The vice president of the Liberal Democratic Party indicated Tuesday the Cabinet won't be able to approve a statement allowing collective self-defense by the June 22 end of the Diet session, unless the two ruling parties strike an agreement by Friday.
"In order for the Cabinet to approve a constitutional reinterpretation allowing Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense during this Diet session, we have to show a draft at a meeting (between the LDP and New Komeito) on Friday," said Masahiko Komura, who is chairing the defense talks with the LDP's junior partner. "I intend to work with New Komeito to avoid any clash with them."
Meanwhile, New Komeito Vice President Kazuo Kitagawa pushed back against the rush for Cabinet approval, saying more time is needed to build a solid party consensus on collective self-defense.
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