Japan prime minister cancels visit to RP

Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has canceled his trip to the Philippines this month, Japanese Ambassador Ryuichiro Yamazaki told the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) forum Tuesday night.

Koizumi was scheduled to visit Manila on July 23 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Philippines-Japan ties and attend the signing of the long-overdue Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA).

Though Yamazaki did not specify why Koizumi canceled his trip to Manila, he denied speculations that the Japanese government was disappointed at the delay in the trade agreement’s signing.

"We are not disappointed. Both sides tried for an early conclusion of JPEPA but we have to adjust the time schedule. It is true JPEPA will not be signed on July 23," Yamazaki said.

But Yamazaki said the commemoration would push through and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso will instead visit Manila.

When asked what particular provisions the Philippines and Japan disagreed on, Yamazaki refused to disclose the details.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo is optimistic that JPEPA will be signed.

Party-list Akbayan Citizens’ Action Party filed a petition last March asking the Supreme Court to stop the government from concluding and signing an economic agreement with Japan.

Akbayan said the agreement contains a deleterious provision that would allow Japan to transfer its toxic waste products to Manila.

They said Tokyo has proposed to transfer its municipal waste and sewage sludge to Manila under the JPEPA agreement.

Akbayan said this should not be allowed.

Prime Minister Koizumi and President Arroyo have agreed to approve major elements of the agreements and expedite JPEPA’s signing.

The JPEPA aims to promote a freer trans-border flow of goods, persons, services and capital between Japan and the Philippines and promote a comprehensive economic partnership.

Japan remains the Philippines’ second top trading partner after the US and is the country’s largest market for electronics and semiconductor devices.

Meanwhile, Yamazaki said Japan has no intention of rearming itself amid North Korea’s missile tests last July 5.

Despite the missile incident, Yamazaki said "Japan’s defense policy parameters have not changed."

"Rearming is something that legally needs to be cautiously studied. We are very cautious on the self-defense capability," Yamazaki said.

Japan’s immediate reaction to the North Korea missile test is to take it to the international community and support a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution to impose sanction on North Korea.

Yamazaki lauded the Philippines for being concerned about Pyongyang’s missile tests. — Pia Lee-Brago