opposition party could not escape public criticism.
長年、政権の座にあった自民党がそれを拒むなら、国益を損ね、世論の批判は免れまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 6, 2012)
（2012年4月6日01時15分 読売新聞）
Seek common ground over deficit-covering bonds
１２年度予算成立 「赤字国債」で野党と接点探れ（4月6日付・読売社説）
The fiscal 2012 budget has finally passed the Diet.
２０１２年度予算がようやく成立した。
General-account spending totals 90 trillion yen and total outlays for fiscal 2012 reach a record high if separate special-account spending on reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake is included.
予算の一般会計総額は９０兆円で、別枠の東日本大震災復興特別会計と合わせると過去最大だ。
The dole-out fiscal 2012 budget also includes such handout policies as income compensation for individual farmers. The budget relies on issuing new government bonds to cover 49 percent of total revenues, the highest percentage ever.
農家の戸別所得補償などバラマキ政策も含まれ、国債依存度も過去最悪の４９％に上る。問題の多い予算である。
The fiscal 2012 budget has many problems. However, further delay must not be allowed, to facilitate reconstruction from the March 11, 2011, disaster and economic revitalization. The government should do its utmost to quickly implement the budget.
だが、復興や経済再生にこれ以上の遅滞は許されない。政府は、速やかな予算執行に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
One concern is that there is virtually no prospect the Diet will pass a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering government bonds, due to objections from the opposition parties. If Diet passage of the bill, which will provide financial resources for the budget, is substantially delayed, the government will not be able to implement the budget, which will adversely affect people's lives.
懸念されるのは、野党の反対で、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立のメドが全く立っていないことだ。財源の裏付けとなる法案の成立が大幅に遅れれば、政府は予算を執行できず、国民生活に影響が出る恐れがある。
Last year, the bill for issuance of deficit-covering government bonds became a political football. Then Prime Minister Naoto Kan set passage of the bill as one of three conditions for his resignation, and the bill was enacted in late August.
昨年、特例公債法案は政争の具となった。菅首相が自ら「退陣３条件」の一つに掲げ、８月下旬、なんとか成立にこぎ着けた。
===
Avoid repeat of last year
Such turmoil should not be repeated this year. The government and the Democratic Party of Japan must create an environment in which they can secure cooperation from the opposition parties.
今年は、混乱を繰り返すべきではない。政府・民主党は、野党から協力を取り付けるための環境整備を図らねばならない。
During deliberations on the fiscal 2012 budget, the opposition parties strongly criticized the government and the ruling parties for covering part of the government's share of contributions to basic pension benefits with special bonds. It is certain the government took such a tricky move--issuing special bonds--to make the issuance of government bonds appear low.
今回の予算審議で野党は、基礎年金の国庫負担分の一部を交付国債で賄ったことを強く批判している。国債発行額を見かけ上低くするため、交付国債という奇策を弄したのは確かだ。
Saying it is an attempt to pull the wool over the people's eyes, the Liberal Democratic Party is urging the government to compile a supplementary budget and change the special bonds to deficit-covering bonds. This is worth discussing if it leads to cooperation with the LDP.
自民党は「国民の目を欺くものだ」として、補正予算を編成し、赤字国債へ振り替えることを求めている。自民党との協調につながるなら、検討に値しよう。
Replacing special bonds with deficit-covering bonds will increase momentum toward the passage of the bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds.
それが特例公債法案の成立機運を高めることになる。
During the latter half of the Diet session, many important bills, including one to raise the consumption tax rate and others on nuclear regulatory measures, are on the waiting list. The ruling and opposition parties should make efforts to build consensus on these matters.
後半国会は、消費税率引き上げ関連法案や原子力規制関連法案など重要法案が目白押しだ。与野党は合意形成に努力すべきだ。
===
Bold concessions needed
First of all, we suggest the government and the DPJ make bold concessions, such as withdrawing its new pension system plan, the main pillar of which is a minimum guaranteed pension of 70,000 yen a month.
まずは、政府・民主党が、月額７万円の「最低保障年金」を柱とする新年金制度案の撤回など、大胆に譲歩してはどうか。
Due to opposition parties' resistance and the DPJ's poor Diet management, budget deliberations were delayed until the new fiscal year, forcing the government to compile a stopgap budget for the first time in 14 years.
予算審議は、野党の抵抗に加えて、民主党の稚拙な国会運営で新年度にずれ込み、１４年ぶりの暫定予算編成に追い込まれた。
The DPJ leadership needs to review what Diet management should be, as the DPJ's way of managing the Diet poses problems for Japan's diplomacy as well.
民主党執行部は、国会運営のあり方を見直す必要がある。日本外交にも支障が出ているためだ。
For example, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was tied up with Diet deliberations when the Nuclear Security Summit was held in Seoul late last month and he was not able to fully utilize the opportunity for summit diplomacy, which is important for Japan.
例えば、３月下旬のソウルでの核安全サミットの際、野田首相は国会審議に縛られ、日本にとって重要な首脳外交の機会を十分に生かせなかった。
The DPJ should present to the opposition parties a Diet schedule that takes the nation's diplomacy into account and squarely seek cooperation from them.
民主党は、外交に配慮した国会日程を野党に示し、正面から協力を求めるべきだ。
The rejection of the DPJ's request for cooperation by the LDP, which was in power for years, would damage national interests. The main opposition party could not escape public criticism.
長年、政権の座にあった自民党がそれを拒むなら、国益を損ね、世論の批判は免れまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 6, 2012)
（2012年4月6日01時15分 読売新聞）