THE DCM'S MAY 26 MEETING WITH MOFA NORTH AMERICAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 002973 SIPDIS SIPDIS USDA FOR U/S PENN AND FAS/YOST E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2026 TAGS: PREL MARR SCUL EAGR UNSC AMGT AF ID IZ KN CH, JA SUBJECT: THE DCM'S MAY 26 MEETING WITH MOFA NORTH AMERICAN AFFAIRS DG KAWAI REF: STATE 83706 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Joe Donovan. Reason: 1.4 (b)(d) . ¶1. (C) Summary: In a May 26th luncheon, MOFA North America Bureau Director General Chikao Kawai told the DCM that the Japanese government would push DPRI implementation and urge Yokosuka's mayor to proceed with the plan for Kitty Hawk replacement. On beef, Kawai expected the risk communication meetings to take about two weeks, after which the audit teams will be sent to the United States. In discussing the upcoming Japan-U.S. summit, Kawai suggested the joint statement be kept short. The DCM urged Japan to consider working with the United States to complete Japan's portion of the Kandahar-Herat Road (reftel). On Iraq, Kawai said Japan intends to coordinate closely with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia regarding the withdrawal of Ground Self-Defense Forces. Kawai said Japan hopes to have detailed consultations with the United States prior to the upcoming summit on their "Plan D" for UNSC reform. Turning to the DPRK, Kawai agreed that the United States and Japan should consider a coordinated a public response in the event of a Taepodong missile launch. Kawai reported that Foreign Minister Aso and Chinese Foreign Minister Li had a positive meeting in Qatar. End summary. Cabinet Decision on DPRI and Kitty Hawk Replacement -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) During a May 26 meeting with DCM Joe Donovan, North American Affairs Director General Chikao Kawai said that the Cabinet would likely decide on May 30 to implement the realignment initiatives agreed at the May 1 Security Consultative Committee (SSC). Kawai admitted being "confused" as to why the national and prefectural governments are still at odds on the issue despite the fact that Minister of Defense Nukaga and Okinawa Governor Inamine both signed the letter of agreement. Kawai hopes the planned discussions between the JDA, the Okinawan prefectural government and local officials will push implementation forward. ¶3. (C) Yokosuka Mayor Kabaya had planned to officially accept the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington to replace the USS Kitty Hawk on May 30, Kawai related. He has postponed this announcement until June 12, however, due to public criticism that his first public session on the Kitty Hawk replacement was not open to the public. Kabaya intends to hold a public hearing the first week of June. According to Kawai, Foreign Minister Aso will travel to Yokosuka around June 12 to urge Kabaya to adhere to the new schedule so as to avoid any further delays. Kawai believes that Kabaya is "serious and sincere" about completing the carrier swap, but believes that Kabaya should not be pushed too hard. Beef Ban -------------- ¶4. (C) Kawai expressed optimism about the Japan-U.S. expert meetings on beef, pointing to the creation of a "road map" as evidence of progress. The next round risk communication meetings throughout Japan are scheduled to begin June 1 and continue until June 14, after which Japanese audit teams will be sent to the United States, Kawai commented. There is the possibility of opening some facilities before Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to the United States if the United States agrees to open the facilities one by one. However, if the United States insists on opening all the facilities simultaneously, then opening the market would probably be delayed until after PM Koizumi's trip, warned Kawai. In response to the DCM's remark that opening the facilities one by one would trigger resistance from those companies listed last on the audit teams' schedule, Kawai commented that the U.S. could prioritize the facilities and that "it is up to your side." Kawai was noncommittal to the DCM's observation that the similar South Korean audit will take only about two weeks, noting to the limited number of Japanese experts available to conduct the audit. Kawai agreed that Minister of Health, Labor and Welfare Jiro Kawasaki does not share the optimism of Minister of Agriculture, Forest and Fisheries Shoichi Nakagawa on the opening of the market. Exchanges with DODD Schools -------------- ¶5. (C) Kawai urged more contact between students at DODD schools at U.S. bases and local Japanese students, pointing to the model in Misawa where the spouses of American service members are teaching English in the local schools. He suggested both sides explore ways to increase exchanges. While in agreement that further exchanges between American and Japanese students would be beneficial, the DCM noted that the permanent placement of Japanese students in DODD schools would be problematic because there is limited space available for additional students. Chancery Land Discussion -------------- ¶6. (C) In response to the DCM's inquiry, Kawai said that Japan would be ready to meet in July on the Chancery Land issue. Kawai pointed to back rent and a lack of flexibility as outstanding issues, but admitted that he was unsure of the details and that it was best to "leave it for the experts." Kandahar-Herat and Banda Aceh Roads -------------- ¶7. (C) In response to the DCM's delivery of reftel demarche concerning the completion of the Kandahar-Herat portion of the Rind Road in Afghanistan, Kawai explained that the Japanese crews working on the Ring Road project ceased activities on May 8 due to the deteriorating security situation. The Japanese government has not reached a decision on a date to resume activities, and since it does not intend to keep the Japanese crews on site indefinitely, it has considered hiring local contractors to continue the project, stated Kawai. Kawai agreed to request an answer from MOFA's Office of Developmental Assistance and the Middle East Bureau. ¶8. (C) The DCM raised the issue of the 40-km stretch of road between Calang and Port of Meulaboh in Indonesia, expressing concern that the United States and Japan risk duplicating efforts by building a parallel road. Kawai agreed that the United States and Japan should coordinate on this issue. Iraq and DPRK -------------- ¶8. (C) As Foreign Minister Aso reported to Secretary Rice, NSC Advisor Stephen Hadley and Vice President Cheney, the Air Self Defense Force believes it can establish additional flights in Iraq and aid UN activities through airlifts, Kawai reported. As for the withdrawal of the Ground Self Defense Force, Kawai assured the DCM that Japan intends to continue to coordinate closely with the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. ¶9. (C) Director General Kawai expressed his appreciation for President Bush's meeting with Sakie Yokota during her recent visit to Washington, commenting that it sends a strong signal to the DPRK that the abduction issue is a global concern. He added that Japan is maintaining close communication with USFJ regarding a possible Taepodong missile launch. The DCM suggested the United States and Japan should consider a coordinated public responses in the event a missile is launched. Japan has already begun discussing draftable responses, Kawai responded, but hopes to keep the tone of its message similar to that of the United States. UNSC Reform -------------- ¶10. (C) After Foreign Minister Aso received the letter from President Bush on May 2 stating that the United States could not support "Option C" for UNSC reform, MOFA began to focus on "Option D," Kawai reported. Kawai noted that language in the letter indicated U.S. willingness to work with Japan while continuing to support its bid for a permanent seat in the Security Council. The DCM assured Kawai that the United States remains supportive of Japan's permanent membership. The question is how to achieve this without making the Security Council less effective. Kawai hopes some discussion on "Plan D" can take place before the summit. China -------------- ¶11. (C) Kawai reported that Foreign Minister Taro Aso's meetings in Qatar with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing were positive. Kawai expressed his pleasure that during the May 22-23 Japan-U.S.-China trilateral meetings that included separate meetings with Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Aso, the Chinese delegation mentioned that relations with Japan "were important." Kawai noted the Chinese demonstrated restraint by not asking Abe if he intended to visit Yasukuni Shrine. He believed the Chinese failure to mention Yasukuni was "intentional" and that the Chinese were trying to "send a message." FM Aso had been pleased with his trilateral meeting, deeming the Chinese "reasonable," relayed Kawai. SCHIEFFER