Still, he said, the difference did not mean the cardinal had changed his position on full disclosure.

Japan's laws on disclosure of financial information for public companies are weak and poorly enforced.

They also aim to develop common positions on accounting standards and financial disclosure.

Some rules on disclosure and listing of stocks have been tightened.

On the state level, the response has largely been focused on disclosure.

Mr. Bush also promised to focus attention more broadly on disclosure of financial information.

The pertinent rules and standards on disclosure are anything but clear.

Of the 30 recommendations, the one on financial disclosure is probably the most far reaching.

Regulators do not seem focused on increasing disclosure in this area.

The report is based on transparency, disclosure and safety for consumers.