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2013年10月05日
消費税率８％へ 景気と財政へ首相の重い決断
The Yomiuri Shimbun October 3, 2013
Abe must ensure economic recovery, fiscal reconstruction are compatible
消費税率８％へ 景気と財政へ首相の重い決断（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆来春から必需品に軽減税率を◆
The true value of the Abe administration, which emphasizes the revitalization of the economy, will be put to the test as it tackles the task of realizing economic recovery alongside fiscal rehabilitation.
景気回復と財政再建をどう両立させるか。日本再生を掲げる安倍政権の真価が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Tuesday that the government will raise the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as planned. He also said the government will implement a \5 trillion economic stimulus package, including a corporate tax cut.
安倍首相が、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に予定通り引き上げると表明した。企業減税など５兆円規模の経済対策も打ち出す。
We believe the tax hike planed for next spring should have been postponed to accomplish the main task of dragging the nation out of its deflationary phase. However, now that the prime minister has made this important decision, we have no choice but to accept it.
デフレからの脱却を最優先し、来春の増税を先送りすべきであるが、首相が自らの責任で重い決断をした以上、これを受け止めるしかあるまい。
It would be terrible if the consumption tax hike stalled the economy. The government must ensure that its economic management policy is sound.
消費増税で景気を腰折れさせては本末転倒だ。政府は経済運営に万全を期さねばならない。
Job recovery halfway
◆雇用の回復は道半ば◆
At a press conference Tuesday, Abe explained the reason for going ahead with the tax increase, saying: “By helping the nation regain hope, vitality and confidence...we’re determined to pass a sustainable social security system to the next generation. This is the responsibility my Cabinet must fulfill.”
首相は記者会見で、増税を決断した理由について、「国の信認を維持し、社会保障制度を次の世代にしっかり引き渡すことが私の内閣の責任だ」と説明した。
Securing a stable revenue source for ever-rising social security expenses—such as public pension, health care and nursing care programs—through the consumption tax hike is the foundation for implementing comprehensive social security and tax reforms agreed on by the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan.
膨張する年金、医療、介護など社会保障費の安定財源を消費税増税で確保することは、自民、公明、民主の３党が決めた社会保障と税の一体改革の根幹である。
The central government’s debts have grown beyond the \1 quadrillion mark, the highest among major economic powers.
In the financial market and elsewhere, there had been concerns that if the government postponed the consumption tax hike planned for next April, government bond prices would nosedive.
国の借金は既に１０００兆円を超え、先進国で最悪だ。市場などでは、来春の消費増税を見送れば、国債が暴落しかねないといった懸念も出ていた。
In light of the rapid acceleration of graying society and the chronically low birthrate, we believe the course of action taken toward raising the tax rate is reasonable.
少子高齢化の急激な進行を踏まえれば、消費税率を引き上げる方向性は正しい。
What is problematic is the possibility that the economy, which has at long last started turning upward, will lose steam due to the tax rate hike.
問題なのは、ようやく景気が上向いてきた日本経済が来春の消費増税で失速しないかどうか、不透明なことである。
The Bank of Japan’s closely watched Tankan survey showed that business sentiment among major companies improved significantly in September, posting the highest reading since the collapse of the Lehman Brothers in autumn 2008. Yet the pace of recovery is expected to slow down in the months ahead.
日銀の９月企業短期経済観測調査（短観）で、大企業の景況感は大きく改善し、リーマン・ショック前の水準に戻った。だが、今後はペースが鈍るとみられる。
Even more worrisome is the employment situation. The jobless rate in August rose to the 4 percent level for the first time in three months, while wages of salaried workers have continued to decline.
さらに懸念されるのは雇用情勢だ。８月の失業率は３か月ぶりに４％台に上昇し、サラリーマンの給与も減少が続いている。
“By resolutely implementing bold economic measures, we’ll seize this opportunity for economic recovery,” Abe said.
首相は、「大胆な経済対策を果断に実行し、景気回復のチャンスを確実にする」と述べた。
Tax cuts urgently needed
◆法人税率下げは急務だ◆
Among the government’s economic stimulus measures is a corporate tax cut for companies that raise their workers’ wages, as well as tax reductions aimed at prompting capital investment and implementing research and development activities.
経済対策には、民間設備投資や研究開発を促す政策減税のほか、従業員の賃上げに踏み切った企業を対象にした税負担の軽減策拡充などを盛り込む。
The new set of pump-priming measures also includes a plan to consider ending a temporary increase in the corporate tax rate aimed at helping finance reconstruction projects following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. After studying the pros and cons of scrapping the current special tax hike one year earlier than initially planned, the government aims to arrive at a conclusion on the matter by the end of the year.
震災復興のため法人税に上乗せしている「復興特別法人税」についても、１年前倒しで廃止する方向で年内に結論を出す。
It is undoubtedly essential to secure a source of revenue that can supplant the special corporate tax increase to fund postquake rebuilding policies and programs. Under such circumstances, the prime minister had every reason to say, “Nothing should hamper reconstruction efforts.”
無論、特別法人税に代わる復興財源をしっかり確保することが不可欠だ。首相が「復興に支障が生じることがあってはならない」と述べたのは当然である。
He also urged the ruling parties to consider lowering the effective corporate tax rate immediately. As things stand, the rate, which is the ratio of corporations’ national and local tax payments to their taxable incomes, is higher than those levied in other major economies. No time should be wasted in boosting the international competitiveness of Japanese companies while at the same time attracting greater foreign investment to Japan.
首相はまた、主要国に比べて高い法人税の実効税率引き下げについても、与党に速やかな検討開始を求めた。企業の国際競争力強化や、海外からの対日投資の拡大は喫緊の課題と言える。
In this regard, the prime minister’s initiative in drawing up a road map for reducing the effective corporate tax rate is quite significant.
首相の主導で実効税率引き下げに道筋をつけた意味は大きい。
However, Abe’s plan to raise the consumption tax rate, coupled with envisaged corporate tax cuts, has drawn fire from the public, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, for what they see as “preferential treatment for companies.”
