英字新聞

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2012年06月

電力株主総会 批判を糧に信頼回復に努めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 29, 2012)
Power utilities should seriously take in criticism to restore trust
電力株主総会 批判を糧に信頼回復に努めよ(6月28日付・読売社説)

Nine electric power companies that own nuclear power plants held shareholders meetings Wednesday. Many shareholders called for management reform at the utilities.
 原発を有する9電力会社の株主総会が開かれ、株主から経営改革を求める声が相次いだ。

Public opinion has turned strongly against power companies in the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
 東京電力の福島第一原子力発電所事故を受け、電力会社への風当たりは強い。

Concerns are mounting over the nation's electricity supply. There is no prospect of reactors other than two at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant being restarted although the searing summer heat is almost here.
 猛暑が近いのに、関西電力の大飯原発以外は再稼働のメドが立たず、電力供給に不安がある。

Power companies should seriously take shareholders' criticism of the current situation into account and utilize it for their management reform.
 電力各社はこうした現状に対する株主の批判を真摯(しんし)に受け止め、経営改革に生かすべきだ。

About 4,500 shareholders attended TEPCO's meeting, which lasted a lengthy 5-1/2 hours, about the same as last year's meeting.
 東電の株主総会は約4500人が出席し、昨年並みの5時間半というロングラン総会となった。

Proposals from TEPCO, including one concerning the appointment of its directors, were approved. The new management team in which outgoing Chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata will be replaced by Kazuhiko Shimokobe, former head of the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund's steering committee, was decided.
 取締役選任など会社の議案は可決され、退任する勝俣恒久会長の後任に原子力損害賠償支援機構の下河辺和彦・前運営委員長が就くなどの新体制が決まった。

An amendment to its articles of incorporation, which is necessary for strengthening TEPCO's financial standing through an injection of 1 trillion yen in public funds, also was approved. This paved the way for TEPCO's de facto nationalization.
 1兆円の公的資金による財務強化に必要な定款変更も了承され、実質国有化へ道筋がついた。

===

TEPCO must be humble

The reborn TEPCO must steadily implement its comprehensive special business plan to reconstruct itself. The company also must fulfill its responsibility to decommission reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, pay compensation to people and businesses affected by the nuclear accident and ensure a stable electricity supply. TEPCO should drastically improve its corporate culture.
 新生・東電は経営再建を図る総合特別事業計画を着実に実行し、廃炉と損害賠償、電力安定供給の責務を果たさねばならない。企業体質の抜本的な改善を図ることが求められよう。

Many people seeking compensation were bewildered when TEPCO sent them hefty tomes of application documents to fill out. TEPCO President Toshio Nishizawa provoked further ire late last year when he said, "Rate increases are a power company's right." At present, there is no likelihood that TEPCO can raise electricity rates for households.
 東電は損害賠償の手続きで分厚い請求書類を送りつけ、被害者を困惑させた。「値上げは権利」という西沢俊夫社長の昨年末の発言も強い反発を招いた。家庭向けの料金値上げは、実施できる見通しがまだ立っていない。

TEPCO's insensitive responses were unsurprisingly lambasted as "a monopoly company's arrogance." It is important that the utility does not repeat such blunders.
 「独占企業のおごり」と言われても仕方のない無神経な対応を、繰り返さないことが大事だ。

At TEPCO's meeting, the Tokyo metropolitan government--a major shareholder in the utility--proposed that the company's articles of incorporation include a provision stipulating that putting customer service first is TEPCO's mission. At KEPCO's shareholders meeting, the Osaka city government, the company's largest shareholder, made a proposal demanding thorough information disclosure, among other things.
 東電の総会では、大株主の東京都が「顧客サービス第一を使命とする」との規定を定款に盛り込むよう提案した。関電では筆頭株主の大阪市が、徹底した情報開示などを求める株主提案を行った。

All these proposals were voted down. However, power companies should seriously take to heart public criticism of their tendency to give users short shrift and their closed management.
 これらの提案はいずれも否決されたが、電力各社は利用者軽視や閉鎖的な経営への批判を、重く受け止めるべきだろう。

===

No N-power not an option

The meetings were used by many shareholders to call for the companies to end nuclear power generation. It was particularly disconcerting that the Osaka city government proposed KEPCO abolish all of its nuclear plants immediately. Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto also urged KEPCO to change its management strategy to one based on the assumption there will be no nuclear power.
 「脱原発」を求める株主提案が相次いだ。中でも大阪市が関電に「速やかに全ての原発を廃止する」よう提案したのは問題だ。総会で橋下徹市長は、原発ゼロを想定した経営への転換も求めた。

Isn't Osaka, a city that consumes a massive volume of electricity, being irresponsible in taking the initiative in insisting that KEPCO abandon nuclear power generation?
 電力の大消費地である大阪市が率先して「脱原発」を主張するのは、無責任ではないか。

Nuclear power is a fundamental power source for ensuring a stable energy supply. It was only natural that every proposal to dump nuclear power generation--including one put forward at the KEPCO meeting--was voted down.
 エネルギーの安定供給を図る上で、原発は基幹となる電源だ。関電を含む全ての「脱原発」提案が否決されたのは当然である。

Ensuring nuclear reactors are safe and restoring trust in the utilities are the most important factors in getting the reactors steadily reactivated. To this end, power companies must work hard to ensure air-tight safety at their nuclear plants and appropriately and thoroughly disclose information.
 着実な原発再稼働に向けて最も重要なのは、安全確保と信頼回復だ。電力各社は、原発の安全管理と適切な情報開示の徹底に努めなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 28, 2012)
(2012年6月28日01時49分  読売新聞)

一体法案可決 民自公路線で確実に成立を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 28, 2012)
3 main parties must ensure reform bills pass upper house
一体法案可決 民自公路線で確実に成立を(6月27日付・読売社説)

 ◆造反には厳正な処分が必要だ

The House of Representatives passed bills on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems at a plenary meeting Tuesday. This marked a significant step toward the nation's fiscal reconstruction and social security reform.
 財政再建と社会保障制度改革を推進するための大きな一歩だ。

The set of bills--with an increase in the consumption tax rate as the centerpiece--was approved by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and its junior partner, People's New Party, and also by the two main opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
 消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法案が衆院本会議で民主、自民、公明、国民新各党などの賛成多数で可決された。

We applaud the fact that nearly 80 percent of lower house legislators voted for the bills on the consumption tax increase.
衆院議員の実に約8割が、賛成票を投じたことを評価したい。

The nation's political parties should ensure the bills pass the House of Councillors. This will require breaking free from the kind of politics that has prevented leaders from making hard decisions.
 「決められない政治」に決別し、参院で法案を確実に成立させなければならない。

It was disappointing that as many as 57 DPJ lawmakers--mostly from groups led by former party President Ichiro Ozawa--voted against the consumption tax hike bills.
 残念なのは、消費増税法案の採決で小沢一郎元代表のグループを中心に57人もの民主党議員が反対したことである。

 ◆民主はもはや分裂状態

If 54 or more DPJ lawmakers leave the party, the ruling coalition would lose its majority in the lower house and become a minority government.
 仮に造反議員が54人以上、離党すれば、民主、国民新の連立与党は衆院で過半数に届かず、少数与党に転落する。

The ruling party's effective breakup over the bills is proof that its executives lack leadership skills.
民主党はもはや分裂状態だ。党執行部が統率力を欠いていることの証左である。

===

Take action against rebels

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will face more hardships in managing his administration if the ruling coalition becomes a minority government. While preserving his party's agreement on the reform bills with the LDP and Komeito, Noda should urgently rebuild the DPJ, which has been dysfunctional as a ruling party.
 野田首相の政権運営は、一層困難になる。民自公の3党合意を堅持する一方で、政権党としての体を成していない民主党の態勢を立て直す必要がある。

