JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 11/08/06

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 11/08/06 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule North Korea policy: 4) Foreign Minister Aso, Secretary Rice in telephone conversation agree to coordinate approaches to resumed six-party talks on North Korea issues 5) Rice, Aso confirm policy stance of not recognizing North Korea as a nuclear power 6) US Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmitt: Talks with North Korea on counterfeiting will be separated from six-party talks on nuclear issue 7) Pressure on North Korea still hot and heavy one month after its nuclear test China ties: 8) Japan-China summit meeting being set up at APEC setting in Hanoi 9) Japan, China to set up cabinet-level council on bilateral economic relations 10) APEC meeting in Hanoi: Members will consider proposal for a regional FTA 11) Prime Minister ABE at international exchange forum promises further international contributions from Japan, receives praise from Prime Minister Blair, by satellite 12) WTO Director General Lamy, Agricultural Minister Matsuoka agree on need to restart round of negotiations 13) Education bill expected to clear the Lower House on the 16th Defense issues: 14) Comment by LDP's Sasagawa that Japan should consider scrapping principle of not letting nuclear weapons transit Japan causes sharp reaction in ruling camp 15) JDA chief Kyuma: In emergency, new runway to be built on shores of Camp Schwab may have to be used for take offs, landings in both directions 16) Locals strongly object to JDA chief's remark about using Futenma alternate runway in both directions 17) Anti-Abe forces in LDP, forty strong, set up Asia policy vision study group Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei & Tokyo Shimbun: Tornado kills 9, injures 23 in Saroma, Hokkaido Nihon Keizai: Toyota to form capital, business tie-ups with Isuzu �A;Akahata: Cabinet Officer apologizes for "staged questions" at town meeting TOKYO 00006420 002 OF 010 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Tornado in Hokkaido: How should we prepare for unexpected disasters? (2) Reform of Social Insurance Agency: LDP should present alternative plan Mainichi: (1) What Ishihara Sangyo did was illegal dumping (2) Criminal trends: Take specific measures Yomiuri: (1) Nuclear debate should be allowed (2) Honma-led Government Tax Commission should create tax system for fiscal reconstruction Nihon Keizai: (1) Contents of discussion in the Government Tax Commission to be questioned (2) Environmental technology prompts realignment of auto manufactures Sankei: (1) Six-party talks: Five countries must strengthen cooperation (2) Transplants of diseased organs from sick patients: Transparency necessary for medical treatment Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Government Tax Commission needs efforts to obtain public understanding (2) Japan, China should step up strategic dialogue for East Asia security Akahata: Government Tax Commission: Let's raise a protest against the ABE cabinet, which is trying to tax ordinary people even more 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, November 7 NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) November 8, 2006 08:43 Cabinet meeting in the Diet. Education and Science Minister Ibuki remained. Then met with Foreign Minister Aso, followed by Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Ota. 09:42 Met with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Shimomura at the Kantei. 10:11 Grand Cordon Award Ceremony at the Imperial Palace. 11:00 Arrived at the Kantei. 13:25 The Order of Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star Award Ceremony at the TOKYO 00006420 003 OF 010 Imperial Palace. 14:44 Met with Special Advisor to the Prime Minister Koike. 16:01 Met with State Minister in charge of Disaster Management Mizote and Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary for Crisis Management Noda. Then attended the government's Tax Research Commission meeting. 17:09 Japan Dream Creation Dojo (School) at the LDP Headquarters. 17:38 Met with former Foreign Minister Machimura, Lower House member Katsuyuki Kawai and others at the Kantei. Machimura remained. 18:30 International exchange forum "The Japanese Renaissance" at Palace Hotel. 19:02 Met secretaries and others at Grand Arc Hanzomon. 20:35 Returned private resident in Tomigaya. 4) Foreign Minister Aso holds telephone dialogue with his US counterpart: Both agree to work together to resume six-party talks TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) November 8, 2006 Foreign Minister Taro Aso yesterday evening talked with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice over the phone for about 10 minutes. They shared the perception that it is important for the five countries other than North Korea to work together for the resumption of the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear program. They will undertake coordination of views with foreign ministers of other countries on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting starting Nov. 15. Aso and Rice also confirmed their refusal to recognize North Korea as a nuclear power. They also vowed to continue the sanctions resolution adopted by the United Nations Security as long as the North does not abandon its nuclear arms. 5) Aso, Rice agree not to recognize North Korea as nuclear power YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) November 8, 2006 Foreign Minister Taro Aso had a telephone conversation with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice last night. As a result, they SIPDIS confirmed the policy course that (1) the two countries will not recognize North Korea as a nuclear power; and (2) the international community must not weaken pressure on North Korea, such as sanctions measures under the UN Security Council resolution, just because the North would return to the six-party talks. They also agreed on the need to coordinate views among Japan, the United States, South Korea, China, and Russia ahead of the next round of the six-party talks through the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) cabinet meeting and other occasions. TOKYO 00006420 004 OF 010 6) Interview with US Deputy Secretary of Treasury Kimmitt: May confer on fake US bills and other issues with North Korea "outside of working group under six-party talks" NIHON KEIZAI (Page 8) (Full) November 8, 2006 Visiting US Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Robert Kimmitt yesterday announced that the US Department of the Treasury was ready to hold direct discussions