DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/20/06

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 08 TOKYO 002162 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/20/06 INDEX: (1) Takeshima issue: ROK rejects Japan's compromise solution (2) Japan's plan for Takeshima survey: Japan, ROK still in standoff over survey; Tokyo looks for ways to finalize the issue with diplomatic efforts, while Seoul remains tough toward Tokyo (3) Why marine survey now? - Questions and answers: Counteraction against ROK ahead of international conference on naming of sea floor (4) Editorial: Japan must proceed with yen loans to China calmly centering on the environment (5) Ginoza mayor: The central government made it clear that there will be no touch-and-go drills at alternate facility (6) Editorial: Top priority should be on removing people's anxiety about PCB waste (Corrected copy) Japan, ROK trade last-minutes barbs over Takeshima survey; Japan looking for ways to reach breakthrough, while ROK adopts parliamentary resolution seeking cancellation of survey ARTICLES: (1) Takeshima issue: ROK rejects Japan's compromise solution YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) Evening, April 20, 2006 The two Japan Coast Guard (JCG) survey ships - "Kaiyo" and "Meiyo" - will conduct a marine survey in the waters around Takeshima. This morning they were awaiting the go-ahead for their departure off Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture. The government is proceeding with preparations for the survey, while making every possible effort to resolve the current standoff with South Korea, which is opposed to Japan's planned survey. In this regard, Ambassador to South Korea Shotaro Oshima met with South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki Moon in Seoul. At a meeting this morning of the Upper House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, Foreign Minister Aso emphasized that the planned survey is legitimate and will be implemented at least in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ),adding, "Under international law, there is no problem on our side." He also stated: "Negotiations are underway via diplomatic channels in trying to avoid unforeseeable circumstances and aiming to reach a peaceful solution." Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe also told the press corps: "Japan and South Korea continue informal conversations, aiming to bring about an amicable solution. We'd like to watch in what direction they will head." Meanwhile, in South Korea, Song Min Soon, chief secretary to the president for unification, foreign, and security policy in the Blue House, today indicated the government's intention to reject Japan's compromise proposal that if South Korea were not to bring up a proposal for using Korean names to describe undersea topography at the upcoming international conference, Japan would TOKYO 00002162 002 OF 008 cancel the survey. Song said: "We won't withdraw (our proposal on the use of Korean names to describe topography)." Song was making these remarks on a KBS radio program. (2) Japan's plan for Takeshima survey: Japan, ROK still in standoff over survey; Tokyo looks for ways to finalize the issue with diplomatic efforts, while Seoul remains tough toward Tokyo NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Excerpts) April 20, 2006 Japan and South Korea are in a standoff over Japan's plan for a marine research survey in the waters surrounding Takeshima (or Dokdo in Korean). The Japanese government has begun looking for ways to resolve the standoff via talks, although it is proceeding with preparations for the survey. South Korea's still tough stance toward Japan makes it bleak for the two countries to resolve the standoff via talks. Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe told a press conference yesterday: "We'd like to finalize the issue as amicably as possible. From this standpoint, we've been in contact with South Korean officials." "We are proceeding with preparations philosophically and somberly," Abe added, revealing his expectations for a settlement through negotiations with South Korea. As the reason why the government decided to implement an oceanographic survey, Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi has explained: "South Korea has conducted the survey in the same sea area over the past four years." Japan has cited the need for preparations for an upcoming international conference on sea floor topography slated for June as the direct objective of its planned survey. The survey comes under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) and will be implemented by survey vessels of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG). A senior MLIT official revealed: "Preparations for the survey began quite some time ago. From the beginning we have been in contact with the Prime Minister's Official Residence and the Foreign Ministry on the survey plan and have discussed it with them." The JCG has announced that the survey will be conducted from April 14 through June 30. This timeframe seems to be the best, given the time necessary for analyzing the survey results and topographical naming the areas in time for the upcoming international conference. Japan has yet to find a catalyst for improving relations with South Korea, but Tokyo in its heart wants to avoid adding any fuel to the current flames of tensions. On April 17, Vice Foreign Minister Yachi met with South Korean Ambassador to Japan Ra Jong Yil and told him: "If South Korea were to steer clear of submitting geographical names at the upcoming international conference, Japan would not have to conduct a marine survey." Tokyo keeps a "watch on how Seoul