Deciding how to deal with Ozawa and other dissidents should be his first step.
そのための第一歩が、造反した小沢氏らへの対応にほかならない。

When Ozawa's supporters held a meeting after the vote, they agreed to leave their next move in Ozawa's hands. "I'll have to make a decision soon," he reportedly said.
 小沢氏は、採決後、グループの会合で今後の対応について一任を取り付けた。「近いうちに決断しなければならない」とも語った。

Ozawa apparently aims to shake up Noda's administration further with an eye on leaving the DPJ to form a new party.
離党と新党結成を視野に野田政権を揺さぶる考えなのだろう。

On the surface, Ozawa insists that top priority should be placed on issues related to people's daily lives--a phrase the party trumpeted in its manifesto for the 2009 lower house election. Dig a little deeper, however, and it seems he is only interested in ensuring his and his group members' survival with an eye on the next lower house election.
 表向きは「国民の生活が第一」と政権公約(マニフェスト)にこだわる姿勢を示しながら、実際は次期衆院選をにらんで、グループの生き残りを図っているだけではないのか。

Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama also voted against the consumption tax increase bills, saying the issue was not among the policies proposed in the manifesto. Hatoyama acted as if he owned the DPJ when he then said he would not leave the party.
 鳩山元首相も「マニフェストにまるでなかった」として消費増税法案に反対し、オーナー気取りで離党は考えないという。

Hatoyama himself should seriously reflect on his role in misleading the public by promoting the impractical manifesto.
鳩山氏こそ、実現性の乏しいマニフェストを主導し、国民を欺いてきたことを猛省すべきだ。

The DPJ's immature and vague policymaking process was not the only factor behind such a large number of lawmakers joining the rebellion. Part of the blame can be laid with Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, who hinted before the vote that the party would give only lenient punishments to members who defied the DPJ leaders.
 造反議員がこれほど多数に上ったのは、民主党の政策決定過程が未熟であいまいなことと合わせて、輿石幹事長が採決前、造反しても寛大な処分とすることを示唆したからではないか。

The DPJ has never expelled members just because they rebelled against the party's leadership in voting. However, passage of the comprehensive reform bills is something that Noda declared he would stake his political life on.
 民主党では法案採決での造反を理由に除名とした例はないというが、今回は首相が「政治生命を懸ける」と言明した法案である。

As a condition for his party's cooperation in Diet deliberations on the reform bills, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki called on the DPJ leaders to strictly punish the dissenting lawmakers.
 自民党の谷垣総裁は、参院で一体改革法案の審議に協力する前提として、造反議員への厳しい処分を求めている。

Noda expressed his intention to come down hard on the rebels. We think the DPJ top brass should impose severe punishments as soon as possible. In particular, it does not need to show any restraint in dealing with Ozawa, who has gone as far as suggesting he will establish a new party.
 首相も厳正に対処する意向を示した。民主党執行部は、早期に、重い処分を下すべきだ。特に、新党結成にまで言及している小沢氏に遠慮は要るまい。

The DPJ's relationship of trust with the LDP and Komeito will be undermined unless it takes definite disciplinary action against the rebels. The possibility cannot be ruled out that further revolts will occur during upcoming votes in the upper house.
 党としてのけじめを明確にしなければ、自公両党との信頼関係が揺らぐ。参院での採決時にも造反議員が続出しかねない。

===

Tripartite cooperation significant
 ◆自公の協力を評価する

At a news conference after Tuesday's vote, Noda said: "We can no longer keep passing debts on to future generations. Securing stable fiscal resources for social security programs and getting the nation's fiscal conditions back on a sound footing is the point of carrying out the integrated reform."
 首相は、採決後の記者会見で、「将来の世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。社会保障の安定財源を確保し、財政健全化を達成するのが一体改革の意義だ」と強調した。

State debts, including those accruing from the issuance of government bonds and borrowings, amounted to about 960 trillion yen as of March 31, 2012. This is more than 7.5 million yen for every person in Japan. Furthermore, the social security budget will record a natural increase of 1 trillion yen a year as the population continues to age.
 国債や借入金など国の借金は昨年度末で約960兆円に上り、国民1人当たり750万円を超す。高齢者は増え続け、社会保障予算は年1兆円ずつ自然に膨らむ。

It is obvious to everyone that state finances cannot be sustained by borrowing more money to pay off debts.
 借金財政でしのぐ手法を繰り返せないのは、誰の目にも明らかである。

Noda was forced to reshuffle his Cabinet twice this year. This is one example that shows his clumsy management of the government. But on the issue of integrated reform, he has pushed ahead without flinching. He should be lauded for this.
 首相は、今年に入って2度の内閣改造を強いられるなど、政権運営で不手際も目立ったが、一体改革では全くぶれずに実現へ突き進んできた。その姿勢は評価されるべきだ。

It is undeniable that Noda could not have come up with a scenario for legislating the reform bills without the cooperation of the LDP and Komeito.
 無論、自民、公明両党の協力がなければ、到底、法案成立への道筋は描けなかった。

The two opposition parties joined talks with the DPJ on revisions of the bills even though there was no guarantee the lower house would be dissolved for a general election, and voted for the bills. This was a wrenching choice for the parties to make. The LDP and Komeito, it can be said, displayed a responsible attitude befitting parties that held power for many years as a coalition government.
 衆院解散の確約を得られなかったにもかかわらず、自公両党が修正協議に応じ、賛成に回ったことは重い決断だった。長年、政権を担ってきた政党として、責任ある態度を示したと言える。

There are still hurdles to overcome before the final passage of the bills. But they will clear the Diet if the DPJ, LDP and Komeito maintain their "partial coalition."
 法案成立まで、なおハードルはあるが、民自公3党の「部分連合」を保てば乗り切れよう。

===

Electoral reform urgent
 ◆「0増5減」実施を急げ

In the upper house, discussions must be deepened on more efficient budget spending, such as cuts in social security benefits, as well as how to lift the national economy out of deflation. To help low-income earners, who will be affected more acutely by a consumption tax increase, introduction of reduced tax rates on some items should be studied.
 参院では、社会保障の給付削減など「効率化」や、デフレ脱却の議論も深めるべきだ。消費税率引き上げの影響が大きい低所得者への対策として「軽減税率」導入の検討を重ねてもらいたい。

The three parties must tackle other pending issues in addition to the integrated reform bills. It will be necessary to pass a special bill for the issuance of deficit-covering bonds.
 3党は、一体改革以外の懸案にも取り組まねばならない。赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案を成立させる必要がある。

Reform of the lower house electoral system must not be left on the back burner.
 衆院の選挙制度改革も忘れてはならない。

The disparity of vote values between some constituencies under the current system has been judged by the Supreme Court as being in "an unconstitutional state."
「違憲状態」との司法判断が出ている。

However, no concrete steps have been taken to rectify this situation, which can only be described as dereliction on the part of the ruling and opposition parties.
いまだに何ら具体的な手立てを講じていないのは与野党の怠慢と言うしかない。

In cooperating with the LDP and Komeito, the DPJ should give priority to correcting the vote value disparity by quickly implementing a plan to cut single-seat constituencies from five prefectures without increasing seats in other prefectures.
 自公両党との協力で「0増5減」を先行して実施し、1票の格差を是正することが急務である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 27, 2012)
(2012年6月27日01時18分  読売新聞)

エジプト大統領 イスラムと軍は共存できるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 27, 2012)
Can an Islamist-led govt coexist with Egypt's military?
エジプト大統領 イスラムと軍は共存できるか(6月26日付・読売社説)