ただし、消費税を増税する一方で、企業減税することに対し、国民や与野党から「企業優遇だ」などの批判が出ている。
Private-sector corporations are key players in the pursuit of economic growth. By taking advantage of the government’s support measures, they should play a role in facilitating a positive growth cycle through such measures as using their internal reserves for capital and other investment, as well as wage increases.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。政策支援を追い風に、企業も内部留保を投資や賃上げに活用するなど、経済成長の「好循環」に貢献することが求められる。
The new economic stimulus package is worth about \5 trillion, equivalent to the amount of revenue that could be raised through a two percentage point hike in the consumption tax rate. If it is reduced to a package of mostly show, but little substance, the set of pump-priming measures would do little to underpin the economy.
経済対策は約５兆円と、消費税率２％分の規模を確保するが、「見かけ倒し」では、景気を十分に支えることはできまい。
The question is whether a wide range of corporations will adequately take advantage of the tax cuts and other planned steps. The government needs to closely examine what will ensue from the package.
減税措置などを幅広い企業が利用するかどうか、政府は成果を検証する必要がある。
The government should avoid counting on a revenue increase that could be made possible through the consumption tax rate hike, anticipating it could increase the number of public works projects, including nonessential ones.
消費税の増収分を当て込み、不要不急の公共事業を拡大することも避けるべきだ。
An extraordinary Diet session is scheduled to convene in mid-October, with a number of important items on the agenda, including a bill for increasing industrial competitiveness. The legislation is a major part of the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
今月中旬に始まる臨時国会は、安倍政権の掲げる成長戦略の柱である産業競争力強化法案など、重要なテーマが多い。
We hope the government and the ruling parties will do all they can to ensure the upcoming Diet session proceeds smoothly, while also achieving their intended goals as swiftly as possible. This is essential as the Diet session should serve as a forum for discussions on how to set our nation’s growth strategy in motion.
名実ともに「成長戦略実現国会」となるよう、政府・与党は円滑な国会運営に全力を尽くし、迅速に成果を上げてもらいたい。
Abe must ensure economic recovery, fiscal reconstruction are compatible
消費税率８％へ 景気と財政へ首相の重い決断（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆来春から必需品に軽減税率を◆
The true value of the Abe administration, which emphasizes the revitalization of the economy, will be put to the test as it tackles the task of realizing economic recovery alongside fiscal rehabilitation.
景気回復と財政再建をどう両立させるか。日本再生を掲げる安倍政権の真価が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced Tuesday that the government will raise the consumption tax rate from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as planned. He also said the government will implement a \5 trillion economic stimulus package, including a corporate tax cut.
安倍首相が、来年４月に消費税率を５％から８％に予定通り引き上げると表明した。企業減税など５兆円規模の経済対策も打ち出す。
We believe the tax hike planed for next spring should have been postponed to accomplish the main task of dragging the nation out of its deflationary phase. However, now that the prime minister has made this important decision, we have no choice but to accept it.
デフレからの脱却を最優先し、来春の増税を先送りすべきであるが、首相が自らの責任で重い決断をした以上、これを受け止めるしかあるまい。
It would be terrible if the consumption tax hike stalled the economy. The government must ensure that its economic management policy is sound.
消費増税で景気を腰折れさせては本末転倒だ。政府は経済運営に万全を期さねばならない。
Job recovery halfway
◆雇用の回復は道半ば◆
At a press conference Tuesday, Abe explained the reason for going ahead with the tax increase, saying: “By helping the nation regain hope, vitality and confidence...we’re determined to pass a sustainable social security system to the next generation. This is the responsibility my Cabinet must fulfill.”
首相は記者会見で、増税を決断した理由について、「国の信認を維持し、社会保障制度を次の世代にしっかり引き渡すことが私の内閣の責任だ」と説明した。
Securing a stable revenue source for ever-rising social security expenses—such as public pension, health care and nursing care programs—through the consumption tax hike is the foundation for implementing comprehensive social security and tax reforms agreed on by the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan.
膨張する年金、医療、介護など社会保障費の安定財源を消費税増税で確保することは、自民、公明、民主の３党が決めた社会保障と税の一体改革の根幹である。
The central government’s debts have grown beyond the \1 quadrillion mark, the highest among major economic powers.
In the financial market and elsewhere, there had been concerns that if the government postponed the consumption tax hike planned for next April, government bond prices would nosedive.
国の借金は既に１０００兆円を超え、先進国で最悪だ。市場などでは、来春の消費増税を見送れば、国債が暴落しかねないといった懸念も出ていた。
In light of the rapid acceleration of graying society and the chronically low birthrate, we believe the course of action taken toward raising the tax rate is reasonable.
少子高齢化の急激な進行を踏まえれば、消費税率を引き上げる方向性は正しい。
What is problematic is the possibility that the economy, which has at long last started turning upward, will lose steam due to the tax rate hike.
問題なのは、ようやく景気が上向いてきた日本経済が来春の消費増税で失速しないかどうか、不透明なことである。
The Bank of Japan’s closely watched Tankan survey showed that business sentiment among major companies improved significantly in September, posting the highest reading since the collapse of the Lehman Brothers in autumn 2008. Yet the pace of recovery is expected to slow down in the months ahead.
日銀の９月企業短期経済観測調査（短観）で、大企業の景況感は大きく改善し、リーマン・ショック前の水準に戻った。だが、今後はペースが鈍るとみられる。
Even more worrisome is the employment situation. The jobless rate in August rose to the 4 percent level for the first time in three months, while wages of salaried workers have continued to decline.
さらに懸念されるのは雇用情勢だ。８月の失業率は３か月ぶりに４％台に上昇し、サラリーマンの給与も減少が続いている。
“By resolutely implementing bold economic measures, we’ll seize this opportunity for economic recovery,” Abe said.