with North Korean officials in order to call on them to stop their illicit activities, including counterfeiting (US) bills, which led Washington to impose financial sanctions. Kimmitt indicated a plan to confer on financial sanctions outside of a working group to be established under the six-party talks as a forum to discuss the issue. Kimmitt made these statements in an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun in Tokyo. There is a gap between North Korea and the other members of the six-party talks, including Japan and the United States, about how to manage the working group in the multilateral forum. North Korea wants to see the financial sanctions removed quickly, while Japan, the US, and other countries want to lift the sanctions on the condition that the North stop illicit activities. This gap could derail the working group from the moment it is set in motion and impede progress in the six-party talks. The remarks made by Kimmitt are taken to mean that the US will effectively separate the financial sanctions from the six-party talks by showing a willingness to confer on the issue in a separate arena even if the North falls short of assuring it will stop illicit activities. The aim is to avoid a case of North Korea boycotting the talks citing slow progress in coordination on the financial sanctions issue. Citing the direct talks with North Korea held in New York in March of this year for the US to detail the financial sanctions to that country, Kimmitt stated firmly: "There is a possibility that a Department of the Treasury-led bilateral dialogue between the US and North Korea will take place." When asked about the relationship between the US-North Korea dialogue and (the six-party talks), Kimmitt stated, "That dialogue will have nothing to do with denuclearization," and emphasized that the dialogue would not be linked to the working group under the six-party talks. If the dialogue is realized, "We will discuss whether the North Koreans will act in accordance with American and other countries' laws," Kimmitt said, indicating the US would prod the North to end its illicit activities. The illicit activities cited by him include (1) counterfeit bills, (2) cigarette smuggling, and (3) procurement of technology relating to the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Asked about the reconstruction of Iraq, Kimmitt commented: "The Bush administration's stance of assisting Iraq will remain unchanged, regardless of the results of the midterm elections." Kimmitt indicated a plan to have full-fledged consultations with the concerned countries starting this month about international assistance in order to meet a reconstruction roadmap announced this summer by the Maliki government of Iraq. TOKYO 00006420 005 OF 010 7) Differences in level of pressure on North Korea evident one month after nuke test YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) November 8, 2006 Since North Korea conducted a nuclear test on Oct. 9, one month has passed. Various countries have implemented sanction measures against the North, based on a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council. With North Korea's announcement of its return to the six-party talks, however, the five other nations of the six-party talks are beginning to impose different levels of pressure on the North. United States Under Secretary of State Robert Joseph met Deputy Foreign Minister Tsuneo Nishida and Australian Foreign Vice Minister David Richer at the Foreign Minister on Nov. 6 to discuss sanctions against North Korea. China's strengthened overland cargo inspections reportedly prompted North Korea to return to the six-party talks. The US intends to inspect suspicious ships in ports, increasing the possibility that Japan will not have to invoke the Regional Contingency Law to assist US maritime inspections for the time being. However, in the Oct. 6 meeting, too, the US did not rule out the possibility of forcible maritime inspections. A government source said, "In the event that the US takes a forcible measure toward an apparently dangerous ship, Japan will immediately offer cooperation based on the Regional Contingency Law." Meanwhile, South Korea takes the stance that sanctions have already been implemented with such conventional measures as cargo inspections of ships heading toward third countries via South Korea and a ban on money remittances. President Roh Moo Hyun also announced that South Korea would continue the tours to Mt. Kumgan in North Korea. Russia reportedly has yet to take any specific action. These countries' responses are an element of concern before the six-party talks are resumed. Australia, which is not a member of the six-party talks, has banned North Korean ships from entering its ports. Prime Minister Howard indicated an eagerness about vessel inspections in the Sea of Japan, but Australia, like Japan, is watching US moves. The Japanese government has almost completed work to form a list of "luxury items" subject to embargo under the resolution. It plans to disclose the list possibly on Nov. 13, the deadline for Japan to report on the state of sanctions to the UNSC Sanctions Committee, and then intends to start banning trade in the listed items by revising the government ordinance on export and trade control based on the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law. Included in the list are likely to be automobiles, liquor, cigarettes, air conditioners, perfume, and high-class beef. Japan, though, has already prohibited North Korean ships from entering ports and has imposed an embargo on luxury goods. The effect of the new sanctions is likely to be limited. 8) Japan, China to hold a summit in Hanoi in mid-November ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) November 8, 2006 TOKYO 00006420 006 OF 010 Nobuyoshi Sakajiri, Beijing Chinese Foreign Ministry Assistant Minister for Asian Affairs Cui Tiankai yesterday announced at a press conference that President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister ABE would hold a summit on the sidelines of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit Conference in Hanoi slated for mid-November. What is expected to be high on agenda for the summit includes strengthening the strategic reciprocal relationship, the North Korean nuclear issue, on which the six-party talks will resume shortly, and how to implement sanctions against the North. Cui revealed that the Japanese and Chinese governments agreed to have a bilateral summit in Hanoi and indicated that the two leaders "will exchange even more in-depth views on international and regional issues that involve the two countries and are a matter of concern for both, building on Prime Minister Abe's recent visit to China." According to Cui, a US-China summit will be also held in Hanoi. 