will respond to" while proceeding with preparations for dispatching survey boats," according to a government source. (3) Why marine survey now? - Questions and answers: Counteraction against ROK ahead of international conference on naming of sea floor TOKYO 00002162 003 OF 008 NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full) April 20, 2006 Q: What is the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)? A: The EEZ is a sea zone over which a coastal nation has sovereign rights in such economic activities as commercial fishing, as well as exploration and development of natural resources. The EEZ runs a distance of 200 nautical miles or some 370 kilometers out from the coast of a nation (which is the basis of the nation's territorial waters). As the distance between Japan and South Korea is less than 400 nautical miles, theoretically, the equidistant line or the median line between the two nations is the boundary of their respective EEZs. Japan and South Korea both claim Takeshima, and depending on which of the two nations the islets come under, the median line between the two nations will change. The EEZs asserted each by Japan and South Korea overlap each other in a portion of the waters around Takeshima. Q: Which country has sovereignty over the waters around Takeshima? A: In 1952, The Republic of Korea government of Syngman Rhee (1946-60) declared that country's sovereignty over Takeshima. South Korea since then has installed guards on a regular basis on the isles and maintained effective control there in order to make public its claim. The area around Takeshima is a fertile fishing ground for red snow crabs, sea urchins, abalone, and other marine products. Under the Japan-ROK fishery pact that took effect in 1999, both sides designated that fishing ground as a provisional zone under their joint control, but the fact is that Japanese fishing boats cannot enter the area freely. Discontent among local fishermen about fishery rights in those waters in effect led to the proclamation of "Takeshima Day" by the Shimane Prefectural Assembly. Q: Why has Japan planned to carry out marine research now? A: An international conference on naming sea-floor topography will be held in Germany in June. It will be co-hosted by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Participating nations will each bring their proposals for names of undersea mountains and marine basins and discuss which names are appropriate. South Korea has already decided on the Korean names of four locations in the area that comes under the EEZs of Japan and South Korea, and it intends to obtain a seal of approval for such names at the conference. To counter such a move by the ROK, Japan judged it is necessary to carry out a survey on its own. Q: How will Japan conduct the survey? A: The survey will be conducted by sending sound waves from the vessel's bottom to the sea floor and detect the responses. Data on geography, geology, and temperatures can be obtained by surveys, but the planned survey will be focused on geography. The survey is expected to be completed in a week or so. Q: Are there any grounds for South Korea to seize Japanese survey ships? A: The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea regards government- TOKYO 00002162 004 OF 008 owned ships as "public ships" and grants them the right of not being seized or searched in any sea areas. But when (one nation's public ships) conduct a survey in another country's EEZ, the former needs to obtain approval from the latter. The survey Japan has planned this time include the sea area that comes under both Japan's and South Korea's EEZs. That's why South Korea has raised an objection to Japan's survey plan. Reportedly, South Korea has an option of using a larger patrol boat to push (Japan's) survey ships out of (South Korea's) EEZ if they were not to observe an order by South Korea to stop. (4) Editorial: Japan must proceed with yen loans to China calmly centering on the environment MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) April 20, 2006 The government's decision on yen loans to China has slipped to fiscal 2006. The delay is ascribable to the Liberal Democratic Party's inability to reach an agreement in rough-going Japan- China talks on the development of gas fields in the East China Sea, as well as other factors. Projects subject to yen loans for fiscal 2005 have already been decided. But with no clue as to whether bilateral relations will improve soon, there is no prospect for a cabinet decision. Last year, Japan obtained China's consent to terminate yen loans by 2008 when Beijing will host the Olympics. Only three years including fiscal 2005 remain. It goes without saying that development aid is a diplomatic tool, and that Japan must deal with the gas field issue firmly. With an end to yen loans near at hand, it would not be wise to become emotional. At the same time, we would like to see China take actions in consideration of Japanese national sentiments in dealing with matters, including the gas field issue. Japan's yen loans to China started in fiscal 1979. In the early days, Japan's assistance focused on industrial infrastructure that supported that country's reform and open-door policy, such as ports, harbors, and railways. The emergence in the late 1990s of environmental issues related to industrialization prompted Japan to shift its focus to environmental protection, pollution control, and human resources. At present, aid is not being extended for industrial infrastructure. Fiscal 2005 projects are all related to the environment and human resources. Yen loans for environment-related projects up to fiscal 2004 reached 850 billion yen, or about 30% of the whole. Their