首相は、「大胆な経済対策を果断に実行し、景気回復のチャンスを確実にする」と述べた。
Tax cuts urgently needed
◆法人税率下げは急務だ◆
Among the government’s economic stimulus measures is a corporate tax cut for companies that raise their workers’ wages, as well as tax reductions aimed at prompting capital investment and implementing research and development activities.
経済対策には、民間設備投資や研究開発を促す政策減税のほか、従業員の賃上げに踏み切った企業を対象にした税負担の軽減策拡充などを盛り込む。
The new set of pump-priming measures also includes a plan to consider ending a temporary increase in the corporate tax rate aimed at helping finance reconstruction projects following the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. After studying the pros and cons of scrapping the current special tax hike one year earlier than initially planned, the government aims to arrive at a conclusion on the matter by the end of the year.
震災復興のため法人税に上乗せしている「復興特別法人税」についても、１年前倒しで廃止する方向で年内に結論を出す。
It is undoubtedly essential to secure a source of revenue that can supplant the special corporate tax increase to fund postquake rebuilding policies and programs. Under such circumstances, the prime minister had every reason to say, “Nothing should hamper reconstruction efforts.”
無論、特別法人税に代わる復興財源をしっかり確保することが不可欠だ。首相が「復興に支障が生じることがあってはならない」と述べたのは当然である。
He also urged the ruling parties to consider lowering the effective corporate tax rate immediately. As things stand, the rate, which is the ratio of corporations’ national and local tax payments to their taxable incomes, is higher than those levied in other major economies. No time should be wasted in boosting the international competitiveness of Japanese companies while at the same time attracting greater foreign investment to Japan.
首相はまた、主要国に比べて高い法人税の実効税率引き下げについても、与党に速やかな検討開始を求めた。企業の国際競争力強化や、海外からの対日投資の拡大は喫緊の課題と言える。
In this regard, the prime minister’s initiative in drawing up a road map for reducing the effective corporate tax rate is quite significant.
首相の主導で実効税率引き下げに道筋をつけた意味は大きい。
However, Abe’s plan to raise the consumption tax rate, coupled with envisaged corporate tax cuts, has drawn fire from the public, as well as the ruling and opposition parties, for what they see as “preferential treatment for companies.”
ただし、消費税を増税する一方で、企業減税することに対し、国民や与野党から「企業優遇だ」などの批判が出ている。
Private-sector corporations are key players in the pursuit of economic growth. By taking advantage of the government’s support measures, they should play a role in facilitating a positive growth cycle through such measures as using their internal reserves for capital and other investment, as well as wage increases.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。政策支援を追い風に、企業も内部留保を投資や賃上げに活用するなど、経済成長の「好循環」に貢献することが求められる。
The new economic stimulus package is worth about \5 trillion, equivalent to the amount of revenue that could be raised through a two percentage point hike in the consumption tax rate. If it is reduced to a package of mostly show, but little substance, the set of pump-priming measures would do little to underpin the economy.
経済対策は約５兆円と、消費税率２％分の規模を確保するが、「見かけ倒し」では、景気を十分に支えることはできまい。
The question is whether a wide range of corporations will adequately take advantage of the tax cuts and other planned steps. The government needs to closely examine what will ensue from the package.
減税措置などを幅広い企業が利用するかどうか、政府は成果を検証する必要がある。
The government should avoid counting on a revenue increase that could be made possible through the consumption tax rate hike, anticipating it could increase the number of public works projects, including nonessential ones.
消費税の増収分を当て込み、不要不急の公共事業を拡大することも避けるべきだ。
An extraordinary Diet session is scheduled to convene in mid-October, with a number of important items on the agenda, including a bill for increasing industrial competitiveness. The legislation is a major part of the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
今月中旬に始まる臨時国会は、安倍政権の掲げる成長戦略の柱である産業競争力強化法案など、重要なテーマが多い。
We hope the government and the ruling parties will do all they can to ensure the upcoming Diet session proceeds smoothly, while also achieving their intended goals as swiftly as possible. This is essential as the Diet session should serve as a forum for discussions on how to set our nation’s growth strategy in motion.
名実ともに「成長戦略実現国会」となるよう、政府・与党は円滑な国会運営に全力を尽くし、迅速に成果を上げてもらいたい。
2013年10月03日
シリア化学兵器 安保理決議の実効性を示せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun October 2, 2013
UNSC resolution on Syria crisis must have bite to back up bark
シリア化学兵器 安保理決議の実効性を示せ（10月1日付・読売社説）
The resolution on Syria adopted by the U.N. Security Council on Friday marked the first step in the international community’s attempt to work together to end the civil war raging in that country. It is essential that the international community must demonstrate the resolution designed to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will be effective.
国際社会が結束してシリア内戦収拾に取り組む第一歩である。化学兵器の一掃へ決議の実効性を示すことが重要だ。
The resolution bans Syria from producing and moving chemical weapons, and calls for the country to relinquish all such weapons in the first half of 2014.
国連安全保障理事会がシリアに、化学兵器の製造や移動を禁じ、来年前半までにすべての化学兵器を廃棄するよう求める決議を採択した。
Three previous resolutions critical of the administration of President Bashar Assad over the civil war had been submitted to the Security Council at the initiative of the United States, Britain and France. However, none were approved because they were vetoed by Russia, which supports the Assad administration, and China.
シリア内戦を巡って、安保理では、米国や英仏の主導によりアサド政権を非難する決議案が３度提出されたが、政権を支えるロシアや中国の拒否権行使でいずれも阻まれてきた。
This is the first time a resolution obligating Syria to take specific actions has been adopted at the Security Council after being approved by Russia and China. As such, it is extremely significant.
シリア政府に特定の行動を義務付ける安保理決議が、露中も同意して採択されたのは初めてだ。決議の持つ意義は重い。
U.S. President Barack Obama has lacked consistency in carrying out a series of diplomatic moves vis-a-vis Damascus, undercutting the high expectations placed on him to play a leadership role. As things turned out, however, leadership on this matter fell into the hands of Russia, which has been trying to extend the life of the Assad regime.
