Good morning, comrade delegates in the Congress and all party members throughout the country.

I want to declare the JCP 21st Congress now open.

I am Hiroshi Tachiki, Central Committee vice-chairman.

Comrades, firstly, I would like to express cordial greetings of respect to all comrades who have worked and are working hard in various places to make this 21st Congress successful, and to those who have been responsible for such activity and have assembled here as delegates and consultative delegates.

In the over three years since our 1994 20th Congress, four Presidium members-emeritus and 14 Central Committee advisers have passed away. We also lost a number of comrades at party center and in local organizations. I would like to ask you to join me in paying silent tribute to these comrades who devoted their lives to maintaining the JCP's revolutionary traditions and the cause for peace in the world and Japan and for social progress.

Please stand up for a minute of silence.

Thank you. Please be seated.

Comrades, our 21st Congress is meeting in a new situation which has been developed since the 20th Congress. At a time when the people's expectations of the Japanese Communist Party and their interest in it is increasing, we have to make an adequate response. The task for this Congress is to determine the party's course with a scientific perspective toward the 21st century and to elect a new Central Committee which will lead the work for implementing the Congress decisions.

Comrades, this Congress is being attended by a total of 24 foreign guests. They came from 18 countries and represent 17 organizations plus four in their individual capacity.

Allow me, in the name of the JCP 21st Congress, to welcome all the foreign guests who are attending this Congress at our invitation.

I hope our foreign guests will have the chance to observe Congress proceedings and deepen their understanding of JCP activity. I also hope their presence here will help develop solidarity between us.

Comrades, I call on you to respond to the expectations that have been expressed of us in the country and abroad, by doing a wonderful job to fulfill the important tasks of the Congress. Let us make the Congress a success.

With this I conclude my opening address.

Thank you.