Mohammed Morsi, the candidate fielded by the Muslim Brotherhood, was declared the winner Sunday in the Egyptian presidential runoff election held earlier this month.
 エジプト大統領選で、イスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」が擁立したモルシ氏が当選した。

Electing their own president in their first free election following the region's "Arab Spring" revolutionary democracy movements is a historic achievement for the people of Egypt, a great power in the Middle East and North Africa.
 中東・北アフリカ地域の大国エジプトの国民が「アラブの春」を経て、初めて自由選挙で大統領を選んだことは、歴史的な重みを持つ。

But it remains to be seen whether Egypt's democratization will prove successful. This is not only because there is no affinity between Islamism and democracy, but because the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the interim ruler of the country, may not relinquish power.
 だが、エジプトの民主化が成就するかどうかは依然、不透明だ。イスラム主義と民主主義に親和性がないだけではない。暫定統治にあたる軍最高評議会が、実権を手放そうとしていないからだ。

The extent to which Morsi will be able to advance democratization while avoiding confrontation with the military remains uncertain.
 モルシ氏が、軍との対立を回避し、どこまで民主化を進められるかについては、不安も大きい。

Morsi gained about 52 percent of the vote, just ahead of his rival, former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. The rise in the power of Islamism in the aftermath of the collapse of the former Egyptian regime led by Hosni Mubarak continued in the presidential election. But nearly half of Egyptians are still anxious about the Brotherhood.
 モルシ氏の得票率は約52%で、対立候補のシャフィク元首相とは僅差の勝利だった。ムバラク前政権崩壊後のイスラム主義台頭の潮流は、大統領選でも変わらなかったが、国民の半数近くはなお同胞団への不安を持っている。

===

Islamism vs secularism

After being declared the election winner, Morsi said, "I am a president for all Egyptians," thus emphasizing his stance of giving consideration to secular elements. He also said he has respect for the military.
 当選後、モルシ氏は「すべてのエジプト人のための大統領になる」と宣言して、世俗派に配慮する姿勢を強調した。「軍に敬意を持っている」とも述べた。

The statements apparently reflect his intention to overcome the nation's polarization into Islamism and secularism.
 「イスラム主義か、世俗主義か」という二極化を克服したい、という意向の表明だろう。

But the road to this goal will be a rocky one.
 だが、実現は茨(いばら)の道である。

In the first place, the SCAF has greatly restricted the authority of the president's office. In addition, Morsi's support base is weak.
 何より、大統領権限が軍最高評議会によって大きく制限されている。支えてくれる基盤も弱い。

The SCAF has dissolved the country's parliament, in which the Brotherhood was the dominant force. The SCAF has issued amendments to a "constitutional declaration" that is equivalent to a provisional constitution, thereby grabbing powers over legislation and the appointment of those who will draft a new national charter. This will make it possible for the SCAF to intervene in the process of formulating a new constitution.
 軍最高評議会は、同胞団系が最大勢力を占めた人民議会を解散した。暫定憲法に相当する憲法宣言の改正を発表し、立法権や憲法起草委員の任命権を握った。憲法制定過程に介入できる内容だ。

These developments will considerably delay a real transition to civilian control.
 実質的に民政移行を大幅に遅らせる動きである。

But it is to be noted that one factor behind the difficulty in creating a new constitution is that the Islamist forces themselves failed to smoothly select drafters of a charter in the parliament.
 ただ、新憲法制定の難航の一因は、イスラム主義勢力が、議会による起草委員会メンバーの円滑な選定に失敗したことがある。

===

Mutual concessions vital

Whether Islamist forces and the military can make concessions to each other to work toward an early formulation of a new constitution is the key to progress in the country's democratization.
 新憲法の早期制定に向け、イスラム主義勢力と軍が歩み寄ることができるかどうかが、今後の民主化の進展を左右しよう。

The Egyptian economy is in dire straits. Last year's political upheaval directly impacted tourism, a major industry of the country, and led to a drop in foreign investment. The country's foreign exchange reserves dropped sharply. The military administration has been holding talks with the International Monetary Fund to obtain financial aid.
 エジプトの経済状況は深刻だ。昨年の政変による混乱は、主要産業である観光を直撃し、外国からの投資が冷え込んだ。外貨準備高も急減した。軍政は、支援を受けるため、国際通貨基金(IMF)と協議を続けている。

If Egypt is to restore public safety and reconstruct its economy through international assistance, it is essential for the president-elect and the military to cooperate with each other.
 治安を回復し、国際的な支援を受け、経済を立て直すためにも、大統領と軍の協力は不可欠だ。

Islamist forces have been on the rise in Arab countries where long-ruling autocrats have been overthrown. Will democratization move ahead after all in Egypt? How the Morsi-led government will turn out is a crucial test for the future of the region.
 長期独裁政権が崩壊したアラブ諸国で、イスラム主義勢力の台頭が著しい。はたして民主化は進むのか。モルシ政権の今後は、地域の将来を占う重要な試金石だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 26, 2012)
(2012年6月26日01時26分  読売新聞)

買い物弱者 地域の生命と活力守る支援を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 26, 2012)
Assist 'disadvantaged shoppers,' revitalize local economies
買い物弱者 地域の生命と活力守る支援を(6月25日付・読売社説)

Stores in many neighborhoods have closed, but residents do not have the means of transportation to reach distant places to shop. The problem of "disadvantaged shoppers" who face obstacles in buying daily necessities such as food is quite serious.
 身近な地域の商店が消え、遠出しようにも交通手段がない。食料品などの買い物がままならない「買い物弱者」の悩みは切実である。

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has estimated the number of disadvantaged shoppers based on the national census, commerce statistics and other data.
 農林水産省が、国勢調査や商業統計などを使って、買い物弱者の実態を推計した。

There are as many as 9.1 million people around the country without cars whose homes are 500 meters or more from stores where they can buy fresh food. Ten percent of the populations of Hokkaido and Nagasaki Prefecture are disadvantaged shoppers. The number topped 500,000 in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture, respectively.
 最寄りの生鮮食料品店まで直線で500メートル以上離れ、自動車を持たない人は全国で910万人に上った。北海道や長崎県は人口の1割に達し、東京都、大阪府などでも50万人を数えた。

===

Problem not only in rural areas

People tend to think disadvantaged shoppers exist only in remote areas where depopulation and aging are steadily progressing and there is little public transportation. However, the ministry's study shows urban areas are no exception to the trend.
 買い物弱者と言えば、人口減と高齢化が進み、公共交通機関が貧弱な過疎地に特有の現象、と思われがちだが、都市部も例外ではないことを示す。

Due to the advance of mass market retailers into suburban areas, local shopping arcades are being deserted and small shops are closing. This trend is growing nationwide.
 大型量販店の郊外進出に押されて、徒歩圏にある地元商店街がさびれ、小型店が閉鎖するケースは全国的に増えている。

This is a serious situation that shows so-called food deserts--areas where daily food necessities such as fish, meat and vegetables are inaccessible--have been growing.
 魚や肉、野菜など日々欠かせない食料の調達が困難な「フードデザート」(食の砂漠)の広がりをうかがわせる深刻な状況だ。

Both the public and private sectors should cooperate to map out various measures to deal with the respective situations of local communities.
 官民が連携して、地域の実情に応じた多彩な支援策を検討することが必要である。

A variety of programs have already started in some areas, including mobile stores operated by local brick-and-mortar stores that visit residential areas, Net supermarkets that deliver commodities ordered online and shopping buses operated by residents.
 地元商店などが住宅地に出向く出張店舗、インターネットで注文を受けた商品を配送するネットスーパー、住民らが運行する買い物バスなど、すでに各地で様々な取り組みが始まっている。

