U.S. forces commander warns against Japan going nuclear+

TOKYO, July 28 Kyodo -
The top commander of U.S. forces in Japan said Tuesday that Tokyo should not
consider going nuclear in the face of North Korean nuclear threats, stating
there is ''no reason'' for Japan to do so as it is protected by the U.S.
nuclear umbrella.

''The concept of extended deterrence that has been in place for many years
between the United States and Japan remains important very strongly today,''
Lt. Gen. Edward Rice said at the Japan National Press Club.
''As a consequence, as long as this concept and agreement stays in place, there
is no reason for Japan to possess nuclear weapons on its own,'' he said, adding
the proliferation of nuclear weapons will ''make nations less secure.''
Earlier this month, Tokyo and Washington agreed to engage in periodic talks on
the U.S. nuclear umbrella over Japan and other deterrence measures following a
fresh nuclear test by Pyongyang in May.
Japan, the only country to have suffered atomic attacks, maintains a policy of
not possessing, producing or permitting nuclear weapons in Japan.
But North Korea's nuclear ambitions have prompted ruling party politicians in
Japan to study the option of arming the country with nuclear weapons.
Rice also reiterated his view that security ties between the two countries will
not change fundamentally even if the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan
takes power after the Aug. 30 general election.
''Regardless of whom the people of Japan choose as their next government, the
fundamental pillars of our alliance will remain strong,'' he said.
In its policy platform unveiled Monday, the DPJ says it will aim for ''a close
and equal'' Japan-U.S. alliance and will ''review'' the realignment of U.S.
forces as well as the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement.
The commander said that Tokyo and Washington ''should not change individual
elements'' of a 2006 bilateral accord on the package of initiatives on the U.S.
forces realignment, which was agreed to over a long period of time.
==Kyodo