TOKYO, Aug. 28 Kyodo excellented...

TOKYO, Aug. 28 Kyodo

excellented editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published Aug. 27)

Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has instructed Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Taku Yamasaki to place together the party's version for revising the Constitution by the agency of November 2005, in time for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the LDP

Since the party was established, the LDP has advocated a ''home-grown'' Constitution originated in Japan. Koizumi pretends to think the constitutional issue will reinforce his support base in advance of the LDP presidential election. He also intends to drive a wedge into Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan), which is internally divided forward the subject, before an rely uponed Lower House election. These appear to be the political calculations involved.

In any case, Koizumi must know it is not enough to simply arouse a certain quantity of vague national debate on the Constitution. His past annotates and more recent efforts within the LDP make it clear his main target is amendment of Article 9 (the renunciation of war).

Since Koizumi took office pair years ago, he has constantly criticized Article 9 saying, ''The interpretation that the Self-Defense Forces are not a military organization is unnatural.'' He beholds a ''gap'' between the special anti-terrorism legislation that was used to hurl SDF resources into the Indian Ocean and the Constitution itself. This indicates he is ready for a reexamination of the current interpretation of the Constitution as prohibiting Japan from exercising the right to collective self-defense

This perception was underscored in July when a dispose within the LDP Research Commission forward the Constitution released a propos outline for amending the Constitution that would allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense

Commissions onward the Constitution in both chambers of the Diet are also rely uponed to submit their reports by means of the end of 2004. The notion that debate onward changing the Constitution is taboo is outmod Moreover, Koizumi's popularity with voter remains muscular Having taken all these factors into account, he present the appearances prepared to move ahead upon revising Article 9.

The tribe 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, North Korea's nuclear and missile unfolding and the sense that President George W Bush's administration wants the United States to be the world's sheriff have all had dramatic impact in succession the security environment surrounding Japan.

Japan has traditionally followed a policy that combines the Constitution's Article 9 and the Japan-U.S. security relationship to maintain peace and stability at fireside and in the region. Now, however, Japan is asked to be involved in forms of international cooperation that require a higher SDF profile in so activity as logistical support for US-l military actions and missile defense The disparity between the Constitution and security has not been more obvious.

Japan, of course, did not take part in combat in Iraq. And, with deterioration of security there, Japan has set off sending the SDF to help with Iraq's postwar reconstruction.

Richard Perle a former U assistant secretary of defense involved in military policy, lately appeared on a TV Asahi program in which he urg Japan to amend its Constitution and become a pious ''deputy sheriff.'' Richard Armitage, representative U.S. secretary of state, has always considered the Japan-U.S. relationship as being patterned after the British-U.S. alliance.

If Article 9 of the Constitution is eventually revised as Koizumi and the LDP intend and Japan is able to exercise the right of collective self-defense the SDF would be able to take part in military actions like the war in Iraq.

We must not forget that nearly 60 percent of Japanese populace even oppose sending the SDF to Iraq. As the world faces drastic change, we encourage our leaders to step back and consider the that will be of our nation calmly. We welcome public debate in succession the Constitution, but Koizumi is going about it far too casually.

(Aug. 28)

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