ただ、一連のシリア外交で、最も指導力を期待されたオバマ米大統領の政策は一貫性を欠いた。結果として、アサド大統領の延命を図るロシアに主導権を取られてしまった。
When the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons came to light in August, Obama announced a plan to launch a punitive military attack against Syria. But with the U.S. Congress appearing increasingly unlikely to back Obama’s plan, he accepted a Russian proposal calling for eliminating Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons, thereby postponing the military strike.
８月に化学兵器攻撃が発覚した際、オバマ氏はシリアに懲罰的な軍事攻撃を行う方針を表明した。にもかかわらず、米議会による攻撃承認のメドが立たぬうちに、化学兵器廃棄を求めるロシアの提案を受け入れ、攻撃を見送った。
The resolution adopted this time calls for carrying out enforcement steps based on Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for economic sanctions and military action, if the Assad administration fails to comply. This reflects the demands of the United States and some other Security Council members.
今回の決議は、アサド政権が違反した場合、経済制裁や軍事行動を定めた国連憲章第７章に基づく強制措置をとるとしている。米国などの主張を反映したものだ。
Russia still holds key
Adoption of another resolution is considered necessary to take action against Syria based on Chapter 7. So, Russia will continue to hold the key in determining the course of action.
だが、第７章の措置を実行するには新たな決議が必要とみられ、実際には、ロシアの意向が今後も鍵を握ることになろう。
Syria reportedly possesses a chemical weapons arsenal of about 1,000 tons that are stored in various parts of the country. There are fears that inspecting and eliminating these weapons amid the ongoing civil war could face massive difficulties.
シリアにある化学兵器は、約１０００トンと言われ、国内各地に分散して保管されている。内戦下の査察や廃棄の作業には、極めて大きな困難が伴うと懸念される。
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will start inspections this month and decide by mid-November how and where to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.
決議を受けて、化学兵器禁止機関（ＯＰＣＷ）は今月から査察を開始し、１１月中旬までに廃棄の手段や場所を決める予定だ。
To achieve the goal of totally eliminating Syria’s chemical arms in just nine months, the staff, funding and equipment of the OPCW will need to be boosted. Japan should cooperate as much as possible in this respect.
わずか９か月程度で完全廃棄という目標を達成するためには、ＯＰＣＷの要員、資金、装備などを一層増やす必要がある。日本も協力を惜しむべきでない。
The resolution also calls for holding an international conference at an early date to discuss a path to peace with participation of representatives from the Assad administration, antigovernment forces and countries with a stake in the matter. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon reportedly aims to hold this meeting in mid-November.
決議は、アサド政権、反体制派、関係国の代表が和平を協議する国際会議の早期開催も呼びかけた。潘基文国連事務総長は、１１月中旬の開催を目指すとしている。
More than 100,000 people have already died in the Syrian civil war. Victims of the chemical weapons attack accounted for a fraction of this figure. This inhumane tragedy should no longer be allowed to go on. International efforts must be made to reach a ceasefire through the conference and pave the way to end the civil war.
シリア内戦の犠牲者は１０万人を超えた。化学兵器攻撃による死者はその一部に過ぎない。人道上の悲劇をこれ以上看過してはなるまい。国際会議を通じて停戦を実現し、内戦終結に向けた道筋をつける努力が世界に求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2013)
（2013年10月1日01時33分 読売新聞）
UNSC resolution on Syria crisis must have bite to back up bark
シリア化学兵器 安保理決議の実効性を示せ（10月1日付・読売社説）
The resolution on Syria adopted by the U.N. Security Council on Friday marked the first step in the international community’s attempt to work together to end the civil war raging in that country. It is essential that the international community must demonstrate the resolution designed to eliminate Syria’s chemical weapons arsenal will be effective.
国際社会が結束してシリア内戦収拾に取り組む第一歩である。化学兵器の一掃へ決議の実効性を示すことが重要だ。
The resolution bans Syria from producing and moving chemical weapons, and calls for the country to relinquish all such weapons in the first half of 2014.
国連安全保障理事会がシリアに、化学兵器の製造や移動を禁じ、来年前半までにすべての化学兵器を廃棄するよう求める決議を採択した。
Three previous resolutions critical of the administration of President Bashar Assad over the civil war had been submitted to the Security Council at the initiative of the United States, Britain and France. However, none were approved because they were vetoed by Russia, which supports the Assad administration, and China.
シリア内戦を巡って、安保理では、米国や英仏の主導によりアサド政権を非難する決議案が３度提出されたが、政権を支えるロシアや中国の拒否権行使でいずれも阻まれてきた。
This is the first time a resolution obligating Syria to take specific actions has been adopted at the Security Council after being approved by Russia and China. As such, it is extremely significant.
シリア政府に特定の行動を義務付ける安保理決議が、露中も同意して採択されたのは初めてだ。決議の持つ意義は重い。
U.S. President Barack Obama has lacked consistency in carrying out a series of diplomatic moves vis-a-vis Damascus, undercutting the high expectations placed on him to play a leadership role. As things turned out, however, leadership on this matter fell into the hands of Russia, which has been trying to extend the life of the Assad regime.
ただ、一連のシリア外交で、最も指導力を期待されたオバマ米大統領の政策は一貫性を欠いた。結果として、アサド大統領の延命を図るロシアに主導権を取られてしまった。
When the Syrian government’s alleged use of chemical weapons came to light in August, Obama announced a plan to launch a punitive military attack against Syria. But with the U.S. Congress appearing increasingly unlikely to back Obama’s plan, he accepted a Russian proposal calling for eliminating Syria’s stockpile of chemical weapons, thereby postponing the military strike.
８月に化学兵器攻撃が発覚した際、オバマ氏はシリアに懲罰的な軍事攻撃を行う方針を表明した。にもかかわらず、米議会による攻撃承認のメドが立たぬうちに、化学兵器廃棄を求めるロシアの提案を受け入れ、攻撃を見送った。
The resolution adopted this time calls for carrying out enforcement steps based on Chapter 7 of the U.N. Charter, which allows for economic sanctions and military action, if the Assad administration fails to comply. This reflects the demands of the United States and some other Security Council members.