After the Great East Japan Earthquake, mini-mobile convenience stores in the quake-hit areas encouraged the quake-hit victims and contributed greatly to restoration of their daily lives.
 東日本大震災でも、各地に商品を届けるコンビニの移動店舗などが被災者を元気づけ、生活復興に大きく貢献した。

===

Creative ideas necessary

We expect the distribution industry to produce imaginative and creative ideas. Helping disadvantaged shoppers can also become an opportunity for businesses to uncover demand they previously missed. We hope the industry will look into the matter from a long-term business perspective.
 流通業界の創意工夫が期待される。買い物支援は、これまで取り逃がしていた需要を掘り起こす新たな「商機」となりうる。息の長いビジネスを目指してほしい。

Nevertheless, some places such as underpopulated areas deep in the mountains will remain unprofitable no matter how hard the private sector alone tries. It will be indispensable for local governments to support private companies' efforts.
 それでも、山奥の過疎地など民間の経営努力だけでは、とても採算が取れないという場所は残る。自治体が支援して民間企業を後押しすることが欠かせない。

It may be necessary for local governments to promote the "compact city" initiative--bringing commercial and residential districts physically closer together--while securing public transportation for aged people that will make it easier for them to go shopping. Such community planning is important.
 高齢者が外出して買い物しやすいよう公共交通を確保し、商業地と住宅地を近接させたコンパクトシティー構想を促進する。そうしたまちづくりの視点も大切だ。

If the problem of disadvantaged shoppers is left untouched, the outflow of population will never stop and local communities will become further devitalized. We hope residents, volunteers, companies and local administrations will combine their wisdom to come up with ways they can work together.
 買い物弱者を放置すれば、人口流出が進み、地域は一段と疲弊しかねない。住民、ボランティア、企業、行政がどう連携できるか、知恵を絞ってもらいたい。

Concerning assistance to disadvantaged shoppers, a wide range of policy problems are interrelated--revitalization of local communities, transport policy and distribution of food are examples.
 買い物支援は、地域活性化、交通政策、食品流通など幅広い政策課題が関連している。

The farm ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry should not carry out research or introduce model cases separately, but reinforce measures to assist the shoppers in a unified manner as the government.
農水、経済産業、国土交通3省は、調査研究や事例紹介などをばらばらに実施するのではなく、政府一体で対策を強化すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 25, 2012)
(2012年6月25日01時25分  読売新聞)

リオ+20 環境を守る責任は新興国にも

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 25, 2012)
Emerging economies must accept environmental responsibilities
リオ+20 環境を守る責任は新興国にも(6月24日付・読売社説)

The summit ended as an illustration of how difficult it is for the international community to make truly concerted efforts to tackle global environmental problems.
 地球環境問題に国際社会が一致協力して対処することの難しさを際立たせる結果となった。

The U.N. development summit to establish sustainable development goals, known as Rio+20, ended in Rio de Janeiro with the adoption of an agreement confirming the importance of making environmental protection consistent with economic growth.
 ブラジルのリオデジャネイロで開かれていた「国連持続可能な開発会議」(リオ+20)は、環境保全と経済成長を両立させる重要性を確認した文書を採択して閉幕した。

The summit, held 20 years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, was attended by heads of state and government officials of about 190 countries and territories, who discussed environmental protection measures for the next 10 years.
 1992年の国連環境開発会議(地球サミット)から20年が経過したのを受け、約190か国・地域の首脳や政府関係者らが今後10年間の環境保護策を協議した。

Yet it must be said that the summit produced extremely poor results.
 だが、成果は極めて乏しかったと言うしかない。

The leaders failed to decide on a global schedule for shifting to a "green economy," the biggest focus of the summit, leaving each country to tackle environmental problems on its own.
 最大の焦点だった「グリーン経済」に移行する世界共通の工程表策定はできず、各国の自主的取り組みに委ねることになった。

Building a "green economy," which means shifting to a low-carbon society by reducing dependence on oil and other fossil fuels while at the same time fostering industries related to environmental protection, is a task the whole world faces.
 石油など化石燃料への依存度を減らし、環境関連産業を育成しながら低炭素社会へと転換していく「グリーン経済」の構築は、世界全体の課題と言えよう。

===

An old divide between nations

At the summit, Japan and other industrialized countries asserted that all countries must aim at shifting toward a green economy. But developing countries opposed the idea, saying it would hinder their economic growth.
 会議では、日本など先進国が「全ての国が移行を目指すべきだ」と主張し、途上国は「経済成長の足かせになる」と反発した。

Thus the summit ended up achieving no progress on the confrontation between developed and developing economies.
先進国と途上国が対立する構図は結局、変わらなかった。

Following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, landmark accords such as the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change have been concluded, with countries making efforts to pursue the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."
 地球サミットを機に、気候変動枠組み条約などが締結され、各国は「共通だが差異ある責任」を原則に対策を進めてきた。

The principle is based on the notion that, historically, global environmental degradation has mainly stemmed from the economic activities of the developed countries, making it necessary for the industrialized countries to assume heavier responsibilities for environmental problems.
 環境破壊を招いたのは、先進国の経済活動であり、環境保護について、先進国は途上国より重い責任を持つという考え方だ。

This notion was later put into concrete form in the Kyoto Protocol based on the U.N. framework convention, under which only the developed countries are held responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
 それを具体化したのが、気候変動枠組み条約に基づく京都議定書だ。先進国だけが温室効果ガスの排出削減義務を負っている。

===

China joins big-league emitters

Yet the global situation has changed greatly. Greenhouse gas emissions from such emerging economies as China and India, which have achieved rapid economic growth, continue to increase, with China surpassing the United States to become the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitter.
 しかし、状況は大きく変わった。急速な経済発展を遂げた中国、インドなど新興国の排出量が増え続け、中国は米国を抜いて世界一の排出国となった。

Despite these facts, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao insisted during the latest summit talks on defining his country as a "large developing country," maintaining China's stance that the developed countries must assume responsibility for environmental problems.
 それにもかかわらず、中国の温家宝首相は今回の会議でも、自国を「大きな途上国」と位置付け、先進国が責任を果たすべきだとの姿勢を崩さなかった。

It is obvious that to protect the global environment, such emerging economies as China have to assume their own responsibilities, commensurate to their economic scale.
 地球環境を守るためには、中国など新興国も応分の責任を負わねばならないのは明らかだ。

At the summit, leaders agreed to reinforce the U.N. Environment Programme.
 会議では、国連環境計画(UNEP)の強化で合意した。

But more than the expansion of a U.N. organization that is preoccupied with coordinating conflicting interests among member countries, what is needed is for developed countries to encourage newly emerging economies and developing countries to more actively tackle environmental problems.
だが、各国の利害調整に追われる国連機関の拡充よりも、必要なのは新興国、途上国に積極的な取り組みを促す先進国の働きかけだ。

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has made clear Japan's intention of extending financial assistance of 6 billion dollars (about 477 billion yen) to developing countries over three years from fiscal 2013. It is also important for Japan to take the lead in offering technological assistance, such as energy-saving technologies, to developing countries.
 玄葉外相は、3年間で60億ドル(約4770億円)の途上国支援を表明した。日本が率先して、省エネルギーなどの技術支援を進めることも大切である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 24, 2012)
(2012年6月24日01時28分  読売新聞)

核燃料サイクル エネルギー戦略の重要な柱だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 24, 2012)
Nuclear fuel cycle essential to national energy strategy
核燃料サイクル エネルギー戦略の重要な柱だ(6月23日付・読売社説)

The Cabinet Office's Atomic Energy Commission presented several options in its review of the government's policy of reprocessing all spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants around Japan.
 原子力発電所の使用済み核燃料を再処理して使う「核燃料サイクル」政策について、内閣府の原子力委員会が、見直しの選択肢を提示した。