efficacy has been confirmed by a survey by Kyoto University and other institutions. The survey covered 16 air and water pollution projects of the fourth yen-loan term (FY1996-2000). The institutions estimated that the sulfur dioxide emission reduction effect at the surveyed area was 190,000 tons, which corresponded to one-fourth of Japan's total emissions of 800,000 tons in 2000. Improved water-supply facilities have also helped purity water. China's environmental contamination is also felt in Japan through acid rain, marine pollution, and other phenomena. Environmental deterioration would also constrain China's economic development. As seen in global warming, it is essential for China to take solid environmental measures as a member of the international community. TOKYO 00002162 005 OF 008 Although it is China's primary responsibility to take proper measures, Japan is happy to cooperate. Japan intends to continue extending technical cooperation to improve the environment even after yen loans are terminated. Apart from economic cooperation, the Clean Development Mechanism to extend funds and technology to projects reducing carbon dioxide emissions has also been set in motion. The strategic utilization of the official development assistance (ODA) program must not be confined to pure diplomatic issues. Dragging China into a post-Kyoto Protocol framework would be one approach. Striking a balance between the environment and development is also specified in the ODA Charter that was revised in August 2003. It is essential to use yen loans to China to help improve the environment of not only East Asia but also the rest of the world. The best way is to proceed with yen loans calmly until the end, while saying what we have to say. (5) Ginoza mayor: The central government made it clear that there will be no touch-and-go drills at alternate facility OKINAWA TIMES (Page 1) (Full) Evening, April 19, 2006 Ginoza Regarding a plan to build two runways at the coastline of Camp Schwab in Nago, the relocation site for the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station, Mayor Hajime Azuma of Ginoza, a village close to the relocation site, said earlier today: "I have been told clearly by the central government that (US Marine aircraft) would not conduct touch-and-go drills. We discussed the fundamental agreement based on that direction, and the village believes there will be no such drills." The mayor also noted about the deployment of MV22 Ospreys, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft: "I have clearly heard from the central government that such aircraft would not be deployed." Before the House of Representatives Committee on Security, Defense Agency Director Fukushiro Nukaga indicated yesterday that Japan and the United States had not discussed the possibility of conducting touch-and-go drills at the alternate facility. He said: "There are three small (fixed-wing) planes (that will be relocated). They are liaison planes, and I have not been told that they would be used in drills. We didn't discuss specifically how the US military would deal with them." At the same time, Nukaga explicitly said regarding touch-and-go drills, currently conducted by US Marines at Futenma Air Station, "I have no direct knowledge of US military operations." Telephone opinion survey shows increase in opponents to V-shaped plan; Nago mayor dismisses allegation that he breached his campaign pledge Nago TOKYO 00002162 006 OF 008 In a recent public opinion survey conducted by the Okinawa Times, 71% of respondents expressed opposition to the plan to build two runways in a V shape at the coastline of Camp Schwab in Nago to replace Futenma Air Station. Earlier today, Nago Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro commented on the results: "In such a telephone survey, it's easier to say 'disagreeable' than 'agreeable.' People tend to express opposition more strongly (than they actually feel). Still, I would like to explain the results (to citizens) by taking them as they are." Shimabukuro also emphatically said: "Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga first presented an X-shaped plan designed to fly planes over land. I fought with him and eventually succeeded in moving it to the ocean side. I didn't give in to the government's pressure. People are not aware of that fact. I gave my consent to the (V-shaped) plan because the flight paths do not go over residential areas." In reaction to allegation that Shimabukuro breached his campaign pledge, the mayor said, "I don't think I broke my campaign pledge." Regarding the Okinawa Times' opinion survey in which 70% disapproved the two-runway plan, an Okinawa government official said yesterday, "The results reflect the Okinawa public's disapproval of the coastal plan." He also took this view about the fact that 70% of respondents supported Gov. Keiichi Inamine's stance opposing the coastal plan: "The prefectural government has always been opposed to the coastal plan. At the base lies the Okinawa public's long- cherished dream of removing Futenma Air Station out of the prefecture. In a sense, the results are natural." (6) Editorial: Top priority should be on removing people's anxiety about PCB waste TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 5) (Full) April 19, 2006 The government has decided to dispose of all PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) waste by 2016. But troubles over PCB disposal facilities have continued to occur. In order to smoothly carry out the plan to dispose of the waste, the public's anxiety must first be assuaged above anything else. If we speak of PCBs, what comes to mind first is the Kanemi cooking-oil incident. This serious case of