9) Japan, China to establish annual conference of economic ministers, with such topics as energy and intellectual property NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Full) November 8, 2006 The governments of Japan and China have agreed to establish a Japan-China economic ministerial conference (tentative name),which would be tasked with promoting mutual economic cooperation on a wide range of issues. The ministers would meet once a year, and energy and the protection of intellectual property are expected to be on the first agenda list. When Prime Minister SHINZO ABE visited China in October, ABE and President Hu Jintao agreed in their meeting to launch a program to promote establishing a strategic reciprocal relationship. Setting up a new high-level conference is part of this program. Following the bilateral summit in October, Japan and China will construct multilayered government-to-government channels under a framework of cabinet-level talks. Abe and Hu will reach an official agreement on the new forum at their meeting to be held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Hanoi in mid-November. Japan and China held economic ministerial meetings even when their relations remained strained over former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine, but there was no framework for relevant cabinet ministers to regularly meet. By establishing a new council, both sides aim to effectively promote talks in economic policy areas. They intend to use this conference as the major framework for bilateral economic talks between Japan and China, lined up with summit meetings and comprehensive policy talks by the foreign ministers. Participants in the cabinet-level meetings are likely to include Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Finance Minister Koji Omi, and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akira Amari. It is still unknown who will attend from the Chinese side, but coordination seems to be underway focused on Vice Premier Wu Yi, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, and Commerce Minister Bo Xilai. In a bid to produce results early, the two governments plan to set up sector-specific TOKYO 00006420 007 OF 010 panels of experts after the first meeting of the ministers. In the energy area, Japan will provide China with energy-saving technology and know-how on developing alternative energy. For the protection of the environment, the two countries will work out specific measures. They have also decided to discuss the problem of China's violation of intellectual property rights, such as the spread of fake brand-name appliances and clothing. The ministers also are expected to discuss: (1) financial deregulation and the problem of bad loans in Japan; (2) IT (information technology); and (3) medical issues, such as coping with infectious diseases. 10) APEC: FTAs involving all member nations to be put on meeting's agenda; Hanoi declaration draft unveiled YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) November 8, 2006 An Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting is to be held in Hanoi, Vietnam on Nov. 18-19. The draft of a Hanoi declaration to be issued at a summit meeting to be held on the sidelines of the APEC meeting was unveiled yesterday. The draft for the first time incorporated a policy of looking into the feasibility of a free trade area for the Asia-Pacific (FTAAP) to be formed by 21 APEC member nations. The realization of an FTA involving all APEC member nations means the formation of a huge free trade zone that accounts for 40% of the world's population and 60% of the world's gross domestic product (GDP). The US wants to embark on joint research for the materialization of FTAAP with the summit declaration this time as the occasion. However, China and some other countries are bound to oppose the idea of the US deepening its involvement in Asia over East Asia's economic integration. To what extent APEC can come up with a forward-looking stance at the summit is drawing attention. 11) International Exchange Forum; Prime Minister pledges further promotion of international contribution; British premier highly evaluates Japan's diplomacy YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) November 8, 2006 Prime Minister ABE attended the reception for the international exchange forum "the Japanese Renaissance," held at a hotel in the Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The forum was co-hosted by The Times of Britain and The Yomiuri Shimbun. In a speech given at the reception, the prime minister stressed: "Japan will contribute to the peace and stability of the world more than ever before. It is important to discuss what is needed to that end without fearing old taboos." He also noted: "Japan will also make efforts to promote freedom, democracy, basic human rights and the rule of law in Asia. Sixty years have passed since the end of the war. We now must challenge various issues in a courageous manner." He also stated: "I want to drastically increase the number of international conferences held in Japan so that it can become a gateway to Asia. I want to change the image of Japan, such as that it is closed or it has too many regulations." TOKYO 00006420 008 OF 010 British Prime Minister Blair made a speech to the conference carried live from No. 10 Downing Street. 12) Matsuoka, Lamy agree on early resumption of WTO talks NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full) November 8, 2006 Takafumi Ichimura, Geneva Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka, now visiting Europe, met on Nov. 7 in succession with individuals connected with World Trade Organization (WTO) talks, including Director General Pascal Lamy. As a result, they agreed to make efforts for resuming the Doha Round, which has been suspended since July. After the series of meetings, Matsuoka said: "We are planning to resume the talks around the Christmas holidays in December or the Davos Conference (World Economic Forum) to be held in Switzerland in late January." Lamy did not mention any specific timeline, according to Matsuoka. The farm minister also underlined the need for major players, such as Japan, the United Sates, and European nations, to mutually confirm a willingness to make concessions. He said: "In order for the United States to deeply cut agricultural subsidies, it has to determine whether (such countries as Japan and European nations) are willing to open up their markets in return." 13) