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2013年06月05日
南スーダン支援 地元連携で効果的なＰＫＯに
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 4, 2013
Work with locals to enhance effect of Japan's PKO in South Sudan
南スーダン支援 地元連携で効果的なＰＫＯに（6月3日付・読売社説）
It is important for Japan to adopt a strategy that enhances the effectiveness of its contribution to U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, by closely cooperating with local people.
地元の住民と緊密に連携し、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）の効果を高める戦略が重要である。
The government has decided to extend the area of engagement by the Ground Self-Defense Force engineering unit taking part in the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
政府が、国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加している陸上自衛隊の施設部隊の活動地域を拡大することを決定した。
Since January last year, about 330 personnel of the unit have been improving major trunk roads and an airstrip in the capital Juba, which is in Central Equatoria State. After Bangladeshi units pull out of Eastern and Western Equatoria shortly, the GSDF unit will also operate in these two states.
陸自部隊の約３３０人は昨年１月以降、中央エクアトリア州にある首都ジュバで道路や空港を整備している。バングラデシュ軍が近く東・西エクアトリア州から撤退した後、両州でも活動する。
The GSDF engineers have withdrawn from the Golan Heights in the Middle East and Haiti, leaving South Sudan as the only country where the unit is engaged in peacekeeping operations.
陸自は中東・ゴラン高原とハイチから撤収し、現在は南スーダンが唯一のＰＫＯだ。
Unit stars in engineering
Extending the unit’s area of engagement is quite appropriate for enhancing Japan’s presence in and reinforcing ties with Africa, which is expected to grow markedly in the future.
今後の成長が期待されるアフリカでの日本の存在感を高め、関係を強化するうえで、活動地域の拡大は妥当だ。
China, South Korea and India also have dispatched engineering units to South Sudan. In northern South Sudan, where the units of these three Asian nations conduct their peacekeeping activities, rebel forces still operate actively. In April, rebels attacked a U.N. convoy and killed 12 people, including five Indian peacekeepers escorting the convoy.
南スーダンには中国、韓国、インドも施設部隊を派遣している。３か国が活動する北部の州は、反政府勢力の活動が活発だ。４月にＰＫＯの車両が襲撃され、インド兵５人を含む１２人が死亡した。
The public security situation is relatively stable in the three southern states where the GSDF unit will operate. Nonetheless, it is necessary to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of the unit by, for instance, constantly gathering information on the movements of rebel forces.
日本が活動する南部３州は、治安が比較的安定している。だが、反政府勢力の動向の情報収集に努めるなど、部隊の安全確保に引き続き注意する必要がある。
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July 2011, but little progress has been made in its nation-building efforts. From May to October, heavy rainfall makes roads impassable in many areas. Therefore, it is hugely significant that the GSDF unit is helping to improve a road network that will serve as a foundation for that country’s economic development.
南スーダンは２０１１年７月に独立し、国造りはまだ進んでいない。５～１０月は激しい雨期で、道路が各地で寸断される。経済開発の基盤となる国内の交通網整備に陸自が貢献する意義は大きい。
The unit has achieved tangible results in repairing and improving roads--its specialty area--in such nations as Cambodia and East Timor. The unit has earned a reputation for its precise and diligent work. Its attention to detail includes adjusting the camber of a road and the width of side gutters in line with rainfall of a specific area.
陸自の施設部隊は、カンボジア、東ティモールなどのＰＫＯで実績を上げており、得意分野だ。道路に勾配をつけ、雨量に応じて側溝幅を調節するなど、きめ細かで堅実な仕事ぶりには定評がある。
The important thing is for the unit to have numerous dialogues with local people to accurately grasp their true needs. This will enhance the effect of Japan’s assistance.
大切なのは、現地住民と対話を重ね、ニーズを正確に把握し、支援の効果を高めることだ。
The GSDF unit began building a 1.7-kilometer community road in Juba in February. The unit proposed this project to the UNMISS after actively determining what locals need and want. The road is funded from about 84 million yen of grassroots grant aid of Japan’s official development assistance, which is used to procure necessary materials.
陸自は今年２月、ジュバ市内で１・７キロの生活道路の整備を始めた。住民の要望を積極的に聞き取り、国連に提案した事業で、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）の草の根無償資金協力約８４００万円を活用し、資材を調達している。
Think outside the box
The GSDF’s reconstruction activities in postwar Iraq were made in cooperation with locals, and were highly praised. We hope such assistance will be expanded.
イラク復興支援でも、地元と連携した活動は高く評価された。こうした支援を拡充したい。
The Foreign Ministry, for its part, must think hard about how to enhance the synergic effects of Japan’s official development assistance and peacekeeping operations. This might involve extending not only small-scale grant aid but also larger-scale assistance, such as the improvement of facilities, in tandem with the GSDF unit’s operations.
外務省も、小規模な無償支援に限らず、施設整備など、より大型の援助を陸自の活動と連動させ、ＯＤＡとＰＫＯの相乗効果を高めることに知恵を絞るべきだ。
The GSDF has dispatched three majors, including intelligence staff, to UNMISS headquarters. For Japan to have a bigger say in peacekeeping operations, it will be necessary to dispatch higher-ranking SDF officers and have them placed in posts higher up the chain of command.
陸自は、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ司令部に情報幕僚など３人の３佐を派遣している。日本がＰＫＯ分野で発言力を強めるには、より高位の自衛官を派遣し、幹部ポストを確保することが課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2013)
（2013年6月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
Work with locals to enhance effect of Japan's PKO in South Sudan
南スーダン支援 地元連携で効果的なＰＫＯに（6月3日付・読売社説）
It is important for Japan to adopt a strategy that enhances the effectiveness of its contribution to U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, by closely cooperating with local people.
地元の住民と緊密に連携し、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）の効果を高める戦略が重要である。
The government has decided to extend the area of engagement by the Ground Self-Defense Force engineering unit taking part in the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS).
政府が、国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加している陸上自衛隊の施設部隊の活動地域を拡大することを決定した。
Since January last year, about 330 personnel of the unit have been improving major trunk roads and an airstrip in the capital Juba, which is in Central Equatoria State. After Bangladeshi units pull out of Eastern and Western Equatoria shortly, the GSDF unit will also operate in these two states.
陸自部隊の約３３０人は昨年１月以降、中央エクアトリア州にある首都ジュバで道路や空港を整備している。バングラデシュ軍が近く東・西エクアトリア州から撤退した後、両州でも活動する。
The GSDF engineers have withdrawn from the Golan Heights in the Middle East and Haiti, leaving South Sudan as the only country where the unit is engaged in peacekeeping operations.
陸自は中東・ゴラン高原とハイチから撤収し、現在は南スーダンが唯一のＰＫＯだ。
Unit stars in engineering
Extending the unit’s area of engagement is quite appropriate for enhancing Japan’s presence in and reinforcing ties with Africa, which is expected to grow markedly in the future.
今後の成長が期待されるアフリカでの日本の存在感を高め、関係を強化するうえで、活動地域の拡大は妥当だ。
China, South Korea and India also have dispatched engineering units to South Sudan. In northern South Sudan, where the units of these three Asian nations conduct their peacekeeping activities, rebel forces still operate actively. In April, rebels attacked a U.N. convoy and killed 12 people, including five Indian peacekeepers escorting the convoy.
