MEDIA REACTION Q NORTH KOREA - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 005892 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: All six Wednesday morning papers gave top play to the ongoing discussions at the UN Security Council (UNSC) on a US draft resolution calling for stricter sanctions on North Korea based on Chapter 7 of the UN Charter. ¶1. "We Condemn North Korea's Nuclear Test" The liberal Asahi editorialized (10/11): "The dictatorship neighboring Japan has announced that it conducted a nuclear test. Although details of the test are as yet unknown, it is clear that tensions are rising in East Asia and around the world. North Korea says it needs deterrent force to protect its security. But is this the only reason? This is a country that has committed such crimes as the abductions and terrorism, and it has repeatedly flouted international rules. We suspect that the purpose of having nuclear weapons is to use them to make unreasonable demands. To this end, Pyongyang has isolated itself from the international community, challenged the UN, and threatened the peace and stability of the world. This recklessness cannot be permitted." ¶2. "Dangerous New Nuclear Age" An editorial in the top- circulation, moderate Yomuri commented (10/11): "Prime Minister Abe said: 'We have entered a dangerous new nuclear age.' North Korea announced that it conducted an underground nuclear test, posing a serious challenge to world peace by a rogue state. For Japan, this represents a major change to the nation's security environment.... The UNSC needs to quickly adopt a resolution calling for effective sanctions. Up to now, permanent UNSC members China and Russia have been extremely cautious about sanctions on North Korea. Although both nations criticized the North Korean nuclear test in unusually harsh language, they are still likely to take a cautious stance on sanctions. If the UNSC is unable to impose effective sanctions, Pyongyang will only be emboldened." ¶3. "Impose Harsh Sanctions to Force North Korea to Abandon Its Nuclear Ambitions" The business-oriented Nihon Keizai editorialized (10/11): "North Korea announced Monday that it conducted a nuclear test. Coming in defiance of a UNSC president's statement calling on North Korea to exercise restraint and warning of sanctions, this was an outrageous act. While Japan, the US, China, South Korea, and Russia issued statements criticizing the North Korean nuclear test, the UNSC began discussing a US draft resolution on sanctions. What is important now is to get North Korea back to the six-party talks and have it pledge to give up its nuclear program. At present, there are no effective means other than harsh economic sanctions." SCHIEFFER