今回の決議は、アサド政権が違反した場合、経済制裁や軍事行動を定めた国連憲章第７章に基づく強制措置をとるとしている。米国などの主張を反映したものだ。
Russia still holds key
Adoption of another resolution is considered necessary to take action against Syria based on Chapter 7. So, Russia will continue to hold the key in determining the course of action.
だが、第７章の措置を実行するには新たな決議が必要とみられ、実際には、ロシアの意向が今後も鍵を握ることになろう。
Syria reportedly possesses a chemical weapons arsenal of about 1,000 tons that are stored in various parts of the country. There are fears that inspecting and eliminating these weapons amid the ongoing civil war could face massive difficulties.
シリアにある化学兵器は、約１０００トンと言われ、国内各地に分散して保管されている。内戦下の査察や廃棄の作業には、極めて大きな困難が伴うと懸念される。
The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) will start inspections this month and decide by mid-November how and where to destroy Syria’s chemical weapons.
決議を受けて、化学兵器禁止機関（ＯＰＣＷ）は今月から査察を開始し、１１月中旬までに廃棄の手段や場所を決める予定だ。
To achieve the goal of totally eliminating Syria’s chemical arms in just nine months, the staff, funding and equipment of the OPCW will need to be boosted. Japan should cooperate as much as possible in this respect.
わずか９か月程度で完全廃棄という目標を達成するためには、ＯＰＣＷの要員、資金、装備などを一層増やす必要がある。日本も協力を惜しむべきでない。
The resolution also calls for holding an international conference at an early date to discuss a path to peace with participation of representatives from the Assad administration, antigovernment forces and countries with a stake in the matter. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon reportedly aims to hold this meeting in mid-November.
決議は、アサド政権、反体制派、関係国の代表が和平を協議する国際会議の早期開催も呼びかけた。潘基文国連事務総長は、１１月中旬の開催を目指すとしている。
More than 100,000 people have already died in the Syrian civil war. Victims of the chemical weapons attack accounted for a fraction of this figure. This inhumane tragedy should no longer be allowed to go on. International efforts must be made to reach a ceasefire through the conference and pave the way to end the civil war.
シリア内戦の犠牲者は１０万人を超えた。化学兵器攻撃による死者はその一部に過ぎない。人道上の悲劇をこれ以上看過してはなるまい。国際会議を通じて停戦を実現し、内戦終結に向けた道筋をつける努力が世界に求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2013)
（2013年10月1日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013年10月02日
ＪＲ西事故無罪 惨事忘れず不断の安全対策を
The Yomiuri Shimbun October 1, 2013
JR West has obligation to adopt stringent, thorough safety steps
ＪＲ西事故無罪 惨事忘れず不断の安全対策を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even though former presidents of West Japan Railway Co. were not held criminally responsible for the fatal accident on the Fukuchiyama Line, the company cannot avoid its social responsibility as an operator of a public transportation system. JR West has to take stringent safety measures.
元社長の刑事責任は問われなくとも、公共輸送機関としての社会的責任は免れない。ＪＲ西日本は、安全対策を徹底せねばならない。
The Kobe District Court has found three former presidents of JR West, including Masataka Ide, not guilty of professional negligence causing death and injury in a train crash on the Fukuchiyama Line in April 2005 that killed 106 passengers.
乗客１０６人が犠牲になった２００５年４月のＪＲ福知山線脱線事故で、神戸地裁は、業務上過失致死傷罪に問われた井手正敬氏らＪＲ西日本の３人の元社長に無罪を言い渡した。
Designated lawyers who served as public prosecutors hinted that they may appeal the ruling to a higher court.
検察官役の指定弁護士は、控訴する意向を示した。
After district public prosecutors decided in 2009 not to indict the three former presidents, a citizen inquest panel voted to indict them the following year.
歴代３社長は、市民により構成される検察審査会の議決で強制起訴された。
The panel indicted them on the grounds that they failed to instruct their subordinates to install an automatic train stop (ATS) system to prevent accidents at the curve where the train derailed.
現場のカーブに自動列車停止装置（ＡＴＳ）を整備する指示を怠ったとの理由からだ。
However, the district court ruled that “it was impossible for any of these senior executives to recognize the danger of the curve, as their subordinates had not provided explanations about it.” The court concluded, “They could not predict the accident in any concrete way.”
しかし、判決は「部下からの説明がなかったため、経営幹部はカーブの危険性を認識できる機会がなかった」と判断し、「３人が事故を具体的に予見することはできなかった」と結論づけた。
As there was no way to predict such an accident, which would be necessary to establish professional negligence resulting in death and injury, there was no other choice but to find them not guilty.
業務上過失致死傷罪の成立要件である予見可能性が認められない以上、無罪しか選択肢はなかったということだろう。
Prediction of crash difficult
In January last year, the not-guilty ruling handed down by the Kobe District Court on Masao Yamazaki, another former president and the only person indicted by the prosecutors over the accident, became final as the prosecution did not appeal.
昨年１月には、検察がこの事故で唯一、起訴した山崎正夫元社長の無罪も確定している。山崎氏は、現場を急カーブに造り替えた当時、安全対策の責任者である鉄道本部長を務めていた。
Yamazaki was head of JR West’s train operations headquarters and in charge of safety measures at the time when the curve in question was made sharper.
山崎氏の立場でも、危険認識がなかったと認定された。
It was found that it was impossible for even Yamazaki, who was in a position of direct responsibility back then, to have predicted the danger of an accident at the curve. It would, therefore, be even more difficult to hold the other three criminally responsible, as they held higher positions than Yamazaki at the time.
さらに上の地位にいた３人に刑事責任を問うのは困難だったと言えよう。
According to the Penal Code, criminal responsibility is applied to individuals, not business corporations. Taking into consideration that even a president, who represents a company, is no exception, a not-guilty ruling is unavoidable.