These options are being used in discussions at the government's Energy and Environment Council, which has been reviewing the nation's energy strategy in the wake of last year's crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
 昨年の原発事故を受けて、政府のエネルギー・環境会議がエネルギー戦略を再検討している。その議論の材料という。

The commission drafted three options for the treatment of spent nuclear fuel, assuming nuclear power's share of total electricity generated in Japan in 2030 will stand at 0 percent, 15 percent, or 20 percent to 25 percent.
 選択肢は、2030年の原発比率を、0%、15%、20~25%に分け、それぞれの場合について使用済み核燃料の扱いを示した。

The most realistic scenarios are those assuming Japan will continue to use nuclear power. In those scenarios, the commission assumes the nuclear fuel cycle will be continued. We think their contents are based on the nation's conventional atomic energy policy and are reasonable.
 現実的なのは、今後も原発を利用する選択肢である。この場合、核燃料サイクルも継続すると判断しており、これまでの原子力政策を踏まえた妥当な内容だろう。

With the nuclear fuel cycle, uranium resources could be used efficiently and the amount of radioactive waste could be reduced. That is why Japan has long seen reprocessing of all spent nuclear fuel as a national policy.
 核燃料サイクルによって、ウラン資源を有効利用でき、廃棄すべき放射性物質の量を減らせる。日本が全量再処理を国策として位置づけてきたのは、このためだ。

===

Spent fuel disposal proposed

However, if nuclear power's share of the nation's total electricity generation drops to 15 percent, reprocessing all spent fuel will produce more fuel than necessary. In that case, it would be appropriate to dispose of some spent fuel without reprocessing it, such as by burying it underground, the commission said.
 ただ、原発比率が15%まで減れば、全量を再処理しても使い道に困る。このため、原子力委は、再処理しない分を地中に埋めるなど直接処分するのが適切とした。

This is the first time an official assumption has been made that spent fuel would be disposed of--even though the commission said this would only apply to some spent fuel. Since it is hard to imagine the number of nuclear power plants increasing for the time being, a revision of the national policy of reprocessing all spent fuel cannot be avoided.
 一部とはいえ、直接処分を想定したのは今回が初めてだ。原発が増えることは当面考えにくく、国策の修正は、やむを得まい。

As for the scenario in which nuclear power accounts for 0 percent of the nation's electricity supply, all existing spent nuclear fuel would have to be disposed of. But this is unrealistic if Japan's difficult energy situation, without any viable alternative power sources in sight, is taken into consideration.
 一方、使用済み核燃料をすべて直接処分する0%の選択肢は、代替電源の見通しがつかない厳しいエネルギー事情を考えれば、非現実的だ。

It would also be a waste of the valuable reprocessing-related technology that has been developed so far.
これまで培ってきた関連技術も無に帰してしまう。

The Energy and Environment Council is scheduled to reach a conclusion around August. It should set firm positions in the nation's far-reaching energy strategy for the continuation of nuclear power generation and spent fuel reprocessing.
 エネ環会議は、8月にも結論を出す。原発と核燃料サイクルの継続を将来にわたるエネルギー戦略にしっかり位置づけるべきだ。

However, a mountain of problems remain.
 だが、課題も山積している。

The government has to decide at which nuclear power plants reprocessed nuclear fuel should be used while obtaining consent from the communities hosting such plants.
 再処理を経た燃料を、どの原発で燃やすかを、地元の理解も得て決めねばならない。

===

Solid nuclear policy needed

Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd.'s reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, which is still under construction, is meant to become the nation's center for nuclear fuel reprocessing. However, the plant is facing technological difficulties as it nears completion.
 核燃料サイクルの拠点として建設中の日本原燃の再処理工場(青森県六ヶ所村)は、完成間際で技術的難関にぶつかっている。

Meanwhile, the Monju test fast-breeder nuclear reactor in Fukui Prefecture has had its own series of problems, though it is expected to make the nuclear fuel cycle efficient if it begins full-scale operations.
 核燃料サイクルを効率化できる高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」も、トラブルが続いている。

The nation needs a solid nuclear power policy to deal with those difficult challenges.
 確固たる原子力政策なしには、こうした難題に対処できまい。

The Atomic Energy Commission asked the council to take national security into consideration in discussing the options, stressing that an international viewpoint is essential.
 原子力委は、選択肢を巡って、「国際的視点が不可欠」と、安全保障面での検討も求めている。

It is an important aspect of the issue because Japan's reprocessing technology can contribute to nuclear nonproliferation in a world where emerging economies have higher expectations for development of nuclear power plants in their own countries.
 新興国などで原発に期待が高まる中、日本の技術は、核不拡散などにも貢献できるだけに、重要な論点と言えよう。

The bill to create a new independent regulatory commission for nuclear plant safety, which recently passed the Diet, and the revised Atomic Energy Fundamental Law both stipulate that the nation's safety regulation on nuclear plants must contribute to protection of the nation's security. This is a matter of course if the role of nuclear technology is taken into consideration.
 新たに成立した原子力規制委員会設置法と、改正原子力基本法にも「安全保障に資する」の文言が明記された。原子力技術の役割を考えれば、当然のことである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2012)
(2012年6月23日01時09分  読売新聞)

小沢氏造反明言 民主は厳正処分を事前に示せ

消費税増税を避けるだけの目的で小沢さんを支援するのはいかがなものでしょうか。
小沢さんが一生懸命なのは選挙のことだけ、国民の幸せについて無頓着だと思います。
危機に陥るとすぐ逃げ出す臆病者でもあります。
とはいえ、消費税増税を回避するためには小沢さんしか頼れる人物がいないのも事実。
困りました(汗)。

スラチャイ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 23, 2012)
DPJ must act against dissenters before reform vote
小沢氏造反明言 民主は厳正処分を事前に示せ (6月22日付・読売社説)

Ahead of a vote on social security and tax system reform bills, the Democratic Party of Japan must take a firm stand against dissenters if it hopes to extricate itself from a situation in which the ruling party can't even reach a consensus on such a crucial matter.
 政策がバラバラで、重要な方針がなかなか決まらない。民主党がこうした混迷から脱するためにも、造反には厳しい姿勢で臨む必要がある。

At a meeting Thursday, secretaries general of the DPJ and the two main opposition parties--the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito--agreed to put a set of social security and tax system reform bills to a vote in the House of Representatives as swiftly as possible, and to have them enacted before the end of the current extended Diet session.
 民主、自民、公明3党は幹事長会談で、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を衆院で速やかに採決し、今国会中に成立させることを確認した。

 法案の衆院通過は、来週の26日になると見られる。

Overshadowing the expected passage of the bills in the lower house Tuesday are moves within the DPJ to rebel against the party's leadership.
 採決における焦点は、民主党内の造反の動きである。

DPJ kingpin Ichiro Ozawa reiterated Thursday his opposition to the reform bills, saying he will make what he believes is the best choice after a vote is held. Ozawa also indicated he is considering forming a new party.
小沢一郎元代表は法案に反対する意向を改めて示し、採決が済めば、「最善の道を選びたい」と述べた。新党結成を検討する考えも表明した。

If he remains opposed to the bills, which Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has made a top priority, it is a matter of course that Ozawa would break away from the ruling DPJ.
 野田政権が最重要課題と位置付ける法案に反対するのであれば、離党するのが筋であろう。

===

Majority at stake

There is a possibility that DPJ legislators and others who support Ozawa's position will vote against the bills, withhold their ballot or refuse to attend the vote during a plenary session of the lower house.
 小沢氏に同調した民主党議員らが、採決時に反対または棄権・欠席する可能性がある。