南スーダンには中国、韓国、インドも施設部隊を派遣している。３か国が活動する北部の州は、反政府勢力の活動が活発だ。４月にＰＫＯの車両が襲撃され、インド兵５人を含む１２人が死亡した。
The public security situation is relatively stable in the three southern states where the GSDF unit will operate. Nonetheless, it is necessary to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of the unit by, for instance, constantly gathering information on the movements of rebel forces.
日本が活動する南部３州は、治安が比較的安定している。だが、反政府勢力の動向の情報収集に努めるなど、部隊の安全確保に引き続き注意する必要がある。
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July 2011, but little progress has been made in its nation-building efforts. From May to October, heavy rainfall makes roads impassable in many areas. Therefore, it is hugely significant that the GSDF unit is helping to improve a road network that will serve as a foundation for that country’s economic development.
南スーダンは２０１１年７月に独立し、国造りはまだ進んでいない。５～１０月は激しい雨期で、道路が各地で寸断される。経済開発の基盤となる国内の交通網整備に陸自が貢献する意義は大きい。
The unit has achieved tangible results in repairing and improving roads--its specialty area--in such nations as Cambodia and East Timor. The unit has earned a reputation for its precise and diligent work. Its attention to detail includes adjusting the camber of a road and the width of side gutters in line with rainfall of a specific area.
陸自の施設部隊は、カンボジア、東ティモールなどのＰＫＯで実績を上げており、得意分野だ。道路に勾配をつけ、雨量に応じて側溝幅を調節するなど、きめ細かで堅実な仕事ぶりには定評がある。
The important thing is for the unit to have numerous dialogues with local people to accurately grasp their true needs. This will enhance the effect of Japan’s assistance.
大切なのは、現地住民と対話を重ね、ニーズを正確に把握し、支援の効果を高めることだ。
The GSDF unit began building a 1.7-kilometer community road in Juba in February. The unit proposed this project to the UNMISS after actively determining what locals need and want. The road is funded from about 84 million yen of grassroots grant aid of Japan’s official development assistance, which is used to procure necessary materials.
陸自は今年２月、ジュバ市内で１・７キロの生活道路の整備を始めた。住民の要望を積極的に聞き取り、国連に提案した事業で、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）の草の根無償資金協力約８４００万円を活用し、資材を調達している。
Think outside the box
The GSDF’s reconstruction activities in postwar Iraq were made in cooperation with locals, and were highly praised. We hope such assistance will be expanded.
イラク復興支援でも、地元と連携した活動は高く評価された。こうした支援を拡充したい。
The Foreign Ministry, for its part, must think hard about how to enhance the synergic effects of Japan’s official development assistance and peacekeeping operations. This might involve extending not only small-scale grant aid but also larger-scale assistance, such as the improvement of facilities, in tandem with the GSDF unit’s operations.
外務省も、小規模な無償支援に限らず、施設整備など、より大型の援助を陸自の活動と連動させ、ＯＤＡとＰＫＯの相乗効果を高めることに知恵を絞るべきだ。
The GSDF has dispatched three majors, including intelligence staff, to UNMISS headquarters. For Japan to have a bigger say in peacekeeping operations, it will be necessary to dispatch higher-ranking SDF officers and have them placed in posts higher up the chain of command.
陸自は、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ司令部に情報幕僚など３人の３佐を派遣している。日本がＰＫＯ分野で発言力を強めるには、より高位の自衛官を派遣し、幹部ポストを確保することが課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2013)
（2013年6月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
2013年06月04日
アフリカ会議 日本の顔見える支援拡大せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 3, 2013
TICAD 5: Opportunity to expand Africa aid that shows Japanese flag
アフリカ会議 日本の顔見える支援拡大せよ（6月2日付・読売社説）
The fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5), a summit meeting of Japanese and African leaders, began Saturday in Yokohama. It is a wonderful opportunity for Japan to strengthen its partnership with Africa, an emerging continent.
日本とアフリカの首脳級会合である「第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）」が１日、横浜市で開幕した。“成長大陸”アフリカと連携を強化する絶好の機会だ。
The conference is held every five years, and representatives from 51 of Africa’s 54 countries are attending TICAD 5.
５年に１度の会合で、今回はアフリカ５１か国が出席した。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at the meeting that Japan and Africa have become partners who are helping each other grow. He also pledged to provide Africa with up to 3.2 trillion yen in aid from the private and public sectors over the next five years. The amount will include 1.4 trillion yen in official development assistance, the prime minister said.
安倍首相は、「互いに成長し合う仲間になった」と述べ、官民連携により、今後５年間で最大３・２兆円をアフリカに支援すると表明した。１・４兆円は政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を充てる。
A wealth of resources
Africa is rich in natural resources, and its annual growth rate remains high at 5 percent or more. The continent has a population of about 1 billion and is a promising market in which the number of middle-income people is increasing.
アフリカは天然資源が豊富で、５％台の高成長が続く。人口は１０億人と多く、中間所得層が増加する有望市場である。
However, electricity shortages remain a serious problem in Africa, and underdeveloped infrastructure such as roads, ports and railways is also a challenge.
一方、電力不足は深刻だ。道路、港湾、鉄道などインフラ整備の遅れも課題と言える。
Africa has high expectations of Japan. We agree with the government’s plan to expand aid and investment for Africa in cooperation with trading houses, manufacturers and other private companies.
アフリカの日本への期待は大きい。商社、メーカーなど民間企業と足並みをそろえ、アフリカへの支援や投資を拡大しようとする政府の狙いは妥当だ。
The growth strategy of Abenomics will be boosted if Japan can promote development of natural resources in Africa such as natural gas, which are essential for the country, and speed up the export of infrastructure to African countries.
日本に不可欠な天然ガスなどの資源開発を促進したり、インフラ輸出を加速したりできれば、経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略にも弾みをつけよう。
Be wary of China’s moves
However, Japan must be cautious about China’s moves on the African continent, where it is stepping up its presence.
警戒しなければならないのは、アフリカでの存在感を増大させている中国の動きである。
Beijing has been sending its leaders to African countries one after another and rapidly increasing loans and investment on the continent.
中国は、首脳らが相次いでアフリカを訪問し、アフリカ向けの融資や投資を急拡大している。
China last year announced it would extend a total of 20 billion dollars in loans to African nations over three years, but the reality on the ground is not clear. We cannot ignore China’s policy toward Africa, which is noticeably aimed at monopolizing natural resources there while focusing only on China’s own interests.
昨年、「３年間で２００億ドル融資」という新たな方針を表明したが、実態は不透明だ。資源囲い込みや自国の利益を最優先する姿勢が目立つ点も看過できない。
Abe pledged at the conference to visit Africa as soon as possible. We think it is appropriate for the prime minister to lead Japan’s policy for Africa to vie with Beijing.
安倍首相は、できるだけ早期にアフリカを訪問する意向も表明した。中国に対抗し、首相が先頭に立つことは適切だろう。
It is important for Japan to help Africa become more self-reliant and to build a mutually beneficial friendship with it through aid that shows the Japanese flag.