刑法上、刑事責任の対象は個人であり、企業の責任を問える制度にはなっていない。企業を代表する社長であっても、例外ではないことを考えれば、無罪の結論は、やむを得ない面がある。
Yet, it is only natural for bereaved families of the victims of the accident to have reservations about the justice of the latest court decision.
だが、遺族が割り切れぬ思いを抱くのは無理もない。
After passing judgment, the presiding judge admitted, “It is only reasonable [for relatives of victims] to regard it as absurd that no one was held criminally responsible.”
裁判長も判決後、「誰一人、刑事責任を問われないのはおかしいと思うのは、もっともだ」と述べた。
It is an undeniable fact that the company’s failure to install the ATS system on the curve promptly enough led to the tragic accident. JR West has an obligation to adopt thorough safety measures by learning from the accident.
ＡＴＳ整備の遅れが事故を招いたのは、動かぬ事実だ。事故を教訓に、ＪＲ西日本には、万全の安全対策を講じる責務がある。
The latest acquittals may lead to arguments about whether indictments by citizen inquest panels work. Inquest panel decisions have led to eight criminal cases in courts since such decisions were made legally binding in 2009. But in only one case has a guilty verdict been handed down.
今回の無罪判決は、強制起訴制度のあり方を議論する契機となろう。これまでに８件が強制起訴され、有罪判決は１件だ。
While the system is significant in reflecting views of ordinary people in criminal justice, a number of problems have emerged.
刑事司法に市民の感覚を反映させる意義がある一方で、問題点も浮かび上がってきている。
The burden on designated lawyers to prove a case with limited evidence is heavy. When a defendant is indicted by a citizen inquest panel, an enormous amount of time is needed in preparing for a trial.
限られた証拠で立証を強いられる指定弁護士の負担は重い。強制起訴された被告が、公判対策に膨大な時間を割かれることも無視できない。
We hope the Justice Ministry will examine past cases closely to improve the current system.
法務省が中心になり、これまでの事例を検証し、制度の改善に努めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2013)
（2013年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
JR West has obligation to adopt stringent, thorough safety steps
ＪＲ西事故無罪 惨事忘れず不断の安全対策を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even though former presidents of West Japan Railway Co. were not held criminally responsible for the fatal accident on the Fukuchiyama Line, the company cannot avoid its social responsibility as an operator of a public transportation system. JR West has to take stringent safety measures.
元社長の刑事責任は問われなくとも、公共輸送機関としての社会的責任は免れない。ＪＲ西日本は、安全対策を徹底せねばならない。
The Kobe District Court has found three former presidents of JR West, including Masataka Ide, not guilty of professional negligence causing death and injury in a train crash on the Fukuchiyama Line in April 2005 that killed 106 passengers.
乗客１０６人が犠牲になった２００５年４月のＪＲ福知山線脱線事故で、神戸地裁は、業務上過失致死傷罪に問われた井手正敬氏らＪＲ西日本の３人の元社長に無罪を言い渡した。
Designated lawyers who served as public prosecutors hinted that they may appeal the ruling to a higher court.
検察官役の指定弁護士は、控訴する意向を示した。
After district public prosecutors decided in 2009 not to indict the three former presidents, a citizen inquest panel voted to indict them the following year.
歴代３社長は、市民により構成される検察審査会の議決で強制起訴された。
The panel indicted them on the grounds that they failed to instruct their subordinates to install an automatic train stop (ATS) system to prevent accidents at the curve where the train derailed.
現場のカーブに自動列車停止装置（ＡＴＳ）を整備する指示を怠ったとの理由からだ。
However, the district court ruled that “it was impossible for any of these senior executives to recognize the danger of the curve, as their subordinates had not provided explanations about it.” The court concluded, “They could not predict the accident in any concrete way.”
しかし、判決は「部下からの説明がなかったため、経営幹部はカーブの危険性を認識できる機会がなかった」と判断し、「３人が事故を具体的に予見することはできなかった」と結論づけた。
As there was no way to predict such an accident, which would be necessary to establish professional negligence resulting in death and injury, there was no other choice but to find them not guilty.
業務上過失致死傷罪の成立要件である予見可能性が認められない以上、無罪しか選択肢はなかったということだろう。
Prediction of crash difficult
In January last year, the not-guilty ruling handed down by the Kobe District Court on Masao Yamazaki, another former president and the only person indicted by the prosecutors over the accident, became final as the prosecution did not appeal.
昨年１月には、検察がこの事故で唯一、起訴した山崎正夫元社長の無罪も確定している。山崎氏は、現場を急カーブに造り替えた当時、安全対策の責任者である鉄道本部長を務めていた。
Yamazaki was head of JR West’s train operations headquarters and in charge of safety measures at the time when the curve in question was made sharper.
山崎氏の立場でも、危険認識がなかったと認定された。
It was found that it was impossible for even Yamazaki, who was in a position of direct responsibility back then, to have predicted the danger of an accident at the curve. It would, therefore, be even more difficult to hold the other three criminally responsible, as they held higher positions than Yamazaki at the time.
さらに上の地位にいた３人に刑事責任を問うのは困難だったと言えよう。
According to the Penal Code, criminal responsibility is applied to individuals, not business corporations. Taking into consideration that even a president, who represents a company, is no exception, a not-guilty ruling is unavoidable.
刑法上、刑事責任の対象は個人であり、企業の責任を問える制度にはなっていない。企業を代表する社長であっても、例外ではないことを考えれば、無罪の結論は、やむを得ない面がある。
Yet, it is only natural for bereaved families of the victims of the accident to have reservations about the justice of the latest court decision.
だが、遺族が割り切れぬ思いを抱くのは無理もない。
After passing judgment, the presiding judge admitted, “It is only reasonable [for relatives of victims] to regard it as absurd that no one was held criminally responsible.”
裁判長も判決後、「誰一人、刑事責任を問われないのはおかしいと思うのは、もっともだ」と述べた。
It is an undeniable fact that the company’s failure to install the ATS system on the curve promptly enough led to the tragic accident. JR West has an obligation to adopt thorough safety measures by learning from the accident.
