"Hello, this is Shinzo Abe" -- Message from the Prime Minister
(Provisional Translation)

Profile

Japanese

G8 Summit 2008 in Toyako

Hello, this is Shinzo Abe.

Following the shooting of the Mayor of Nagasaki City, a succession of shooting incidents carried out by gangs has taken place in Tokyo and elsewhere. This spread of violence is an affront to democracy. It is utterly unpardonable and simply cannot be tolerated.

Japan's high level of public safety has always been considered one of the country's virtues, a point of pride in the world. If we allow our society to be scarred in such a way, we will surely never realize "a beautiful country." It is
my responsibility to protect the safety of the people of Japan, and I am firmly determined to do everything in my power to eradicate any violence whatsoever that threatens our peaceful living.

I have decided on the venue for the G8 Summit which Japan will host next year: Toyako Town in southwestern Hokkaido.

It will have been eight years since Japan last hosted a G8 Summit, in Okinawa in 2000. G8 Summits are occasions when world leaders gather together and send a message to the world, and selection as the Summit venue carries with it all the more significance because the Summit draws global attention.

Other candidates for the 2008 venue included an ancient capital rich in tradition and history, a locale in the scenic Seto Inland Sea, and a seaport city credited with being the cradle of Japan's modernization.

I struggled greatly in making the decision, as each proposed location boasts exquisite nature, culture and tradition, and each has its own distinctive beauty.

Environmental issues will be one of the major themes at G8 Summit 2008.
I carefully examined a broad range of matters in making my decision: how best to promote Japan as "a beautiful country," emphasize the efforts of Japan's regions and ensure the Summit's smooth operation, including security.

Toyako Town abounds in rich natural beauty, with Mt. Yotei and Mt. Usu lying just across the serene, mirror-smooth waters of Lake Toya. I am already excited at the thought that people from around the world will focus on Japan's nature, so beautiful and dynamic.

I am leaving Japan today on an eight-day trip to visit the United States,
Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Egypt.

This will be my first time visiting the United States as Prime Minister. I have met President Bush a number of times, and have held telephone talks with him at crucial times when the international community has confronted critical situations. I hope to further deepen my personal relationship of trust with the President through this visit. My wife Akie and I are looking forward to the opportunity to enjoy dinner at the White House with President Bush and the First Lady.

An alliance is a relationship of trust. The international community faces a host of destabilizing factors such as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and missiles. There are also the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues.
I am certain that President Bush and I will open our hearts to each other to discuss energy and climate change issues as well. I also want to take the time to discuss, at length, my views on diplomacy, and in particular my thoughts on the Japan-U.S. Alliance. Building genuine friendship will further strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance for the benefit of Asia and the rest of the world.

The countries of the Middle East are essential for both Japan's energy security and the peace and stability of the world. The time has come for us to consider even more deeply what role Japan can play for the stability of this region.
Japan will forge a partnership with Middle Eastern countries not only in the areas of oil and the economy, but also more broadly in fields including the environment, science and technology, and culture.

On April 24, the Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the National Public Service Law that include stipulations for reforming the civil servant system - the first reforms in 60 years. There is a backlog of domestic and diplomatic issues, and I am steadfastly determined to resolve them all, one by one.

==========================================================
[What's New in Government Internet TV]