重要なのは、「日本の顔が見える支援」を通じてアフリカの自立を促し、互いに利益になる良好な関係を築くことである。
Africa is still suffering from poverty and diseases such as AIDS. Japan should help Africans boost their agricultural productivity to alleviate poverty by teaching them Japanese skills to grow more rice.
アフリカは貧困や、エイズなど疾病の問題を抱える。コメ作り支援で農業の生産性を高め、貧困を減らす方策を強化すべきだ。
The government should take strategy measures to help Africa that only Japan can do, by making effective use of its ODA. Such measures include supporting human resource development programs by helping 30,000 people find jobs and promoting transfer of technology.
３万人の就業支援による人材育成や、技術移転を後押しするなど、ＯＤＡを有効に活用する日本ならではの戦略が求められる。
In Algeria, a hostage crisis involving Japanese nationals took place in January, and security continues to deteriorate in some parts of Africa. We think the governments of African countries should take the initiative in developing an environment in which Japanese companies will find it easy to invest.
１月にアルジェリアで人質事件が起きた。一部では依然、治安が悪化している。政府の主導で、日本企業が投資しやすい環境を整備することが急務だ。
The government should not forget that it is significant for Japan, which aims to reform the U.N. Security Council, to expand the foundations of its diplomacy in a way that will redound to the country’s benefit as it enhances its ties with African nations.
国連安全保障理事会の改革を目指す日本にとって、アフリカとの関係強化で外交基盤を拡大する意義も忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2013)
（2013年6月2日02時23分 読売新聞）
TICAD 5: Opportunity to expand Africa aid that shows Japanese flag
アフリカ会議 日本の顔見える支援拡大せよ（6月2日付・読売社説）
The fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5), a summit meeting of Japanese and African leaders, began Saturday in Yokohama. It is a wonderful opportunity for Japan to strengthen its partnership with Africa, an emerging continent.
日本とアフリカの首脳級会合である「第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）」が１日、横浜市で開幕した。“成長大陸”アフリカと連携を強化する絶好の機会だ。
The conference is held every five years, and representatives from 51 of Africa’s 54 countries are attending TICAD 5.
５年に１度の会合で、今回はアフリカ５１か国が出席した。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at the meeting that Japan and Africa have become partners who are helping each other grow. He also pledged to provide Africa with up to 3.2 trillion yen in aid from the private and public sectors over the next five years. The amount will include 1.4 trillion yen in official development assistance, the prime minister said.
安倍首相は、「互いに成長し合う仲間になった」と述べ、官民連携により、今後５年間で最大３・２兆円をアフリカに支援すると表明した。１・４兆円は政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を充てる。
A wealth of resources
Africa is rich in natural resources, and its annual growth rate remains high at 5 percent or more. The continent has a population of about 1 billion and is a promising market in which the number of middle-income people is increasing.
アフリカは天然資源が豊富で、５％台の高成長が続く。人口は１０億人と多く、中間所得層が増加する有望市場である。
However, electricity shortages remain a serious problem in Africa, and underdeveloped infrastructure such as roads, ports and railways is also a challenge.
一方、電力不足は深刻だ。道路、港湾、鉄道などインフラ整備の遅れも課題と言える。
Africa has high expectations of Japan. We agree with the government’s plan to expand aid and investment for Africa in cooperation with trading houses, manufacturers and other private companies.
アフリカの日本への期待は大きい。商社、メーカーなど民間企業と足並みをそろえ、アフリカへの支援や投資を拡大しようとする政府の狙いは妥当だ。
The growth strategy of Abenomics will be boosted if Japan can promote development of natural resources in Africa such as natural gas, which are essential for the country, and speed up the export of infrastructure to African countries.
日本に不可欠な天然ガスなどの資源開発を促進したり、インフラ輸出を加速したりできれば、経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略にも弾みをつけよう。
Be wary of China’s moves
However, Japan must be cautious about China’s moves on the African continent, where it is stepping up its presence.
警戒しなければならないのは、アフリカでの存在感を増大させている中国の動きである。
Beijing has been sending its leaders to African countries one after another and rapidly increasing loans and investment on the continent.
中国は、首脳らが相次いでアフリカを訪問し、アフリカ向けの融資や投資を急拡大している。
China last year announced it would extend a total of 20 billion dollars in loans to African nations over three years, but the reality on the ground is not clear. We cannot ignore China’s policy toward Africa, which is noticeably aimed at monopolizing natural resources there while focusing only on China’s own interests.
昨年、「３年間で２００億ドル融資」という新たな方針を表明したが、実態は不透明だ。資源囲い込みや自国の利益を最優先する姿勢が目立つ点も看過できない。
Abe pledged at the conference to visit Africa as soon as possible. We think it is appropriate for the prime minister to lead Japan’s policy for Africa to vie with Beijing.
安倍首相は、できるだけ早期にアフリカを訪問する意向も表明した。中国に対抗し、首相が先頭に立つことは適切だろう。
It is important for Japan to help Africa become more self-reliant and to build a mutually beneficial friendship with it through aid that shows the Japanese flag.
重要なのは、「日本の顔が見える支援」を通じてアフリカの自立を促し、互いに利益になる良好な関係を築くことである。
Africa is still suffering from poverty and diseases such as AIDS. Japan should help Africans boost their agricultural productivity to alleviate poverty by teaching them Japanese skills to grow more rice.
アフリカは貧困や、エイズなど疾病の問題を抱える。コメ作り支援で農業の生産性を高め、貧困を減らす方策を強化すべきだ。
The government should take strategy measures to help Africa that only Japan can do, by making effective use of its ODA. Such measures include supporting human resource development programs by helping 30,000 people find jobs and promoting transfer of technology.
３万人の就業支援による人材育成や、技術移転を後押しするなど、ＯＤＡを有効に活用する日本ならではの戦略が求められる。
In Algeria, a hostage crisis involving Japanese nationals took place in January, and security continues to deteriorate in some parts of Africa. We think the governments of African countries should take the initiative in developing an environment in which Japanese companies will find it easy to invest.
１月にアルジェリアで人質事件が起きた。一部では依然、治安が悪化している。政府の主導で、日本企業が投資しやすい環境を整備することが急務だ。
The government should not forget that it is significant for Japan, which aims to reform the U.N. Security Council, to expand the foundations of its diplomacy in a way that will redound to the country’s benefit as it enhances its ties with African nations.