ＡＴＳ整備の遅れが事故を招いたのは、動かぬ事実だ。事故を教訓に、ＪＲ西日本には、万全の安全対策を講じる責務がある。
The latest acquittals may lead to arguments about whether indictments by citizen inquest panels work. Inquest panel decisions have led to eight criminal cases in courts since such decisions were made legally binding in 2009. But in only one case has a guilty verdict been handed down.
今回の無罪判決は、強制起訴制度のあり方を議論する契機となろう。これまでに８件が強制起訴され、有罪判決は１件だ。
While the system is significant in reflecting views of ordinary people in criminal justice, a number of problems have emerged.
刑事司法に市民の感覚を反映させる意義がある一方で、問題点も浮かび上がってきている。
The burden on designated lawyers to prove a case with limited evidence is heavy. When a defendant is indicted by a citizen inquest panel, an enormous amount of time is needed in preparing for a trial.
限られた証拠で立証を強いられる指定弁護士の負担は重い。強制起訴された被告が、公判対策に膨大な時間を割かれることも無視できない。
We hope the Justice Ministry will examine past cases closely to improve the current system.
法務省が中心になり、これまでの事例を検証し、制度の改善に努めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2013)
（2013年9月30日01時31分 読売新聞）
2013年10月01日
日韓外相会談 関係改善への道筋が見えない
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 30, 2013
Tokyo, Seoul must find ways to move ties forward despite pending problems
日韓外相会談 関係改善への道筋が見えない（9月29日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not had summit talks with South Korean President Park Geun Hye, who took office in February, and there is no plan for such talks in the near future. How can the two countries solve this abnormal situation? The attitudes and capabilities of the Japanese and South Korean leaders as well as of their nations’ foreign ministries are being put to the test.
２月の朴槿恵韓国大統領の就任以来、一度も首脳会談が開かれず、見通しさえ立たない。この異常事態をどう打開するのか。日韓両国首脳と外交当局の姿勢と力量が問われる。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung Se, held a meeting in New York and agreed that their countries will continue dialogue on different levels.
岸田外相と韓国の尹炳世外交相がニューヨークで会談し、今後も「様々なレベルの意思疎通を続ける」ことで一致した。
However, Yun stressed that South Korea expects the Japanese leadership to have the courage to heal the wounds of the past. Kishida responded that the Abe Cabinet has followed the views of past governments on historical issues and urged South Korea to understand this position.
尹外相は「過去の傷を治癒する勇気ある指導力を期待する」と強調した。岸田外相は「安倍内閣は歴史認識に関する歴代内閣の立場を引き継いでいる。しっかり受け止めてほしい」と応じた。
The two could not make any tangible progress toward realization of a bilateral summit meeting, the most important issue. We think the result was truly regrettable.
ただ、肝心の首脳会談の実現に向けた具体的な進展はなかった。残念な結果である。
It is noteworthy that the two countries failed to agree on various other issues.
個別案件でも、両国の主張が平行線をたどる場面が目立った。
For instance, Kishida asked Yun to lift South Korea’s import ban on fishery products from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas. “Japan will thoroughly deal with water contaminated with radioactive substances at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and continue providing relevant information,” Kishida said. However, Yun only explained the background of the import ban.
韓国による福島県などの水産物輸入禁止について、岸田外相は「（原発の）汚染水対策に万全を期し、情報提供を行う」として禁輸の撤廃を要請した。尹外相は禁輸の経緯を説明するにとどめた。
The Japanese government imposes limits on radioactive substances in food that are stricter than international standards. Though the leakage of contaminated water at the plant has affected sales of South Korean fishery products, the South Korean government’s reaction is excessive and has little scientific basis. We hope it will prudently move toward lifting the import ban.
日本は、国際基準より厳しい放射性物質の規制を食品全般に課している。韓国産水産物の売り上げに影響が出た事情があるにせよ、韓国の措置は、科学的根拠に乏しい過剰反応だ。禁輸撤廃へ、冷静な対応を取ってもらいたい。
Settled by 1965 accord
Recently, a high court in Seoul approved damage claims by South Koreans who had been forced to work for Japanese companies during wartime and ordered the descendant company to pay compensation to the plaintiffs. Kishida told Yun that South Korea should act on the basis of the bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached when the two countries concluded a treaty to normalize relations in 1965. However, the South Korean foreign minister only replied that the trial was still in progress.
韓国の高裁で元徴用工への日本企業の賠償を命じる判決が出たことに関して、岸田外相は、日韓請求権協定に基づく「適切な対応」を求めた。尹外相は「裁判が進行中だ」と語るだけだった。
The 1965 accord stipulates that the issue of damage claims for individual South Koreans was “resolved completely and finally.” If this issue is left unresolved, similar rulings will be repeatedly made, worsening the situation.
韓国人の個人賠償については、１９６５年の国交正常化時の請求権協定が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と定めている。このまま放置すれば、同様の判決が相次ぎ、事態をより悪化させよう。
This problem may cast doubt on South Korea’s status as a nation ruled by law. The South Korean government should take forward-looking action to settle this issue.
法治国家としての信用にも関わる問題だ。韓国政府には、前向きな対応が求められる。
Meanwhile, Yun again urged Japan to solve the issue of the so-called comfort women.
尹外相は、いわゆる元従軍慰安婦問題について、日本が解決に努力するよう改めて促した。
However, this issue, too, has already been settled by the 1965 accord. We do not think the government should easily make concessions on this matter.
だが、この問題も本来、請求権協定で解決済みであり、日本は安易な譲歩をすべきでない。
It is disturbing to see that the momentum and willingness to improve bilateral ties are diminishing within the Japanese and South Korean governments.
気がかりなのは、日韓両政府内で、関係改善への機運や意欲が減退しつつあることだ。
Today, Japan and South Korea have many significant issues to tackle jointly, such as the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, where preparations to restart a graphite-moderated reactor are becoming evident, as well as negotiations on free trade pacts between Japan and South Korea, and among the two countries and China.
