MEDIA REACTION IRAN - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 001079 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION IRAN - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday papers front-paged a Tokyo District Court ruling ordering MOFA to reveal how its slush funds were used at its embassies abroad. ¶1. "Iran Nuclear Standoff: Japan Should Do Its Utmost to Stave off Sanctions" The liberal Mainichi editorialized (3/1): "At a time of deepening international concern over Iran's nuclear programs, Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki visited Tokyo for talks with Prime Minister Koizumi, Foreign Minister Aso, and METI Minister Nikai. In response to their calls for Tehran to halt its nuclear development, Mottaki defended Iran's uranium enrichment. There is a strong likelihood that the UN Security Council will consider sanctions if Iran does not change its stance. We hope Iran will make a wise decision regarding the nuclear standoff so as to prevent itself from being isolated within the international community.... ¶2. "Japan has had friendly relations with Iran since the two countries resumed bilateral ties in 1953. Japan imports about 15 percent of its oil from Iran, making it the nation's third-largest supplier.... In February 2004, Tokyo and Tehran concluded an agreement to jointly develop the Azagaden oil field in southwest Iran. Japan should keep up its relations with Iran given that this project is a major energy interest. But no matter how close bilateral ties might be, Japan cannot overlook programs that could lead to the production of nuclear weapons. Japan had no choice but to support the IAEA decision to refer Iran to the UNSC, and it is only natural that Japan is urging that country to suspend its nuclear programs.... There are concerns that the imposition of sanctions on Iran by the UNSC would throw the world economy into chaos. Making use of its friendly ties with Iran, there is a role for Japan to play as a bridge between Tehran and the West, thus staving off economic sanctions." SCHIEFFER