NATO'S GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP: JAPAN UPBEAT BUT URGES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 TOKYO 003171

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR EUR/RPM EVA SHINAGEL, EAP/RSP LOUIS ORTIZ, USNATO TOM
UNDERWOOD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/07/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR JA
SUBJECT: NATO'S GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP: JAPAN UPBEAT BUT URGES
FLEXIBILITY

REF: A. STATE 88312


B. TOKYO 798

Classified By: DCM Joe Donovan. Reasons 1.4 b/d.


1. (C) SUMMARY: Japan is interested in pursuing closer
relations with NATO through the Global Partnership framework,
but prefers an incremental approach with participation in
seminars or in exercises as observers preceding cooperation
in operations. GOJ officials request further clarification
on the relationship between the Global Partnership and
existing NATO groupings such as the Partnership for Peace.
MOFA DG Hirada requested more information on how the process
will move forward and through what channels. Noting the
political sensitivity of collective self-defense, the Hirada
recommended a flexible partnership that could be easily
tailored to the situation of each new partner country. END
SUMMARY.

One step at a time
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2. (C) DCM Donovan and UK Minister Hatfull met with MOFA
European Affairs DG Hirada on June 8, 2006 to deliver talking
points (Ref A) on NATO's Global Partnership initiative. UK
Minister Hatfull expressed appreciation for Japanese support
for allied efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan and asked Japan to
consider how it could increase its impact overseas through a
strengthened relationship with NATO. DCM Donovan emphasized
that we are cognizant of Japan's legal and constitutional
constraints and therefore seek to get Japanese input on how
best to shape the Global Partnership.

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3. (C) DG Hirada stated that Japan,s basic position on NATO
was articulated by FM Aso during his speech in Brussels in
May. While enthusiastic about deepening ties with NATO,
Japan prefers a "step-by-step" approach, Hirada said, with
participation in seminars and perhaps observer-status
participation in exercises first and cooperation in
operational areas as a mid to long-term goal. He added that
Japan was "positively considering" the invitations it has
received to join NATO seminars in Europe in the coming months.


4. (C) MOFA European Policy Director Norio Maruyama added
that although Japan was interested in regular dialogue with
the NAC, it did not want to restrict itself to this channel.
Japan hopes to engage all 26 NATO members on relevant issues
and to pursue formal as well as informal talks.

Japan seeks more information
--------------


5. (C) DG Hirada asked for more information on how the new
Global Partnership will affect existing frameworks such as
the Partnership for Peace, the Mediterranean Dialogue and the
Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. Japan is also seeking a
better understanding of the issues that must be resolved
before the Riga summit in November and whether the final
product at Riga was likely to be general statement, a
detailed plan or a written document. Finally, DG Hirada
asked for additional clarification on how this process will
move forward and what the official channels of consultation
will be.


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6. (C) DCM Donovan assured DG Hirada that the Global
Partnership would not supersede existing frameworks, but
would be designed to supplement these groupings. He stressed
that this is a formative period for this new initiative and
that we are seeking input from our friends, like Japan, in
order to create the most effective partnership possible.

Japan urges flexibility
--------------


7. (C) DG Hirada and Director Maruyama warned against an
overly rigid arrangement, suggesting a more flexible model
that could be easily tailored to the particular political
sensitivities of the new partners. Noting that collective
self-defense was a very sensitive political issue in Japan,
DG Hirada hoped the proposal put forward at Riga would not be
"one-size-fits-all". DCM Donovan replied that the United
States and other NATO members were mindful of the political
situation in Japan and sought an appropriate partnership
plan. DG Hirada thanked the United States and the United
Kingdom for this initiative and asked to continue dialogue.
SCHIEFFER