ニュース 2012/02/17 Kusuda, Yamahana pose questions on security-related issues in budget debate On February 17, concentrated debate on security-related issues took place in the House of Representatives Committee on Budget, in the presence of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and other concerned Cabinet members. The DPJ’s Daizo Kusuda and Ikuo Yamahana posed questions in the debate. Kusuda asked about (1) review of the realignment roadmap regarding US forces stationed in Japan, (2) the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visit to Okinawa, (3) how the administration planned to aim to deepen the Japan-US alliance, and (4) the situation in Iran. With regard to the review of the realignment roadmap, Kusuda expressed the opinion that this was “a huge step forward and also a huge opportunity”. He went on to say that he had some reservations about the way in which information was being conveyed, and asked about reports that the US army had proposed moving US marines currently stationed in Okinawa to the US army base in Iwakuni in Yamaguchi prefecture. Prime Minister Noda stressed, “We will maintain our deterrent capabilities, while speedily reducing the burden placed on Okinawa.” With regard to the possible transfer of US marines to Iwakuni, he said, “Japan and the United States have not discussed this, and we have no intention of asking this of the local community in Iwakuni.” While pointing out that a critical stage had been reached, Kusuda expressed the opinion that solving such a difficult problem would be no ordinary task. He said that he wanted to see a concerted response from the administration, in which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense would each display their abilities to the full, and engage in a framework of full cooperation, even more than in the past. The Prime Minister stated that he would most likely visit Okinawa on February 26 and 27, and responded, “I would like to explain the situation regarding the discussions in progress between Japan and the United States, which are designed to maintain deterrent capabilities while speedily reducing the burden placed on Okinawa, as well as measures regarding the promotion of Okinawa.” He added that he would also like to carefully observe the current situation on the ground in the prefecture. Next, Yamahana asked questions regarding (1) measures being taken toward resolving the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea, and (2) Iran-related issues. Yamahana is also the Senior Director of the Special Committee on North Korean Abductions and Other Issues in the House of Representatives. He first commented that it was a problem that the abduction issue was not well-known in other countries, and called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Gemba to take an active response, stating: “It is important to take measures that enable other countries to understand [the issue].” Yamahana also asked Prime Minister Noda what instructions he had given to Minister of State for the Abduction Issue Jin Matsubara upon his appointment. Noda replied, “Minister Matsubara has played a central role in the parliamentarians’ league on the abduction issue. Like [Committee on Budget] Chair Nakai, he possesses a strong commitment toward resolving the abduction issue. He is also very much trusted by the abductees’ families’ association.” He went on to reveal that he had told Matsubara to approach resolution of the issue with a sense of urgency. Matsubara commented, “In North Korea a new regime is struggling to find its feet, but it is necessary for the proud North Koreans to work to resolve the abduction issue in order to gain acceptance from the international community.” He added “I hope the fact that a new leader has taken power in North Korea will lead to the possibility of the North Korean side taking a different stance than previously on the abduction issue, which has currently reached an impasse.” Matsubara went on, “I believe the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Song on April 15 will be one short-term marker. I would like North Korea to respond to my remarks by working positively to resolve the issue.”