MEDIA REACTION Q NORTH KOREA - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 005772 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 NORTH KOREA - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers front-paged the DPRK's statement Tuesday that it will conduct a nuclear test in the future. ¶1. "North Korean Nuclear Threat Enters New Stage" The top- circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (10/4): "North Korea's announcement that it will conduct a nuclear test in the future suggests that Pyongyang is further escalating its desperate brinkmanship as the international community's net around it tightens.... Should the DPRK go forward with a test, it would provide the first clear proof that Pyongyang has nuclear weapons, which would mean that its nuclear weapons program has entered a new stage. ¶2. "This would pose an extremely grave threat to peace and security in the region. The international community can hardly overlook such a situation. As Prime Minister Abe said, the international community has no choice but to adopt an even firmer stance toward North Korea than it did after Pyongyang launched missiles in July.... What is the point of a nuclear test? Pyongyang's main aim is likely to push the US into changing its stance on sanctions and draw the US into direct bilateral talks." ¶3. "Playing the Nuclear Card Will Only Invite Isolation" An editorial in the business-oriented Nihon Keizai wrote (10/4): "The North Korean Foreign Ministry released a statement Tuesday indicating that it will conduct a nuclear test in the future. The ministry did not clarify the exact timing of a test, however. The DPRK is likely trying to ratchet up tensions out of a sense of crisis over US and Japanese financial sanctions. ¶4. "Though it is clear that Pyongyang hopes to draw the US into direct talks, there is no sign that the Bush administration will compromise and begin a dialogue with North Korea so long as it is engaging in nuclear brinkmanship. It is certain that a nuclear test would only serve to further isolate North Korea. It is hard to fathom why they do not grasp this point.... There is only one path available to North Korea. It must give up its nuclear adventurism, return to the six-party talks, and declare an end to its nuclear program." DONOVAN