mass food poisoning occurred in 1968 in western Japan. About 13,000 victims were affected, some seriously. People who consumed the cooking oil contaminated with PCBs suffered from serious skin eruptions and inflammation of the eyelids. In the wake of the incident, the government banned the production and importation of PCBs, which are often used as insulation oil and in insulators. The deadline for the disposal of PCBs has been set. In view of their toxicity, PCBs must be destroyed as early as possible. TOKYO 00002162 007 OF 008 It is only natural that many people who still remember the Kanemi Incident are worried about PCBs. It is understandable therefore that construction and operation of disposal facilities have been accompanied by trouble. According to the nation's basic plan, Japan Environment Safety Corporation (JESC) is building government-funded disposal facilities in Kitakyushu City, Osaka City, Toyota City, Koto Ward in Tokyo, and Muroran City, in order to proceed with the detoxification of PCBs. However, only two facilities in the cities of Kitakyushu and Toyota have started operating. At the facility in Toyota City last November, the distillation tank's manometer came off and liquid including PCB evaporated. As a result, gas was discharged outside the facility. Although Toyota City has authority for the operation of the industrial waste disposal facility, and it has concluded an environmental protection agreement with JESC, it does not intends to allow the facility to restart its operation unless the city's security surveillance committee, which includes representatives of its citizens, agrees to it. Besides the nation's basic plan, Nippon Sharyo built a disposal facility in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, in an attempt to enter the industrial waste disposal business. It was discovered that the facility had 26 violations, areas that did not match to the city's regulations. The city assembly has severely charged the company with lacking social responsibility. People are concerned that there might be defects hidden in the more critical parts of the facility. If changes are made without taking the prescribed procedure and giving explanations to local residents, people will deepen their distrust in the facility. The public is paying strict attention to such companies in view of our country's history of industrial pollution, including the Yokkaichi case decades ago. The disposal of PCB waste is a settlement of the negative legacy of the past. But efforts to dispose of PCB waste themselves must not heighten public concern. A fast way to smoothly move ahead with the PCB disposal operation is to examine technical and systematic problems that had caused the accident, as well as to disclose full information to the public. (Corrected copy) Japan, ROK trade last-minutes barbs over Takeshima survey; Japan looking for ways to reach breakthrough, while ROK adopts parliamentary resolution seeking cancellation of survey ASAHI (Top play) (Excerpts) April 20, 2006 The government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has raised a strong objection to the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) plan for a marine survey within (Japan's) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that includes the waters around Takeshima (Dokdo),which is claimed by both Japan and the ROK. The Japanese government, hoping to resolve the standoff, continued negotiations with the ROK yesterday. ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Ban Ki Moon is expected to call Japanese Ambassador to the ROK Shotaro Oshima this morning to convey his country's response to the Japanese TOKYO 00002162 008 OF 008 side. Meanwhile, the JCG's two survey boats yesterday arrived at Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture and are standing by there for a survey. Depending on the response from the ROK, relations between the two countries are likely to go from bad to worse. Prime Minister Koizumi late yesterday stated: "I'd like to deal with the matter in accordance with international law." When asked by reporters at his official residence about the strong opposition raised by the ROK government, Koizumi said: "It's better not to be overly excited. Japan will respond in a non- emotional manner." He called on the ROK to respond cool-headedly. Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe told a press briefing yesterday: "Following international law, both sides need to respond coolly. Our planned survey is a scientific one, and I think it is the same as the ones conducted by other countries." Abe indicated that a marine survey is allowed without giving prior notice to other countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. He also revealed that Japan was discussing the matter with the ROK, saying: "We on the part of Japan want to resolve it as amicably as possible. We are in contact with South Korean officials." According to a government official, Administrative Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi yesterday met with ROK Ambassador to Japan Ra Jong Yil in Tokyo and suggested adopting a prior notification system under which both countries would give prior notice to each other on surveys. In addition, Japan has suggested to the ROK that if the ROK did not apply to the upcoming international conference in June for permission to use Korean names to describe the ocean floor in the area, Japan would postpone the survey. But the ROK appears unwilling to change its stance in spite of this suggestion. Ban said, "If Japan immediately withdrew its (survey) plan, we'd be able to respond to negotiations with Japan." As it stands, no clue for resolving the standoff is in sight. SCHIEFFER