MEDIA REACTION Q G-8 SUMMIT/MIDDLE EAST

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 003931 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 Q G-8 SUMMIT/MIDDLE EAST SITUATION - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers front-paged reports from Jerusalem concerning Israel's bombing of the Beirut International Airport and its blockade of Lebanon. ¶1. "Nuclear and Missile Threats Will Test Unity at G-8 Summit" The business-oriented Nihon Keizai editorialized (7/14): "The G-8 summit that begins this weekend in St. Petersburg, Russia, will be a major test of the Group's unity. In addition to the Iranian nuclear issue, North Korea's missile launches last week have given rise to a new crisis. The G-8 summit has an important role to play in containing these threats to global stability. The G-8 leaders should speak with one voice and take a firm stance toward North Korea and Iran. ¶2. "Russia will host the summit for the first time. With petroleum prices on the rise, Russia as an oil producer has seen its international influence grow. We hope that Russia will use its say in a fair manner and from the lofty perspective of addressing such difficult subjects as nuclear proliferation, the missile crisis, and energy for the benefit not only of itself but for the entire world. Russian President Putin's leadership will be tested.... Iranian and North Korean development of WMD represents an emerging threat, so the G-8 leaders have a responsibility to issue a strong message for maintaining the global order.... There continues to be a tug of war between the US and Japan on one side and Russia and China on the other over a UNSC resolution on North Korea. Success at the G-8 summit hinges on whether Putin can play an active role in presenting G-8 unity to the world." ¶3. "Tension in the Middle East: Japan Can Make Unique Contribution to Peace" An editorial in the conservative Sankei commented (7/14): "In the midst of Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, Israeli troops advanced into Lebanon for the first time in six years in a bid to rescue two soldiers who had been abducted. With an ongoing operation in the Gaza Strip to rescue another Israeli soldier, the Israeli military has opened a two-front battle. Israeli Prime Minister Olmert criticized the Lebanese government for the abduction of the soldiers by the Shiite group Hezbollah, saying it was not terrorism but an act of war, and he launched a large-scale military operation that included bombing Beirut International Airport. As a result, Syria, Iran, and other Arab and Islamic nations with close ties to Hezbollah have all reacted strongly, and tensions in the region are again on the rise. ¶4. "What in the world can Japan do in such a situation? There is no choice but to urge all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint to prevent an expansion of the military conflict. However, it is possible to create an environment for long-term peace. While cooperating with the US and Europe, it is important for Japan to play a role befitting itself. During his talks with Olmert, Koizumi presented the outline of a regional development project dubbed the 'Corridor to Peace and Prosperity,' and he proposed that Japan, Israel, the Palestinians, and Jordan set up a committee to study the idea. Olmert welcomed the project as an example of Japan's assistance.... Koizumi promised Japan's continued support for the Palestinians during talks with President Abbas and said prior to the meeting at a press conference in Israel that Japan provides assistance differently than TOKYO 00003931 002 OF 002 the US and Europe. Middle East peace is crucial for regional stability and world peace. It also contributes to energy security for Japan. Terrorism will intensify if the situation in the region becomes unstable." SCHIEFFER