2003 JULY 2 - JULY 8 NEWS
NON-MILITARY SUPPORT TO IRAQ'S RECONSTRUCTION IS NEEDED
Ogata Yasuo, who led a JCP team visiting Iraq last month, stresses that Iraq needs enormous support to rebuild its infrastructure and provide the people with medical care, schools, and jobs. more
GOVERNMENT RELUCTANCE TO REVISE SOFA CONDEMNED
Revising the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) between the United States and Japan has become a major political issue in the aftermath of the rape of a woman by a U.S. marine. more
ANTI-WOMEN REMARKS BY CURRENT AND FORMER CABINET MEMBERS DISGUST THE PUBLIC
Former Prime Minister Mori Yoshiro said, "The country appreciates and take care of women who have borne many children. It is wrong for the state to use tax money to take care of women who enjoy a free life without having any children." more
IRAQ LAW
* Non-military support to Iraq's reconstruction is needed: JCP Ogata (July 2)
* A rally held opposing SDF dispatch bill (July 3)
* Government says SDF can aim weapons against Hussein's forces (July 4)
* SDF dispatch bill railroaded through Lower House (July 5)
* SDF troops will obstruct NGO activities in Iraq (July 5)
* Dispatch of Self-Defense Forces to Iraq is unconstitutional (July 8)
U.S. FORCES
Government reluctance to revise SOFA condemned -- Akahata editorial, July 2PRO-ARMS BUILDUP FORCES
* Call for a review of Japan's 'exclusively defensive defense posture' (July 2)
P
Former prime minister insults women -- Akahata 'Current column', July 4