国連安全保障理事会の改革を目指す日本にとって、アフリカとの関係強化で外交基盤を拡大する意義も忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2013)
（2013年6月2日02時23分 読売新聞）
2013年06月03日
ミリオンの野菜ジュースのおいしさの秘密
ミリオンの野菜ジュースのおいしさの秘密がようやく分かりました。
それは新鮮な無農薬にんじんとかぼちゃを8時間もじっくりと時間をかけて煮込むことにより生まれるのです。
8時間も、にんじんとかぼちゃを煮込むとお野菜はとろとろになってしまいますが、そのとろみが野菜本来の甘さを引き出すのですね。圧搾機であっという間にジュースをしぼってしまう手法とは一線を画しています。
私は断然ミリオン式の野菜ジュースが良いです。
お野菜の甘さにいだかれる幸せを感じることの出来る逸品であります。
以下のサイトでミリオンの野菜ジュースの素晴らしさを知りました。
⑤おいしさ訴求ページ
http://million-store.com/juice/vegetable/delicious/
ミリオンの野菜ジュースは一缶当たりの単価が通常の野菜ジュースよりも多少割高に設定されています。一缶当たりで260円といったところでしょうか。
それでも、その美味しさ、かけられた手間暇を考えると十分に納得させられる価格ですね。
以上レビューブログからの情報でございます
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 2, 2013
Chinese premier's outrageous claim to Senkakus has no historical grounds
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan needs to strengthen its guard against China’s propaganda, especially in light of that country’s selfish claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本は、沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って身勝手な主張を展開する中国の宣伝戦に対する警戒を一段と強める必要がある。
In a speech in the German city of Potsdam on May 26, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the No. 2 figure under the government of President Xi Jinping, made an apparent reference to the islands, saying, “Territories Japan stole from China must be returned.”
習近平政権ナンバー２の李克強首相が５月２６日、ドイツのポツダムで演説し、尖閣諸島を念頭に、「日本が盗み取った中国の領土は返還されねばならない」との見解を示した。
Japan absolutely cannot accept the claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of China’s territory. It stands to reason that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga rebutted Li’s remarks, saying, “They were comments that completely ignored history.”
尖閣が中国の領土だとする主張は日本として到底受け入れられない。菅官房長官が「あまりにも歴史を無視した発言」と中国を非難したのは当然である。
Referring to the Potsdam Declaration that Japan accepted at the end of World War II, Li said the declaration called on Japan to abide by the Cairo Declaration, which stipulated that Chinese territories “stolen” by Japan--such as the northeastern region, Taiwan and other islands--must be restored to China.
李首相は、第２次大戦終結時に日本が受諾したポツダム宣言について、「日本が盗み取った中国東北地方や台湾などの島嶼(とうしょ)を中国に返還すると規定したカイロ宣言の条項を必ず履行すると指摘している」と語った。
China’s reasoning is that the Senkakus were taken over by Japan during the Sino-Japanese War, and that as long as Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China along with Taiwan. Beijing claims the Senkakus belong to Taiwan.
尖閣は日清戦争中に日本に奪われたもので、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、尖閣も台湾の付属島嶼として返還されるべきだというのが中国の論法だ。
Beijing’s intention
While there is nothing new in Li’s remarks, why did he make them at the location where the Potsdam Declaration was issued?
李首相の発言に目新しさはないが、なぜポツダム宣言の地で語ったのか。
By asserting that the defeated country Japan has been disrupting the international order since World War II, the Xi administration is apparently trying to convince Europe that there is a territorial dispute to be resolved between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands.
習政権には、敗戦国の日本が第２次大戦後の国際秩序を乱していると主張することで、尖閣を巡って領有権問題があることを欧州にも訴える狙いがあろう。
After confirming that there is no evidence that the Senkakus were under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China, Japan formally incorporated the islands into Okinawa Prefecture after Cabinet approval. This action was taken before Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
尖閣諸島は、清国に帰属する根拠がないことを踏まえ、日清戦争後の台湾割譲以前に日本が閣議決定で沖縄県に編入した。台湾に付属する島嶼とする中国側の主張には、歴史的な根拠がない。
China’s claim that the Senkakus are part of Taiwan thus has no historical grounds.
Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which legally demarcated Japan’s territory after World War II, does not include the Senkakus in a list of territories Japan should renounce.
第２次大戦後の日本の領土を法的に確定したサンフランシスコ講和条約に尖閣への言及はない。
Furthermore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), which was recognized as a country by Japan at that time, did not raise the issue of the Senkakus during negotiations that resulted in their peace treaty.
日本が当時承認していた「中華民国」（台湾）は日華平和条約の交渉過程で尖閣を持ち出さなかった。
On top of that, neither the Cairo nor Potsdam declarations mention the Senkaku Islands. These declarations also bear no legally binding power in defining Japan’s postwar territory.
そもそもカイロ、ポツダム両宣言は、尖閣に言及していない。戦後の領土確定に最終的な法的効果があるわけでもない。
For about 75 years since Japan incorporated the Senkakus into its territory, Taiwan and China had never objected to Japan’s control of the islands. This fact also points to a clear contradiction in Li’s reasoning for China’s sovereignty of the islands.
日本が編入してから約７５年間、台湾も中国も日本の領有に異議を唱えなかった。このことからも李首相の論理矛盾は明白である。
Japan needs own appeal
Remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also problematic. Wang rebuffed Suga’s criticism of Beijing’s claim, saying the top Japanese government spokesman should not make comments that betray common sense. We strongly believe it is China that has behaved deviantly.
中国の王毅外相が「常識外れの話をしてはならない」と菅長官に反撃したのも問題だ。常軌を逸しているのは中国の方である。
Li’s remarks in Potsdam came after the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, published an article suggesting the country has sovereignty even over Okinawa Prefecture. These moves are apparently intended to place added pressure on the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
李首相の発言は、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が中国には沖縄県の領有権すらあると示唆する論文を掲載したのに続く安倍政権への新たな揺さぶりといえよう。
The Japanese government should not only call for efforts by all of its diplomatic missions abroad but also use every possible opportunity, such as international conferences, to make Japan’s stance on the islands better known to the world.
日本政府は在外公館を総動員するのは無論、国際会議などあらゆる機会を利用して、日本の立場を積極的に発信すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2013)
（2013年6月1日01時19分 読売新聞）
Chinese premier's outrageous claim to Senkakus has no historical grounds
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan needs to strengthen its guard against China’s propaganda, especially in light of that country’s selfish claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本は、沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って身勝手な主張を展開する中国の宣伝戦に対する警戒を一段と強める必要がある。
In a speech in the German city of Potsdam on May 26, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the No. 2 figure under the government of President Xi Jinping, made an apparent reference to the islands, saying, “Territories Japan stole from China must be returned.”
習近平政権ナンバー２の李克強首相が５月２６日、ドイツのポツダムで演説し、尖閣諸島を念頭に、「日本が盗み取った中国の領土は返還されねばならない」との見解を示した。
Japan absolutely cannot accept the claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of China’s territory. It stands to reason that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga rebutted Li’s remarks, saying, “They were comments that completely ignored history.”
尖閣が中国の領土だとする主張は日本として到底受け入れられない。菅官房長官が「あまりにも歴史を無視した発言」と中国を非難したのは当然である。
Referring to the Potsdam Declaration that Japan accepted at the end of World War II, Li said the declaration called on Japan to abide by the Cairo Declaration, which stipulated that Chinese territories “stolen” by Japan--such as the northeastern region, Taiwan and other islands--must be restored to China.
李首相は、第２次大戦終結時に日本が受諾したポツダム宣言について、「日本が盗み取った中国東北地方や台湾などの島嶼(とうしょ)を中国に返還すると規定したカイロ宣言の条項を必ず履行すると指摘している」と語った。
China’s reasoning is that the Senkakus were taken over by Japan during the Sino-Japanese War, and that as long as Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China along with Taiwan. Beijing claims the Senkakus belong to Taiwan.