黒鉛減速炉の再稼働の動きが顕在化している北朝鮮の核問題や、日韓・日中韓の自由貿易協定交渉など、日韓両国が今、連携して取り組むべき重要課題は多い。
It is important for Tokyo and Seoul to continue dialogue patiently from a broader perspective and try seriously to find common ground, even though the two countries have complicated bilateral problems that cannot be solved immediately.
簡単には解決できない懸案を抱えていても、日韓双方が大局的見地から粘り強く対話を重ね、真剣に接点を探る努力が重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2013)
（2013年9月29日01時47分 読売新聞）
Tokyo, Seoul must find ways to move ties forward despite pending problems
日韓外相会談 関係改善への道筋が見えない（9月29日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has not had summit talks with South Korean President Park Geun Hye, who took office in February, and there is no plan for such talks in the near future. How can the two countries solve this abnormal situation? The attitudes and capabilities of the Japanese and South Korean leaders as well as of their nations’ foreign ministries are being put to the test.
２月の朴槿恵韓国大統領の就任以来、一度も首脳会談が開かれず、見通しさえ立たない。この異常事態をどう打開するのか。日韓両国首脳と外交当局の姿勢と力量が問われる。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yun Byung Se, held a meeting in New York and agreed that their countries will continue dialogue on different levels.
岸田外相と韓国の尹炳世外交相がニューヨークで会談し、今後も「様々なレベルの意思疎通を続ける」ことで一致した。
However, Yun stressed that South Korea expects the Japanese leadership to have the courage to heal the wounds of the past. Kishida responded that the Abe Cabinet has followed the views of past governments on historical issues and urged South Korea to understand this position.
尹外相は「過去の傷を治癒する勇気ある指導力を期待する」と強調した。岸田外相は「安倍内閣は歴史認識に関する歴代内閣の立場を引き継いでいる。しっかり受け止めてほしい」と応じた。
The two could not make any tangible progress toward realization of a bilateral summit meeting, the most important issue. We think the result was truly regrettable.
ただ、肝心の首脳会談の実現に向けた具体的な進展はなかった。残念な結果である。
It is noteworthy that the two countries failed to agree on various other issues.
個別案件でも、両国の主張が平行線をたどる場面が目立った。
For instance, Kishida asked Yun to lift South Korea’s import ban on fishery products from Fukushima Prefecture and surrounding areas. “Japan will thoroughly deal with water contaminated with radioactive substances at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and continue providing relevant information,” Kishida said. However, Yun only explained the background of the import ban.
韓国による福島県などの水産物輸入禁止について、岸田外相は「（原発の）汚染水対策に万全を期し、情報提供を行う」として禁輸の撤廃を要請した。尹外相は禁輸の経緯を説明するにとどめた。
The Japanese government imposes limits on radioactive substances in food that are stricter than international standards. Though the leakage of contaminated water at the plant has affected sales of South Korean fishery products, the South Korean government’s reaction is excessive and has little scientific basis. We hope it will prudently move toward lifting the import ban.
日本は、国際基準より厳しい放射性物質の規制を食品全般に課している。韓国産水産物の売り上げに影響が出た事情があるにせよ、韓国の措置は、科学的根拠に乏しい過剰反応だ。禁輸撤廃へ、冷静な対応を取ってもらいたい。
Settled by 1965 accord
Recently, a high court in Seoul approved damage claims by South Koreans who had been forced to work for Japanese companies during wartime and ordered the descendant company to pay compensation to the plaintiffs. Kishida told Yun that South Korea should act on the basis of the bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached when the two countries concluded a treaty to normalize relations in 1965. However, the South Korean foreign minister only replied that the trial was still in progress.
韓国の高裁で元徴用工への日本企業の賠償を命じる判決が出たことに関して、岸田外相は、日韓請求権協定に基づく「適切な対応」を求めた。尹外相は「裁判が進行中だ」と語るだけだった。
The 1965 accord stipulates that the issue of damage claims for individual South Koreans was “resolved completely and finally.” If this issue is left unresolved, similar rulings will be repeatedly made, worsening the situation.
韓国人の個人賠償については、１９６５年の国交正常化時の請求権協定が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と定めている。このまま放置すれば、同様の判決が相次ぎ、事態をより悪化させよう。
This problem may cast doubt on South Korea’s status as a nation ruled by law. The South Korean government should take forward-looking action to settle this issue.
法治国家としての信用にも関わる問題だ。韓国政府には、前向きな対応が求められる。
Meanwhile, Yun again urged Japan to solve the issue of the so-called comfort women.
尹外相は、いわゆる元従軍慰安婦問題について、日本が解決に努力するよう改めて促した。
However, this issue, too, has already been settled by the 1965 accord. We do not think the government should easily make concessions on this matter.
だが、この問題も本来、請求権協定で解決済みであり、日本は安易な譲歩をすべきでない。
It is disturbing to see that the momentum and willingness to improve bilateral ties are diminishing within the Japanese and South Korean governments.
気がかりなのは、日韓両政府内で、関係改善への機運や意欲が減退しつつあることだ。
Today, Japan and South Korea have many significant issues to tackle jointly, such as the nuclear ambitions of North Korea, where preparations to restart a graphite-moderated reactor are becoming evident, as well as negotiations on free trade pacts between Japan and South Korea, and among the two countries and China.
黒鉛減速炉の再稼働の動きが顕在化している北朝鮮の核問題や、日韓・日中韓の自由貿易協定交渉など、日韓両国が今、連携して取り組むべき重要課題は多い。
It is important for Tokyo and Seoul to continue dialogue patiently from a broader perspective and try seriously to find common ground, even though the two countries have complicated bilateral problems that cannot be solved immediately.
簡単には解決できない懸案を抱えていても、日韓双方が大局的見地から粘り強く対話を重ね、真剣に接点を探る努力が重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2013)
（2013年9月29日01時47分 読売新聞）