MEDIA REACTION US-JAPAN SECURITY - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 000414 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 US-JAPAN SECURITY - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers front-paged reports concerning the ongoing investigation into alleged improprieties by Livedoor Co., as well as a GOJ damage estimate for possible major earthquakes on the Pacific side of northern Japan. The estimate showed that up to 2,700 people could be killed in a "worst-case" scenario. ¶1. "GOJ Should Seriously Take into Account the Will of Nago Residents" An editorial in the liberal Mainichi commented (1/26): "The GOJ should sit at the negotiating table and respond sincerely to the feelings of Nago residents.... The government has welcomed the victory of former Nago Municipal Assembly Speaker Yoshikazu Shimabukuro in the recent mayoral election as a 'foothold' for facilitating talks with local officials concerning the relocation of the Futenma Marine heliport to the shoreline of Camp Schwab in Nago City.... Nevertheless, there is little reason to believe that negotiations will proceed smoothly. Shimabukuro has already made clear that he will not accept the relocation plan unless it is modified. The current plan will not result in an expansion of military bases, and it will have less impact on the environment than the proposal to construct a heliport on reclaimed land. Local residents, though, are concerned about helicopter noise and accidents, and there is strong opposition there to the transfer. ¶2. "There is little chance that Shimabukuro will move immediately to accept the plan, and Futenma relocation is not a problem for Nago alone. Okinawa Governor Inamine, who supported Shimabukuro in the election, is strongly opposed to the plan, and he wields a great deal of influence and authority on the matter. The GOJ has taken great pains to harmonize the maintenance of US military deterrence and a reduction in Okinawa's base burden. Although Futenma relocation will reduce Okinawa's security burden, it will undeniably place a burden on Nago.... ¶3. "The implementation of base realignment is largely premised on the GOJ's ability to win over local residents. Now that the citizens of Nago have elected Shimabukuro, who has called for the Futenma relocation plan to be modified to make it acceptable to local residents, the GOJ should take the time to discuss modifications to the plan if necessary. The central government will consider measures for promoting regional development, including economic revitalization, in a manner commensurate with the burden to be imposed, as well it should.... The end-of-March deadline for compiling a final report on US force transformation and base realignment is approaching. The central government needs to accelerate consultations with local residents, while seeking national support and understanding." SCHIEFFER