In the worst-case scenario, where a large number of dissenting DPJ lawmakers secede from the party, the ruling camp could lose its majority in the lower house, just as it did in the House of Councillors.
仮に造反議員が多数離党した場合、与党が衆院でも過半数を割り込む事態さえ予想される。

Given this possibility, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi vowed to do his utmost to stop the party from splitting, saying he would "keep the party together" even if a certain number of DPJ lawmakers vote against the bills.
 こうした事情から、輿石幹事長は造反があっても、「党をまとめていきたい」と、党分裂の回避を目指す意向を示した。

If the DPJ leadership imposes weak punitive measures against dissenters, however, it would be no more than a Band-Aid solution, temporarily covering a deeply rooted policy rift in the DPJ.
 だが、造反議員への処分を甘くすることは、民主党が内包する深刻な路線対立を一時的に糊塗(こと)するだけではないか。

The DPJ has avoided imposing severe punishments on lawmakers who dissented from the party leadership in past votes on a nonconfidence motion against a previous cabinet and a state budget.
 民主党は、内閣不信任決議案や予算案の採決時の造反に対し、厳しい処分を避けてきた。

It cannot be denied that discipline within the party has slackened and that party leadership has deteriorated.
その結果、規律が緩み、党執行部の求心力も低下したことは否めない。

Ahead of this crucial vote, we believe the DPJ executives must show their clear resolve to work out stern measures against dissenters, such as expulsion from the party or a request they leave. Such steps would do much to deter opposition to passage of the reform bills.
 党執行部は、造反すれば除名や離党勧告という重い処分を行うことを事前に明示し、採決に臨むべきだ。それが造反を思いとどまらせる上で一定の効果を持とう。

===

Manifesto proved unworkable

As one reason for his opposition to the bills, Ozawa said, "Implementing a large-scale tax increase ahead of other key tasks is a serious breach of the people's trust."
 一方、小沢氏は法案に反対する理由として、「大増税だけが先行するやり方は国民への背信行為」と語った。

He also reiterated an argument made in the DPJ's manifesto pledges for the 2009 general election that overhauling administrative bodies and eliminating wasteful spending of taxpayer money would yield significant revenue.
さらに、統治機構を変え、無駄を徹底的に省けば財源が生まれると、政権公約(マニフェスト)の主張を繰り返した。

But this insistence at the core of the DPJ's manifesto that revenue sources could be raised--eventually by as much as 16.8 trillion yen--by such measures as reworking the state budget has already been proven false. What does Ozawa have to say about this?
 だが、予算組み替えなどで最終的に16・8兆円もの財源を捻出できる、としたマニフェストの根幹部分はすでに破綻している。それをどう説明するのか。

Three successive cabinets, led by Yukio Hatoyama, Naoto Kan and now Noda, have acknowledged that major points of the DPJ manifesto are not realizable, and have adopted a more realistic approach to steering the government.
 鳩山、菅、野田の3代の内閣は、マニフェストの主要政策が実現不可能であることを事実上認め、現実路線にかじを切ってきた。

Arrogant logic that disregards what the DPJ has learned in its policy discussions since it came to power can never be convincing.
政権交代後に積み重ねてきた政策論議を一切無視するような、身勝手な理屈は説得力を持たない。

What Ozawa needs to realize is that opposing the consumption tax rate increase, and thereby endangering the nation's social security system and government finances, is what should be condemned as an act of betrayal against the people.
 消費増税に反対し、社会保障制度や財政の破綻を招くことこそ、国民を裏切る行為である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2012)
(2012年6月22日01時28分  読売新聞)

G20首脳宣言 欧州包囲網が迅速な行動促す

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 22, 2012)
Show concrete measures toward eurozone integration
G20首脳宣言 欧州包囲網が迅速な行動促す(6月21日付・読売社説)

It is meaningful that Japan and the United States, as well as China and other emerging economies, pressed Europe to take swift action to contain the eurozone fiscal and financial crisis.
 欧州財政・金融危機の封じ込めへ、日米や中国など新興国が欧州に対し迅速な行動を強く促した意義は大きい。

At a summit meeting in Mexico, leaders of the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies have adopted a declaration saying the G-20's eurozone members "will take all necessary policy measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of the area."
 メキシコで開かれた主要20か国・地域(G20)首脳会議は、「ユーロ圏があらゆる必要な措置を取る」とする首脳宣言を採択した。

The declaration also pointed out the growing risks and uncertainties in the world economy.
世界経済のリスクと不確実性の高まりも指摘した。

Parties backing austerity policies won a slim parliamentary majority in the recent Greek election, avoiding at least for the moment the worst-case scenario of Greece exiting the eurozone--which would inevitably plunge stock and exchange markets into chaos.
 ギリシャ議会の再選挙の結果、ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱と株式・為替市場の大混乱という、最悪の事態はひとまず回避された。

However, the future of the eurozone still remains unclear. The eurozone crisis is far from being settled as financial instability is spreading in Spain. The turmoil in Europe is holding back the world economy, slowing it down.
 しかし、先行きはまだ不透明だ。スペインの金融不安が広がり、危機収束にはほど遠い。欧州の混乱が世界経済の足を引っ張り、景気減速をもたらしている。

===

Achievements at G-20 meeting

Frustrated by the eurozone's slow response to the crisis, U.S. President Barack Obama piled pressure on its member economies to make more efforts during the G-20 summit meeting.
 G20では、欧州の対応の遅れに苛立(いらだ)つオバマ米大統領が圧力をかけた。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda presented a united front with the United States on pressing Europe at the summit, saying, "There's no time to waste."
野田首相も「一刻の猶予も許されない」と迫り、欧州包囲網が形成されたと言える。

In response, European G-20 members including Germany and France said they will consider devising a road map toward the creation of a banking union, a plan including such measures as centralizing the supervision of banks and procedures to deal with failed banks, which currently differ from one country to another.
The nations said they will also consider strengthening fiscal integration of the area.
 これに対し、独仏両国など欧州側は、ユーロ圏で国ごとに異なる銀行の監督や破綻処理を統一する「銀行同盟」の行程表と、財政統合の検討を表明した。

The fundamental problem with the euro is that although the currencies of the eurozone nations have been integrated, their fiscal and monetary policies have not. That is why the eurozone economies are still unable to find their way out of the crisis although they have implemented piecemeal measures again and again.
 通貨が統一された一方で、財政と金融行政がばらばらなことがユーロの構造的な問題だ。小出しの危機対策を繰り返しても、出口が見えない原因でもある。

However, Germany remains cautious about the banking union, as it is wary of an additional financial burden. Germany is also resisting the introduction of common euro bonds, which would allow the eurozone countries to raise funds as a unit, a measure considered key to strengthening the region's fiscal integration.
 ただ、「銀行同盟」を巡っては新たな財政負担を警戒するドイツがなお慎重だ。財政統合のカギとなるユーロ圏全体で資金調達する「ユーロ共通債」の発行についてもドイツが抵抗している。

It will not be easy to bridge the gaps among the eurozone economies, but they should take seriously the fact that G-20 members expressed their support for a banking union and other measures in the declaration, and deepen their economic integration.
 各国間の溝を埋めるのは容易でないが、首脳宣言が銀行同盟などの方針を支持したことを欧州は重く受け止め、経済統合の深化を図るべきだ。

===

Germany, France must take lead

Germany and France must take the initiative at a summit meeting of European Union leaders scheduled for next week to demonstrate concrete steps toward further fiscal integration to the world.
来週の欧州連合(EU)首脳会議では独仏が主導し、具体的な道筋を示す必要がある。

In addition, eurozone leaders should speed up their efforts to rescue Spain's banks, which hold massive bad loans. The cooperation between Greece's new government and other eurozone economies is also essential.
 併せて、巨額の不良債権を抱えたスペインの銀行救済を急がねばならない。ギリシャ新政権とユーロ圏の連携も不可欠だ。

