| DPJ constitution research committee reaffirms commitment to draw up constitution proposal by year-end |
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On February 4, the DPJ constitution research committee led by Yoshito Sengoku held its first meeting since last year's general election at the Constitution Memorial Hall in Tokyo. The assembled members agreed to draw up a new constitution proposal within the year and to produce a mid-term report before this summer's House of Councilors election.
DPJ President Naoto Kan addressed the 80 Diet members gathered at the meeting, stating "The DPJ has been entrusted with the vital task of making the Japanese people aware that they themselves are the main actors in this country. In two years time we will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the current constitution. During this period I want to call for the creation of a constitution that is formed not from the debate between the governing and opposition parties, but is born out of a national movement created by the people themselves."
Secretary-general of the committee Satsuki Eda then explained its report that was issued in July of 2002. He was followed by deputy secretary-general Takuya Tasso, who explained the constitution proposal issued by the now defunct Liberal Party in December 2000. Eda reaffirmed the committee's commitment to "include these fruits of our labour in our discussions." The committee decided to form five sub-committees to conduct research in various areas, including preservation of human rights, devolution, and matters related to security and international affairs.
(04/02/04) |
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