尖閣は日清戦争中に日本に奪われたもので、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、尖閣も台湾の付属島嶼として返還されるべきだというのが中国の論法だ。
Beijing’s intention
While there is nothing new in Li’s remarks, why did he make them at the location where the Potsdam Declaration was issued?
李首相の発言に目新しさはないが、なぜポツダム宣言の地で語ったのか。
By asserting that the defeated country Japan has been disrupting the international order since World War II, the Xi administration is apparently trying to convince Europe that there is a territorial dispute to be resolved between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands.
習政権には、敗戦国の日本が第２次大戦後の国際秩序を乱していると主張することで、尖閣を巡って領有権問題があることを欧州にも訴える狙いがあろう。
After confirming that there is no evidence that the Senkakus were under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China, Japan formally incorporated the islands into Okinawa Prefecture after Cabinet approval. This action was taken before Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
尖閣諸島は、清国に帰属する根拠がないことを踏まえ、日清戦争後の台湾割譲以前に日本が閣議決定で沖縄県に編入した。台湾に付属する島嶼とする中国側の主張には、歴史的な根拠がない。
China’s claim that the Senkakus are part of Taiwan thus has no historical grounds.
Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which legally demarcated Japan’s territory after World War II, does not include the Senkakus in a list of territories Japan should renounce.
第２次大戦後の日本の領土を法的に確定したサンフランシスコ講和条約に尖閣への言及はない。
Furthermore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), which was recognized as a country by Japan at that time, did not raise the issue of the Senkakus during negotiations that resulted in their peace treaty.
日本が当時承認していた「中華民国」（台湾）は日華平和条約の交渉過程で尖閣を持ち出さなかった。
On top of that, neither the Cairo nor Potsdam declarations mention the Senkaku Islands. These declarations also bear no legally binding power in defining Japan’s postwar territory.
そもそもカイロ、ポツダム両宣言は、尖閣に言及していない。戦後の領土確定に最終的な法的効果があるわけでもない。
For about 75 years since Japan incorporated the Senkakus into its territory, Taiwan and China had never objected to Japan’s control of the islands. This fact also points to a clear contradiction in Li’s reasoning for China’s sovereignty of the islands.
日本が編入してから約７５年間、台湾も中国も日本の領有に異議を唱えなかった。このことからも李首相の論理矛盾は明白である。
Japan needs own appeal
Remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also problematic. Wang rebuffed Suga’s criticism of Beijing’s claim, saying the top Japanese government spokesman should not make comments that betray common sense. We strongly believe it is China that has behaved deviantly.
中国の王毅外相が「常識外れの話をしてはならない」と菅長官に反撃したのも問題だ。常軌を逸しているのは中国の方である。
Li’s remarks in Potsdam came after the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, published an article suggesting the country has sovereignty even over Okinawa Prefecture. These moves are apparently intended to place added pressure on the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
李首相の発言は、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が中国には沖縄県の領有権すらあると示唆する論文を掲載したのに続く安倍政権への新たな揺さぶりといえよう。
The Japanese government should not only call for efforts by all of its diplomatic missions abroad but also use every possible opportunity, such as international conferences, to make Japan’s stance on the islands better known to the world.
日本政府は在外公館を総動員するのは無論、国際会議などあらゆる機会を利用して、日本の立場を積極的に発信すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2013)
（2013年6月1日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年06月02日
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 1, 2013
Lower and upper houses must be reformed at the same time
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を（5月31日付・読売社説）
◆定数削減競争は大衆迎合だ
Although the current Diet session will end in less than one month, discussions on the comprehensive reform of the electoral system of the House of Representatives remain bogged down.
今国会会期末まで１か月を切ったのに、衆院選挙制度の抜本改革論議は行き詰まったままだ。
There seems to be no desire in either the ruling or opposition camps to reach an agreement on the matter. This indicates that reform of the lower house election system is unlikely to happen before the end of the current Diet session on June 26.
与野党に合意形成の機運がなく、実現はもはや困難な状況にある。
A bill jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for rezoning lower house electoral districts by slashing five seats in the single-seat constituencies is to become law even if the House of Councillors does not discuss on it, through a second vote in the lower house before the end of the Diet session.
自民、公明両党が国会に提出した、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案は、参院で審議されなくても、衆院で再可決され、成立する見通しだ。
The legislation, however, is nothing but a stopgap measure.
だが、０増５減は、あくまでも緊急避難的な措置に過ぎない。
Now is the time for both blocs to start fresh and renew discussions for realizing comprehensive reform of the lower house election system.
選挙制度の抜本改革を実現するために、与野党は、議論を仕切り直す時期に来ている。
Fears of Diet functions’ decline
◆立法機能低下に懸念
Among factors hampering formulating an accord between the ruling and opposition forces, the biggest is the disagreement over the number of lower house seats to be reduced.
与野党の合意形成を妨げている最大の要因は、衆院議員の定数削減を巡る足並みの乱れだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan has insisted the number of seats, currently 480, be slashed by 80. They argue the parties “must accept some pain” through the seat reduction at a time when they are asking the public to bear the burden of a higher consumption tax.
民主党は、消費増税に国民の理解を得るには国会議員自ら「身を切る」必要があるとして、定数８０の削減を主張している。
The issue of cutting the number of lower house seats, however, has nothing to do with rectifying the current disparity in the value of individual votes between the least and most represented constituencies--the issue behind electoral reform discussions.
しかし、定数削減は、選挙制度改革のきっかけとなった衆院小選挙区の「１票の格差」是正とは無関係である。
If the DPJ feels the need to “accept some pain,” it should focus on such steps as curtailing the annual salaries of Diet members and reducing government subsidies for political parties. These measures would certainly be more effective than reducing the number of lower house legislators.
身を切ると言うなら、歳費や政党交付金を削るべきだろう。その方が効果も大きい。
The LDP is in favor of cutting 30 lower house seats in the proportional representation. This would leave 150 seats, 60 of which would be preferentially allotted to parties other than the top vote-getter. The LDP-envisioned reform plan is apparently in consideration of the wishes of its junior coalition partner Komeito. Can it be considered a fair and adequate electoral system to create preferential seat allocations for medium- and small-sized parties?
自民党は比例定数を３０削減して１５０とし、その中に６０の中小政党優遇枠を設ける考えだ。公明党への配慮だが、中小政党に特別な枠を与えることが公正な制度と言えるのか。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, for their part, have proposed that the number of seats be reduced by 144 and 180, respectively.
日本維新の会は１４４減、みんなの党は１８０減を唱えている。
It is almost as if the parties are vying for public attention simply over the extent of seat reduction.
削減幅を競うかのようである。
The fact that the parties seem to have found it effective to curry public favor merely by advocating a larger reduction in the number of lower house seats is deplorable, as these tactics smack of populism. The issue of reducing lower house seats must be discussed separately from the task of reforming the electoral system.
国会議員を減らせば国民に歓迎されると政党が考えていること自体、大衆迎合主義的な発想で嘆かわしい。定数削減は選挙制度と切り離して議論する必要がある。
It is worth noting that the number of Japan’s legislators is relatively low compared with other industrially advanced democracies.
