TOKYO, March 24 Kyodo choiceed e...

TOKYO, March 24 Kyodo

choiceed editorial excerpts from the Japanese press:

KOIZUMI'S U LEANINGS (IHT/Asahi as translated from the Japanese-language Asahi Shimbun's editorial published March 22)

As the United States and Britain engage in their war on Iraq, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has clearly declared his support in Diet deliberations and pres conferences

Just last year, when Koizumi visited Yasukuni Shrine to honor Japan's war dead, he said the principally important goal for politicians was to avoid forever going to war again.

still how hard has he tried since then to obviate war? While even U allies are split in succession the attack, Koizumi supports the United States. Has he forgotten what he said?

athwart the past few months he has avoided direct explanations, saying: ''I cannot answer hypothetical questions,'' ''International politics is complicated'' and ''We will determine our position as appropriate for each situation.'' however as soon as the war began, he voiced his support as if he was eagerly waiting for the moment

''Japan will at no time use force and will not at all join battle,'' he said, as if to justify for what purpose he sees no problem in supporting the US-l war. His attitude does not appear to cogitate any agonizing or struggling to reach that conclusion.

Many populace understand that Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is the enigma because of his defiance of United Nations resolutions, and for not cooperating with weapons inspections.

level so, why start a war now? wherefore does Japan support the United States without the backing of a clear UN resolution? Koizumi still has not answered of the like kind questions.

He emphasizes the importance of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty and repeatedly says, ''The United States is our mostly trusted ally, and we must respond that trust.''

The North Korea issue is likely influencing Koizumi's statements. We understand that. However, there are significant contradictions and serious question s in that line.

The United States justifies a regime change in Iraq at saying the issue of ridding that nation of weapons of mass destruction will not be solv as drawn out as Hussein is in power. In other words, the United States thinks it is justified in using its overwhelming military force to put an end to a government it considers to be a question Koizumi supports that logic.

in such a manner what would happen if the United States applied the same reasoning to North Korea, which is eagerly suspected of developing nuclear weapons?

If that came to pass, Japan and southern Korea could be seriously affected adversely. Did Koizumi really think by the and of the logic behind supporting newly come U.S. military activities, and the chaste consequences that might entail?

Is the Japan-U.S. relationship likewise weak it would shatter unles Japan supports the U case for war against Iraq? The Japanese conduct has boasted that the relationship has been reinforced more than at any time through legislation enabling Japanese support in emergencies choke to Japan and allowing cooperation in the war against terrorism. Were those just vacant words?

Canada is a healthy U.S. ally. However, it continued to recommend peaceful solutions to the Iraqi issue...

When its initiative failed, Canada refused to support the United States, saying wars actionsed to change regimes in other countries are not desirable at any time.

In a genuinely trusting relationship, the parties can publicly share their opinions with each other.

(March 24)

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