JCP: Foreign Ministry report confirms Suzuki's meddling

The Foreign Ministry on March 4 published a report on the suspicions over Liberal Democratic Party House of Representatives member Suzuki Muneo being involved in the Russia-held four Northern Islands support projects.

The report confirmed the suspicions which JCP Lower House members Sasaki Kensho and Kijima Hideo raised in the Lower House Budget Committee that Suzuki was "deeply involved" in the tender for the construction of a facility officially named "house of friendship" (actually called "Muneo House") on Kunashiri Island, and for repair work on a pier.

On behalf of the JCP, Fudesaka Hideyo, JCP acting Secretariat Head, on the same day published a statement on the Foreign Ministry report.

Fudesaka said that the report acknowledged LDP Suzuki's meddling in the construction of the so-called Muneo House and in the repair of a pier, and the Foreign Ministry's submission to his meddling. He said that this is part of a self-confirmation by the Foreign Ministry of its being in a "pandemonium."

Fudesaka said that the report shows that Suzuki's past statement in the Diet in which he said he had nothing to do with selecting constructors was not based on fact. He said that it is necessary for the parliament to summon Suzuki to get his testimony under oath.

Fudesaka said that the Foreign Ministry report also acknowledged Suzuki's involvement in the issuance of a diplomat ID card to the Congo Ambassador to Japan. He stated that Suzuki's action meant intervening in the sovereign rights of another country. Referring to Suzuki being president of 16 parliamentarian leagues related to African countries, Fudesaka said that the Foreign Ministry report which stated that there was no suspicion about Suzuki's involvement in official development assistance (ODA) including the one for a water-power plant in Kenya cannot be trusted.

As a general comment on the Foreign Ministry report, Fudesaka referred to the discrepancies between Suzuki's statement in the Diet and the ministry report. What is more, the report has shown that Suzuki distorted foreign policy, exploited it to his personal benefit, and preyed on funds for overseas aid.

Fudesaka said that the Diet has an important role to play in investigating the points which the Foreign Ministry report failed to confirm or dismissed suspicion. He demanded that the Diet subpoena Suzuki as a witness under oath and that the Budget Committee hold a special meeting focused on discussing the Foreign Ministry report.

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The House of Representatives Budget Committee meeting on March 4 unanimously resolved to summon LDP Suzuki as a witness under oath on March 11. (end)