MEDIA REACTION Q IRAN - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 004326 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 IRAN - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Wednesday morning's Mainichi front-paged a report from Jerusalem concerning the intensification of Israel Defense Force (IDF) ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. ¶1. "International Unity Needed to Resolve Iranian Nuclear Issue" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (8/2): "The UNSC adopted a resolution that gives Iran until August 31 to suspend uranium enrichment or face economic and other sanctions. This indicates the serious concern with which the international community views Tehran's nuclear program. Iran has said there is no need for it to comply with the resolution, arguing that the peaceful use of nuclear technology is its right. Nonetheless, the UNSC has moved for the first time to adopt a resolution on the issue. Tehran should seriously accept it and suspend uranium enrichment.... In June, the five permanent members of the UNSC plus Germany asked Iran for a timely reply to a comprehensive plan that would provide Iran with assistance in building light water reactors in return for suspending uranium enrichment. ¶2. "Tehran, however, on its own authority declared that it will reply on August 22 and has remained unclear as to its intentions. There are suspicions in the international community that Iran is playing for time in order to acquire further uranium enrichment technology.... The deteriorating situation in Lebanon is a new cause for concern. Iran is believed to wield strong influence over Hezbollah, the group responsible for the tense situation in Lebanon. There is growing concern that Iran may be trying to play the 'Hezbollah card' in an attempt to gain the upper hand in the negotiations over its nuclear program. A breakthrough in the situation is needed soon." SCHIEFFER