そもそも、日本の国会議員数は先進国の中では少ない方だ。
The parties in power under the nation’s existing parliamentary system send their lawmakers into the government as Cabinet members, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
与党は閣僚ら政務三役を政府に送り込んでいる。
If the number of Diet seats is reduced, those who have to oversee multiple committees will increase. Additionally, small- and medium-sized parties will face the danger of losing the opportunity to voice their views. The result would be that the legislative powers of the Diet and its function of overseeing the administration could decline.
定数を削れば、国会では委員会を掛け持ちする議員が増える。中小政党も発言の機会を奪われる。立法能力や行政監視機能が低下しかねない。
In March 2011, the Supreme Court ruled the disparity rate in the value of votes in single-seat districts in the 2009 general election, which stood at a maximum 2.3-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.”
最高裁は２０１１年３月、小選挙区の「１票の格差」が最大２・３０倍となった０９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。
In handing down the decision, the top court pointed out that the current formula of uniformly allotting one single-seat electoral district seat to each of the 47 prefectures is a major cause of the vote-value disparity. It called for the formula to be abolished.
各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因と指摘し、廃止を求めた。
The Supreme Court’s ruling can be seen as the judiciary stepping into the sphere of the discretionary powers of the legislature.
立法府の裁量権に司法が大きく踏み込んだと言えよう。
Gap correction not absolute
◆格差是正絶対視するな
In 14 lawsuits over the vote-value disparity in connection with the lower house election in December, high courts and their branches across the nation found the gap to be “unconstitutional” in their rulings.
昨年１２月の衆院選を巡る「１票の格差」訴訟では全国の高裁・支部で「違憲」判決が相次いだ。
Even the election itself was ruled to be “invalid” in two of these court decisions. However those rulings could be said to be irresponsible in light of the fact that no rules have yet been devised governing the holding of further elections to address such a problem.
一部には選挙無効という判決もあったが、再選挙のルールも確定しておらず、無責任ではないか。
The equality of vote values is not the only measure of the electoral system. Constituency elections are held based on administrative zones. Populations in rural areas have been dropping phenomenally in recent times. There are also problems peculiar to specific areas as well as extenuating economic and cultural circumstances that cannot be resolved simply by having constituency seats be a proportional reflection of the population.
投票価値の平等は選挙制度の絶対的な基準ではない。選挙区選は行政区画を基に成り立っている。地方では人口減が著しい。人口比例だけで片づかない地域特有の問題や経済・文化的事情もある。
The establishment of an election system that can harmonize judicial rulings with real politics on the ground is what is needed.
司法の判断と現実の政治を調和させる選挙制度が求められる。
If the proportional representation system is adopted fully for the lower house election, as advocated by the Japanese Communist Party, the will of the public can be more accurately reflected in the number of seats, thus eliminating the gap in vote value.
共産党などが主張するような完全な比例代表制とすれば、確かに民意がそのまま獲得議席に反映されて、１票の格差はなくなる。
But it could make it easier for small and midsize parties to gain more seats, resulting in the creation of many small parties. Coalition governments would become the norm, destabilizing politics and creating a situation in which small and midsize parties hold the key to making policy decisions.
しかし、中小政党も議席を得やすいだけに、多党化が避けられない。連立政権が常態化し、中小政党が政策決定のカギを握るなど、政治の不安定化を招く。
The most crucial question is how to translate the will of the people into a stable government.
民意をいかに集約し、安定した政権を作るかという観点が最も重要だ。
To achieve this goal, the only realistic option is the revision of the current single-seat constituency plus proportional representation system, as advocated by the LDP and the DPJ, among others, and the reinstatement of the multiple-seat constituency system as demanded by some small parties.
それには、自民、民主両党などが主張する現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制の手直しか、一部の小政党が求める中選挙区制の復活以外に、現実的な選択肢はないだろう。
The electoral system for the upper house must also be reviewed. We face an extraordinary situation in which the election systems of both chambers of the Diet have been judged to be in a “state of unconstitutionality.”
参院の選挙制度も、併せて考えなければならない。今は、衆参両院いずれもが「違憲状態」にあると司法が断じる異例の事態だ。
Viewed optimistically, now is an excellent opportunity to reexamine the electoral systems of both Diet houses simultaneously.
裏を返せば、衆参両院の制度を同時に見直す好機と言える。
Both systems are similar in that they comprise of elections in constituencies and elections held under proportional representation systems.
衆院も参院も選挙区選と比例代表選を組み合わせる点で、似通った制度になっている。
Lower and upper houses must be reformed at the same time
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を（5月31日付・読売社説）
◆定数削減競争は大衆迎合だ
Although the current Diet session will end in less than one month, discussions on the comprehensive reform of the electoral system of the House of Representatives remain bogged down.
今国会会期末まで１か月を切ったのに、衆院選挙制度の抜本改革論議は行き詰まったままだ。
There seems to be no desire in either the ruling or opposition camps to reach an agreement on the matter. This indicates that reform of the lower house election system is unlikely to happen before the end of the current Diet session on June 26.
与野党に合意形成の機運がなく、実現はもはや困難な状況にある。
A bill jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for rezoning lower house electoral districts by slashing five seats in the single-seat constituencies is to become law even if the House of Councillors does not discuss on it, through a second vote in the lower house before the end of the Diet session.
自民、公明両党が国会に提出した、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案は、参院で審議されなくても、衆院で再可決され、成立する見通しだ。
The legislation, however, is nothing but a stopgap measure.
だが、０増５減は、あくまでも緊急避難的な措置に過ぎない。
Now is the time for both blocs to start fresh and renew discussions for realizing comprehensive reform of the lower house election system.
選挙制度の抜本改革を実現するために、与野党は、議論を仕切り直す時期に来ている。
Fears of Diet functions’ decline
◆立法機能低下に懸念
Among factors hampering formulating an accord between the ruling and opposition forces, the biggest is the disagreement over the number of lower house seats to be reduced.
与野党の合意形成を妨げている最大の要因は、衆院議員の定数削減を巡る足並みの乱れだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan has insisted the number of seats, currently 480, be slashed by 80. They argue the parties “must accept some pain” through the seat reduction at a time when they are asking the public to bear the burden of a higher consumption tax.
民主党は、消費増税に国民の理解を得るには国会議員自ら「身を切る」必要があるとして、定数８０の削減を主張している。
The issue of cutting the number of lower house seats, however, has nothing to do with rectifying the current disparity in the value of individual votes between the least and most represented constituencies--the issue behind electoral reform discussions.
しかし、定数削減は、選挙制度改革のきっかけとなった衆院小選挙区の「１票の格差」是正とは無関係である。
If the DPJ feels the need to “accept some pain,” it should focus on such steps as curtailing the annual salaries of Diet members and reducing government subsidies for political parties. These measures would certainly be more effective than reducing the number of lower house legislators.
身を切ると言うなら、歳費や政党交付金を削るべきだろう。その方が効果も大きい。
The LDP is in favor of cutting 30 lower house seats in the proportional representation. This would leave 150 seats, 60 of which would be preferentially allotted to parties other than the top vote-getter. The LDP-envisioned reform plan is apparently in consideration of the wishes of its junior coalition partner Komeito. Can it be considered a fair and adequate electoral system to create preferential seat allocations for medium- and small-sized parties?
自民党は比例定数を３０削減して１５０とし、その中に６０の中小政党優遇枠を設ける考えだ。公明党への配慮だが、中小政党に特別な枠を与えることが公正な制度と言えるのか。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, for their part, have proposed that the number of seats be reduced by 144 and 180, respectively.
日本維新の会は１４４減、みんなの党は１８０減を唱えている。
It is almost as if the parties are vying for public attention simply over the extent of seat reduction.
削減幅を競うかのようである。
The fact that the parties seem to have found it effective to curry public favor merely by advocating a larger reduction in the number of lower house seats is deplorable, as these tactics smack of populism. The issue of reducing lower house seats must be discussed separately from the task of reforming the electoral system.
国会議員を減らせば国民に歓迎されると政党が考えていること自体、大衆迎合主義的な発想で嘆かわしい。定数削減は選挙制度と切り離して議論する必要がある。
It is worth noting that the number of Japan’s legislators is relatively low compared with other industrially advanced democracies.
そもそも、日本の国会議員数は先進国の中では少ない方だ。
The parties in power under the nation’s existing parliamentary system send their lawmakers into the government as Cabinet members, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
与党は閣僚ら政務三役を政府に送り込んでいる。
If the number of Diet seats is reduced, those who have to oversee multiple committees will increase. Additionally, small- and medium-sized parties will face the danger of losing the opportunity to voice their views. The result would be that the legislative powers of the Diet and its function of overseeing the administration could decline.
定数を削れば、国会では委員会を掛け持ちする議員が増える。中小政党も発言の機会を奪われる。立法能力や行政監視機能が低下しかねない。
In March 2011, the Supreme Court ruled the disparity rate in the value of votes in single-seat districts in the 2009 general election, which stood at a maximum 2.3-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.”
最高裁は２０１１年３月、小選挙区の「１票の格差」が最大２・３０倍となった０９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。
In handing down the decision, the top court pointed out that the current formula of uniformly allotting one single-seat electoral district seat to each of the 47 prefectures is a major cause of the vote-value disparity. It called for the formula to be abolished.
各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因と指摘し、廃止を求めた。
The Supreme Court’s ruling can be seen as the judiciary stepping into the sphere of the discretionary powers of the legislature.
立法府の裁量権に司法が大きく踏み込んだと言えよう。
Gap correction not absolute
◆格差是正絶対視するな
In 14 lawsuits over the vote-value disparity in connection with the lower house election in December, high courts and their branches across the nation found the gap to be “unconstitutional” in their rulings.
昨年１２月の衆院選を巡る「１票の格差」訴訟では全国の高裁・支部で「違憲」判決が相次いだ。
Even the election itself was ruled to be “invalid” in two of these court decisions. However those rulings could be said to be irresponsible in light of the fact that no rules have yet been devised governing the holding of further elections to address such a problem.
一部には選挙無効という判決もあったが、再選挙のルールも確定しておらず、無責任ではないか。
The equality of vote values is not the only measure of the electoral system. Constituency elections are held based on administrative zones. Populations in rural areas have been dropping phenomenally in recent times. There are also problems peculiar to specific areas as well as extenuating economic and cultural circumstances that cannot be resolved simply by having constituency seats be a proportional reflection of the population.
投票価値の平等は選挙制度の絶対的な基準ではない。選挙区選は行政区画を基に成り立っている。地方では人口減が著しい。人口比例だけで片づかない地域特有の問題や経済・文化的事情もある。
The establishment of an election system that can harmonize judicial rulings with real politics on the ground is what is needed.
司法の判断と現実の政治を調和させる選挙制度が求められる。
If the proportional representation system is adopted fully for the lower house election, as advocated by the Japanese Communist Party, the will of the public can be more accurately reflected in the number of seats, thus eliminating the gap in vote value.
共産党などが主張するような完全な比例代表制とすれば、確かに民意がそのまま獲得議席に反映されて、１票の格差はなくなる。
But it could make it easier for small and midsize parties to gain more seats, resulting in the creation of many small parties. Coalition governments would become the norm, destabilizing politics and creating a situation in which small and midsize parties hold the key to making policy decisions.
しかし、中小政党も議席を得やすいだけに、多党化が避けられない。連立政権が常態化し、中小政党が政策決定のカギを握るなど、政治の不安定化を招く。
The most crucial question is how to translate the will of the people into a stable government.
民意をいかに集約し、安定した政権を作るかという観点が最も重要だ。
To achieve this goal, the only realistic option is the revision of the current single-seat constituency plus proportional representation system, as advocated by the LDP and the DPJ, among others, and the reinstatement of the multiple-seat constituency system as demanded by some small parties.
それには、自民、民主両党などが主張する現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制の手直しか、一部の小政党が求める中選挙区制の復活以外に、現実的な選択肢はないだろう。
The electoral system for the upper house must also be reviewed. We face an extraordinary situation in which the election systems of both chambers of the Diet have been judged to be in a “state of unconstitutionality.”
参院の選挙制度も、併せて考えなければならない。今は、衆参両院いずれもが「違憲状態」にあると司法が断じる異例の事態だ。
Viewed optimistically, now is an excellent opportunity to reexamine the electoral systems of both Diet houses simultaneously.
裏を返せば、衆参両院の制度を同時に見直す好機と言える。
Both systems are similar in that they comprise of elections in constituencies and elections held under proportional representation systems.
衆院も参院も選挙区選と比例代表選を組み合わせる点で、似通った制度になっている。
2013年06月01日
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 31, 2013
Striking N-cooperation pact is key to boosting bilateral ties with India
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力（5月30日付・読売社説）
Japan and India have reached an agreement that could become the key to deepening their bilateral relationship.
日印両国が一層関係を深めていくための重要な柱となろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh agreed to resume negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact during their summit talks in Tokyo on Wednesday.
安倍首相が、来日中のインドのシン首相と会談し、日印原子力協定の締結交渉再開で合意した。
The two countries aim to conclude the negotiations within the year. If they reach a deal, Japan will be able to export its nuclear-related technology to India.
年内妥結を目指す方針で、締結すれば、日本から原子力関連技術が輸出できるようになる。
The negotiations initially began in June 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan held the reins of government. However, the talks were effectively suspended in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
交渉は、民主党政権時代の２０１０年６月に始まったが、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故の後、事実上中断していた。
With a population of 1.2 billion people, India has been plagued by power shortages following its rapid economic growth. The country thus intends to build more nuclear power plants.
人口１２億人のインドは、経済の急成長に伴って電力不足が深刻化し、原発の増設を計画している。
If more nuclear power facilities, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are built in countries that rely on coal-fired plants for electricity supply, such as India, that could also help counter global warming.
主力の電力供給源である石炭火力発電所に、温室効果ガスを排出しない原発が加われば、地球温暖化対策にも役立とう。
The Abe administration’s economic policy, dubbed “Abenomics,” focuses on exporting Japanese infrastructure systems under its growth strategy. An increase in exports of nuclear technology and related equipment will significantly benefit Japan as well.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は、成長戦略としてインフラ輸出を重視する。原発や関連機器の輸出が増えれば、日本にとってもメリットは大きい。
Concerns over India’s N-stance
During their meeting, Abe praised Singh’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. However, he also called for India’s early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with Japan’s global advocacy of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
安倍首相は、シン首相に対し、核不拡散の努力を評価するとともに、核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制を推進する立場から、インドの核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期批准を促した。
Abe apparently made the remarks in consideration of persistent domestic concerns over striking a nuclear cooperation pact with India, which has yet to sign the NPT despite owning nuclear arms.
