Aso's remarks on Japan's nuclear armament disqualifies him as foreign minister: JCP Shii

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Aso's remarks on Japan's nuclear armament disqualifies him as foreign minister: JCP Shii

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference on October 19 severely criticized Foreign Minister Aso Taro for encouraging debate on Japan's nuclear armament.

Referring to the argument calling for Japan's nuclear armament to be debated, Aso in a House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee meeting on October 18 stated, "I think it is important to discuss various options." In an October 19 House of Representatives Special Committee meeting, Aso defended his remarks under the pretext of freedom of speech.

Shii said, "This is tantamount to advocating debates on gutting the Three Non-Nuclear Principles which have been a firm part of national policy. Obviously, this will provoke suspicion and criticism from the international community."

Shii pointed out that Aso's belief that possession of nuclear weapons by other countries can prompt Japan to begin discussing its nuclear armament will give fuel for an endless nuclear arms race.

"As the only atom-bombed country in the world, Japan should take the initiative for the global elimination of nuclear weapons. Mr. Aso's remarks call into question his qualification as Japan's foreign minister. The JCP strongly demands that the foreign minister withdraw the remarks," Shii stated.

Aso reportedly expressed his support for Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Commission Chair Nakagawa Shoichi's remarks that Japan needs to discuss its own nuclear armament, saying that it was a "timely statement."

Shii said, "It is not a coincidence that the two key figures in the government and the ruling party speak in favor of debating Japan's nuclear armament. This will inevitably arouse criticisms and concerns that the Abe Cabinet might be considering the option of possessing nuclear weapons. The only atom-bombed country must not possess nuclear weapons."

Referring to the Nakagawa and Aso remarks as well as LDP politicians' call for the Law on Measures to Deal with Situations in Areas Surrounding Japan to be invoked using North Korea's nuclear test as a pretext, Shii stated, "These arguments are very dangerous for the peace of Japan. Any proposal for a military response should not be condoned."

Shii stressed that these arguments run counter to the United Nations Security Council resolution that called on the international community to work together for a peaceful and diplomatic solution.

The JCP chair said that the JCP will make inquiries concerning this important question in the Diet in collaboration with other opposition parties.
- Akahata, October 20, 2006