At the summit meeting, G-20 leaders also agreed that implementing excessive austerity measures alone will not be sufficient to rejuvenate the eurozone economy, and instead provoke financial instability.
 G20は、行き過ぎた緊縮財政だけでは景気が回復せず、金融不安を招くとの認識も共有した。

It is praiseworthy that the G-20 members stated clearly in their declaration that "strong, sustainable and balanced growth remains the top priority of the G-20" and revised their stance of prioritizing restoration of fiscal health above all else.
 首脳宣言が、「力強く持続可能で均衡の取れた成長はG20の最優先課題」と明記し、財政健全化を最重視する路線を軌道修正した点は評価できる。

In another step toward containing the crisis, China and other emerging economies pledged huge sums to the International Monetary Fund, enabling the IMF to expand its pool of emergency loans to about 456 billion dollars (about 36 trillion yen).
 中国などが拠出額を表明し、国際通貨基金(IMF)の緊急融資枠が約4560億ドル(約36兆円)に拡大したことも前進だ。

Markets are still doubtful the eurozone crisis will be resolved soon. In addition to the further self-help efforts of the eurozone economies, it is essential for the G-20 nations to strengthen their cooperation to contain the crisis.
 欧州危機の早期収束には、市場は依然として懐疑的である。欧州の一層の自助努力とともに、G20の結束強化が問われよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 21, 2012)
(2012年6月21日01時32分  読売新聞)

民主党法案審査 政策決定過程が未熟すぎる

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 21, 2012)
DPJ's policymaking process far too immature
民主党法案審査 政策決定過程が未熟すぎる(6月20日付・読売社説)

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan idles away its time as its executives try in vain to persuade its members to support certain policies. But its discussions are very difficult to control as everyone seems to have a different opinion. How many times have we seen this happening?
 党執行部は懸命に説得するが、異論が噴出し、収拾できない。時間が無為に過ぎていく――。この不毛な光景を何度、見せられたことか。

The DPJ's internal procedures for approving the drafts of the revised bills on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems saw many twists and turns up until the last minute, despite agreement between the ruling and the two main opposition parties--the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
 社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の民主、自民、公明3党修正合意について、民主党の了承手続きは最後まで難航した。

When the DPJ held a joint meeting of subcommittees of the Policy Research Committee on Wednesday, some members opposed to or cautious over increasing the consumption tax rate argued it would be difficult for them to win an election if the party changed its policy of creating a minimum guaranteed pension system as this was a fundamental part of its manifesto for the 2009 House of Representatives election.
Others said the DPJ has made too many concessions to the LDP on social security issues.
 「最低保障年金制度の創設という政権公約(マニフェスト)の根幹を変えては、選挙に勝てない」「社会保障政策は自民党に譲歩し過ぎだ」。民主党政策調査会の合同会議では、増税反対・慎重派から、こんな意見が相次いだ。

As Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has staked his political life on passage of the comprehensive reform, it is unreasonable for DPJ members to work against the person they chose to be party president. It is no exaggeration to say that they maintained this kind of attitude when the DPJ was an opposition party.
 自ら選んだ野田首相が「政治生命」を懸けている一体改革の足を引っ張ること自体、政党人として筋が通らない。野党体質を引きずっていると言うほかない。

The DPJ should be aware its ability to remain in power is being tested, so it should approve the drafts of the revised bills as soon as possible.
 民主党は、自らの政権維持能力が試されていることを自覚し、早期に修正案を了承すべきだ。

===

Unstable process causes confusion

The fundamental problem lies in the DPJ's internal culture in which it holds never-ending discussions and avoids making decisions.
 問題の根源は、議論を延々と続けるだけで、物事を決めようとしない民主党の政治文化にある。

In September, Noda's Cabinet confirmed the DPJ's internal procedures for approving bills-- subcommittees of the Policy Research Committee review them first before they are approved by the committee's executive members. When it comes to important bills, a council of top government officials and DPJ executives give the final stamp of approval following a review by the committee.
 野田政権は昨年9月、「政調部門会議→政調役員会」という法案審査手続きを確認した。重要法案については、政調会の審査に加えて、「政府・民主三役会議」の場で最終決定される。

The DPJ has changed its policymaking process every time it elects a new president. The administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama scrapped the Policy Research Committee, which was then revived by his successor, Naoto Kan. Noda's Cabinet has strengthened the committee's authority.
This means the DPJ has failed to establish a stable policymaking process, causing internal discussions to stray off course.
 だが、政調会が鳩山政権で廃止され、菅政権で復活し、野田政権では権限が強まるなど、代表交代のたびに政策決定制度が変わり、根付かなかったことが、党内論議の迷走に拍車をかけている。

The LDP and Komeito, on the other hand, left discussions on revising bills on the integrated reform up to their respective executives before the three parties started talks. Both parties also have completed internal procedures to approve drafts of the revised bills.
 自民、公明両党は今回、3党協議前に幹部に対応を一任した。合意内容の了承も終えている。

The two parties have built up a mature decision-making process through their years in power, so these steps are a matter of course. Even though opinions differed, they manage to complete their discussions without causing problems.
 長年の与党経験を踏まえ、党内に異論があっても、決定的な対立を招く前に矛を収める「大人の知恵」を身につけているからだ。

===

Responsibility as a ruling party

In contrast, the DPJ's discussions on important issues involve all of its Diet members--even first-term lawmakers.
 これに対し、民主党の場合、重要案件については、当選1回議員も含む全員参加の議論で決着させるのが通例である。

DPJ members may feel they are having vigorous and open arguments, but their discussions are poor in substance.
 本人たちは、オープンで活発な議論をしているつもりかも知れないが、その中身は乏しい。

Under the divided Diet, it is odd if DPJ lawmakers believe all of the ruling party's opinions should score points. Instead, the party has a responsibility to move the nation's politics forward by considering arguments from opposition parties. It also should have enough will and capacity to fulfill its responsibility.
 衆参ねじれ国会の下、与党の主張をすべて通すべきだと考える方がおかしい。むしろ、与党には、野党の意見を取り入れ、政治を前に進める責任がある。それを実行する意思と能力も求められる。

Even some of DPJ's prefectural chapters have criticized the group led by former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, which opposes the consumption tax hike even though the party has painstakingly gone through internal procedures on the issue.
 丁寧に党内手続きを踏んで決めた消費税率引き上げに、小沢一郎元代表のグループが公然と反対している姿は、党の地方組織からも批判されている。

The DPJ should be aware that a ruling party has to make concise--and prompt--political decisions.
 政権党には、政策決定の的確さとともに、スピードも要求されていることを自覚すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 20, 2012)
(2012年6月20日01時07分  読売新聞)

ギリシャ再選挙 ユーロ離脱は避けられたが

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 20, 2012)
Greek poll outcome must be 1st step toward ending crisis
ギリシャ再選挙 ユーロ離脱は避けられたが(6月19日付・読売社説)

Parties calling for the maintenance of austerity policies expanded their support among voters in a Greek parliamentary election held Sunday, making it likely the country will avoid the worst-case scenario of a departure from the eurozone.
 ギリシャ議会の再選挙で、財政緊縮策の継続を主張した政党が支持を広げ、ユーロ圏離脱という最悪のシナリオは回避される方向になった。

This must serve as the first step toward ending the Greek turmoil and containing the European debt crisis.
 ギリシャの混乱を収束し、欧州危機を封じ込める一歩としなければならない。