ＮＰＴに加盟していない核保有国インドとの協定に日本国内で慎重論が強かったことを念頭に置いた発言だろう。
India has halted nuclear testing and allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its civilian nuclear facilities. Ahead of restarting bilateral nuclear talks, Japan should confirm that India will maintain such a stance.
インドは核実験を凍結し、民生用施設は、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察も受け入れている。交渉再開にあたって日本は、こうした姿勢の堅持を確認したい。
Meanwhile, the two leaders also made progress in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to conduct a joint feasibility study on a plan to build an about 500-kilometer high-speed railway system between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India. Hopes are high that the agreement will boost joint efforts by the domestic public and private sectors to expand exports of the nation’s Shinkansen bullet train system.
両首脳がインド西部のムンバイ―アーメダバード間約５００キロ・メートルの高速鉄道計画について、共同調査の着手で合意したことも前進である。日本が官民を挙げて目指してきた新幹線システムの受注につながると期待される。
Japan also decided to extend yen loans for projects such as construction of a subway system in Mumbai. It is highly significant that the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in regard to large infrastructure development, which would help India achieve economic growth.
日本は、ムンバイの地下鉄建設などに対する円借款の供与も決めた。インドの経済発展につながる大型インフラ整備で連携強化を確認した意義は大きい。
Japanese companies have increasingly made inroads into India. Although Japan’s trade with India remains small when compared to that with China, there is potential for further expansion.
日本企業のインド進出は増加し続けている。貿易額は日中間などに比べればまだ少ないが、一層拡大する潜在力がある。
Security cooperation eyes China
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to consider exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s amphibious rescue boats to India. If realized, this could become a specific case of bilateral security cooperation in which Japan’s defense equipment is exported for civilian use.
安全保障面では、海上自衛隊の救難飛行艇の輸出について、両国が検討を始めることで一致した。実現すれば、防衛装備品の民間転用による輸出となり、日印安保協力の具体的な成果となる。
Meanwhile, the MSDF and the Indian Navy will conduct joint exercises on a regular basis. Their first joint drill was conducted in June last year. Such regular military exercises could be effective as a deterrent to China. Security cooperation between Japan and India must be conducive to stability in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
昨年６月に初実施した海自とインド海軍の共同訓練も定期化される。中国を牽制(けんせい)する効果もあるだろう。アジアとインド洋の安定に結びつけなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 30, 2013)
（2013年5月30日02時08分 読売新聞）
Striking N-cooperation pact is key to boosting bilateral ties with India
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力（5月30日付・読売社説）
Japan and India have reached an agreement that could become the key to deepening their bilateral relationship.
日印両国が一層関係を深めていくための重要な柱となろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh agreed to resume negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact during their summit talks in Tokyo on Wednesday.
安倍首相が、来日中のインドのシン首相と会談し、日印原子力協定の締結交渉再開で合意した。
The two countries aim to conclude the negotiations within the year. If they reach a deal, Japan will be able to export its nuclear-related technology to India.
年内妥結を目指す方針で、締結すれば、日本から原子力関連技術が輸出できるようになる。
The negotiations initially began in June 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan held the reins of government. However, the talks were effectively suspended in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
交渉は、民主党政権時代の２０１０年６月に始まったが、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故の後、事実上中断していた。
With a population of 1.2 billion people, India has been plagued by power shortages following its rapid economic growth. The country thus intends to build more nuclear power plants.
人口１２億人のインドは、経済の急成長に伴って電力不足が深刻化し、原発の増設を計画している。
If more nuclear power facilities, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are built in countries that rely on coal-fired plants for electricity supply, such as India, that could also help counter global warming.
主力の電力供給源である石炭火力発電所に、温室効果ガスを排出しない原発が加われば、地球温暖化対策にも役立とう。
The Abe administration’s economic policy, dubbed “Abenomics,” focuses on exporting Japanese infrastructure systems under its growth strategy. An increase in exports of nuclear technology and related equipment will significantly benefit Japan as well.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は、成長戦略としてインフラ輸出を重視する。原発や関連機器の輸出が増えれば、日本にとってもメリットは大きい。
Concerns over India’s N-stance
During their meeting, Abe praised Singh’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. However, he also called for India’s early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with Japan’s global advocacy of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
安倍首相は、シン首相に対し、核不拡散の努力を評価するとともに、核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制を推進する立場から、インドの核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期批准を促した。
Abe apparently made the remarks in consideration of persistent domestic concerns over striking a nuclear cooperation pact with India, which has yet to sign the NPT despite owning nuclear arms.
ＮＰＴに加盟していない核保有国インドとの協定に日本国内で慎重論が強かったことを念頭に置いた発言だろう。
India has halted nuclear testing and allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its civilian nuclear facilities. Ahead of restarting bilateral nuclear talks, Japan should confirm that India will maintain such a stance.
インドは核実験を凍結し、民生用施設は、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察も受け入れている。交渉再開にあたって日本は、こうした姿勢の堅持を確認したい。
Meanwhile, the two leaders also made progress in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to conduct a joint feasibility study on a plan to build an about 500-kilometer high-speed railway system between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India. Hopes are high that the agreement will boost joint efforts by the domestic public and private sectors to expand exports of the nation’s Shinkansen bullet train system.
両首脳がインド西部のムンバイ―アーメダバード間約５００キロ・メートルの高速鉄道計画について、共同調査の着手で合意したことも前進である。日本が官民を挙げて目指してきた新幹線システムの受注につながると期待される。
Japan also decided to extend yen loans for projects such as construction of a subway system in Mumbai. It is highly significant that the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in regard to large infrastructure development, which would help India achieve economic growth.
日本は、ムンバイの地下鉄建設などに対する円借款の供与も決めた。インドの経済発展につながる大型インフラ整備で連携強化を確認した意義は大きい。
Japanese companies have increasingly made inroads into India. Although Japan’s trade with India remains small when compared to that with China, there is potential for further expansion.
日本企業のインド進出は増加し続けている。貿易額は日中間などに比べればまだ少ないが、一層拡大する潜在力がある。
Security cooperation eyes China
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to consider exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s amphibious rescue boats to India. If realized, this could become a specific case of bilateral security cooperation in which Japan’s defense equipment is exported for civilian use.
安全保障面では、海上自衛隊の救難飛行艇の輸出について、両国が検討を始めることで一致した。実現すれば、防衛装備品の民間転用による輸出となり、日印安保協力の具体的な成果となる。
Meanwhile, the MSDF and the Indian Navy will conduct joint exercises on a regular basis. Their first joint drill was conducted in June last year. Such regular military exercises could be effective as a deterrent to China. Security cooperation between Japan and India must be conducive to stability in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
昨年６月に初実施した海自とインド海軍の共同訓練も定期化される。中国を牽制(けんせい)する効果もあるだろう。アジアとインド洋の安定に結びつけなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 30, 2013)
（2013年5月30日02時08分 読売新聞）