Japan Press Service News on US Forces, North Korea, Labor, the Economy…. (April 7)

NORTH KOREAN ROCKET LAUNCH
Diet resolutions urge North Korea not to launch rocket
North Korea’s rocket launch is regrettable – JCP Chair Shii
Responses on N. Korea’s rocket launch: Government’s ‘military-only’ vs. JCP’s ‘diplomacy-first’ policy contrast
Government boosting use of space for military purposes
Inaccuracy of missile defense system exposed

U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
Japan may not be able to recover loan after U.S. Marine Corps Guam relocation
Scrap bill to ratify Guam agreement: Akahata editorial
Defense ministry does not rule out Japan’s continued payment of costs for U.S. Marines after their move to Guam from Okinawa
Defense Ministry speeds up construction of new U.S. Marine air base in Okinawa
U.S. forces removed radioactive waste from nuclear-powered warship in violation of agreement
JCP protests against planned deployment of U.S. military helicopter units
Ishigaki residents stage protest against entry of U.S. warships
Mayor condemns U.S. warships’ entry into Ishigaki Port
Ishigaki mayor protests against U.S. warships’ entry
JCP calls for halt to Japan-U.S. joint military exercise on SDF base

NUCLEAR WEAPONS
Obama speech gives momentum to monthly ‘6th & 9th day of action’ calling for nuclear-free world

CONSTITUTION
Ministry prints 5 million copies of pamphlet for pro-constitutional revision public relations ploy

CONSUMPTION TAX
Nationwide action held in protest against consumption tax increase

LABOR
Temporary ‘tent village’ organizers urge Labor Ministry to take measures to cope with massive unemployment
12 laid-off workers sue Isuzu Motors
JCP leaders encourage contingent workers on nationwide speaking tours

WELFARE PROGRAM
JCP in Diet underlines hardships facing 100,500 single-mothers

WOMEN’S RIGHTS
Women’s NGO calls for improvement in women’s status