Election results show the center-right New Democracy party gained the biggest number of seats, while center-left PASOK placed third. The two pro-austerity parties thus managed to acquire a parliamentary majority.
 再選挙の結果、中道右派の新民主主義党が第1党になり、同じく緊縮路線で第3党となった中道左派の全ギリシャ社会主義運動と合わせて、獲得議席は過半数に達した。

The anti-austerity radical left Syriza bloc came in second.
緊縮財政に反対する急進左派連合は第2党にとどまった。

If the Syriza bloc had won the election, the European Union would have almost certainly withheld financial support for Greece. If this led to the country's departure from the eurozone, it would have dealt a great blow to the world economy, including Japan.
 急進左派連合が勝利したなら、緊縮策の放棄によって欧州連合(EU)の支援が滞るのは確実だった。それでユーロ圏離脱が現実となれば、日本経済など世界経済に大打撃となったに違いない。

We applaud the Greek people for making a wise judgment at the eleventh hour. It is quite natural that finance ministers of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, including Japan and the United States, issued a statement that Greece staying in the eurozone while fulfilling its commitment to carry out fiscal austerity policies would be beneficial to all parties.
 ギリシャ国民が土壇場で賢明な判断を下したことは歓迎できる。日米など先進7か国(G7)財務相が、ギリシャに対し、緊縮財政の約束を順守しユーロ圏に残留することが「すべての利益になる」との声明を出したのは当然だ。

===

Outlook still uncertain

But the prospects for the future remain unclear. The fact that stock price rebounds in Tokyo and other Asian markets and the buying back of the euro were limited indicates market skepticism about the possibility of Greece's economic rejuvenation.
 しかし、先行きは依然、不透明だ。東京とアジア市場の株価上昇やユーロの買い戻しが限定的だったのも、ギリシャ経済再生に対する市場の不信感を示す。

A host of challenges lie ahead. First, New Democracy must hold talks on the formation of a coalition government. It is necessary to establish as soon as possible a stable coalition government aimed at restoring fiscal health.
 課題は山積している。新民主主義党はまず連立協議を行い、財政健全化を目指す安定政権を早期に樹立する必要がある。

Taking into consideration the people's opposition to fiscal austerity policies, New Democracy told voters during the election campaign that it would again hold negotiations with the EU to reexamine bailout terms and pledged to push back the date targeted for fiscal reconstruction.
 選挙戦で新民主主義党は、国民の財政緊縮策への反発に配慮し、EUと支援条件見直しの再交渉を行うと訴え、財政再建の達成目標時期の先送りを公約してきた。

But there is strong pressure from Germany and other eurozone countries for Greece to push through austerity and structural reform policies.
 ただしドイツを中心にEU内には、ギリシャに緊縮財政と構造改革の断行を求める圧力が強い。

Simply tightening fiscal discipline will only invite a backlash from the people, making it impossible to open up new prospects. The Greek economy is expected to suffer continued negative growth. A sharp rise in runs on banks is amplifying financial unrest.
 財政規律の強化だけでは、国民の反発を招くばかりで展望は見いだせまい。ギリシャ経済はマイナス成長が続く。銀行預金の引き出しが急増していることも金融不安を増幅する。

===

Exploring breakthrough steps

We urge Greece and the EU to explore the possibility of working out breakthrough measures so fiscal rehabilitation and economic growth can accompany each other. It is worth studying revitalization measures utilizing a bailout framework that will include the European Investment Bank.
 財政再建と経済成長を両立させるため、ギリシャとEUは打開策を探ってもらいたい。欧州投資銀行などの枠組みを利用した活性化策も検討に値しよう。

Financial uncertainty also is becoming serious in Spain, where banking business deteriorated due to the slump that has occurred in the aftermath of the bursting of the property bubble. Delay in taking action to deal with the Spanish crisis will send the EU into a vicious circle in which the crisis expands.
 欧州では、バブル崩壊後の経済低迷で銀行経営が悪化したスペインの金融不安も深刻化しつつある。ここでも対応が後手に回ると危機が拡大する悪循環に陥る。

Following a summit conference of the Group of 20 economies that opened Monday in Mexico, an EU summit meeting will be held late this month. Germany and France are urged by the international community and markets to display leadership in formulating comprehensive prescriptions to remedy the European crisis.
 メキシコでの主要20か国・地域(G20)首脳会議に続き、月末にはEU首脳会議が開かれる。独仏両国が主導して、欧州危機への包括的な処方箋を打ち出すことを国際社会も市場も催促している。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2012)
(2012年6月19日01時28分  読売新聞)

プロフィール

srachai

自己紹介・リンク

妻はタイ人、娘ばかり3人も!

PIC_0014.JPG

■近況

2009年の9月15日に脳梗塞を発症、右手が少し不自由になりました。
MRAで脳梗塞の部位を特定でき、素早い処置をとれたので大事に至りませんでした。
快復にむけてリハビリ中です。
(2011/01/01更新)

■自己紹介・リンク

[ はじめに ]
タイのスラチャイです。
英語学習に王道はありません。
毎日毎日の地道な努力の積み重ねが必要です。
スラチャイはNHKのラジオ英語会話で現在の英語力を身につけました。
一日僅か15分の学習でも数年間継続すれば相当な学習効果が期待できます。

[ 名前 ]
松井 清 (スラチャイ)

[ 略歴 ]
・福岡県出身
・国立高知大学卒業
・準大手建設会社に就職
・50歳で会社を早期退職
・99/10 タイ全土を旅行
・00/10 タイに移住
・03/07 カイちゃん誕生
・07/06 シーファーちゃん誕生
・現在タイ国コンケン在住

[ 座右の銘 ]
Slow and steady wins the race.
遅くとも着実な者が勝利する
(NHK基礎英語芹沢栄先生)

[ 学習の手引き ]
・音読して耳から英語を吸収
・Think in English.
・ネイティブ発音付辞書活用
・英英辞典を活用(英和も)
・翻訳和文で専門用語確認

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スラチャイ編曲のmidiのギター曲
スラチャイ編曲のJ.S.Bachです

スラチャイの多国言語学習
初歩のタイ語
初歩の中国語
初歩のラオス語
初歩のビルマ語
初歩のシンハリ語
初歩のタガログ語

タイ語の基礎
タイ文字
タイ日辞書
タイ語の副詞
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基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、ローマ字)
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧:
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他

基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、音声付き)
サイト外HPリンク一覧:
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他

タイの文化一覧:
01 雨の日にも傘をささないタイ人
02 勉強熱心なタイ人女性たち
03 タイ人は敬謙な仏教徒
04 タイの市場
05 タイの食堂
06 タイ人は外食が大好き
07 果物王国タイランド
08 タイ人の誕生日
09 タイの電話代は高い
10 微笑みの国タイランド

14の戒律(テラワーダ仏教戒律)
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧:
第01番目の戒律
第02番目の戒律
第03番目の戒律
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第09番目の戒律
第10番目の戒律
第11番目の戒律
第12番目の戒律
第13番目の戒律
第14番目の戒律

14の戒律(テラワーダ仏教戒律)
サイト外HPリンク一覧:
14の戒律解説
第01番目の戒律
第02番目の戒律
第03番目の戒律
第04番目の戒律
第05番目の戒律
第06番目の戒律
第07番目の戒律
第08番目の戒律
第09番目の戒律
第10番目の戒律
第11番目の戒律
第12番目の戒律
第13番目の戒律
第14番目の戒律


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[ HPリンク ]
cocolog 家族のアルバム
fc2 家族のアルバム
初歩の日本語(タイ人学生向け)
タイの小学三年生数学学力テスト(国家試験)
タイ語、中国語、ビルマ語
Preliminary Japanese lessons for Thai students
旅行のタイ語学習サイト
ラオ日・日老辞書
妻はタイ人/タイの文化/タイの仏教戒律

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