MEDIA REACTION Q LEBANON CEASEFIRE - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 004563 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 LEBANON CEASEFIRE - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: There were no papers published Monday morning because of a press holiday. Top stories on quasi- governmental NHK-TV include the UN ceasefire agreement, which will take effect today in Lebanon, with the broadcaster expressing doubt about its effectiveness. ¶1. "UNSC Resolution on Lebanon: Seeking a Breakthrough" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (8/13): "A measure has finally been taken to put an end to the month-long crisis in Lebanon. The parties involved must not only immediately suspend hostilities but also search for a lasting ceasefire. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for the complete cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Once the ceasefire goes into effect, Lebanese government troops and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are expected to deploy in southern Lebanon as observers. In line with this, Israel is called upon to withdraw all its troops.... ¶2. "Lebanon faces the possibility of becoming a failed state if the present situation is left as it is. This would have an immeasurably negative impact on an already unstable Middle East.... It is imperative that Israel and Hezbollah lay down their arms. Both sides have continued fighting even after the adoption of the UNSC resolution.... Hezbollah should cease launching missiles at Israel and comply with calls to disarm. Israel must suspend its military operations, including air strikes, and hasten its withdrawal from Lebanon.... We believe that placing confidence in UNIFIL and seeking a lasting ceasefire through diplomacy is a realistic approach." SCHIEFFER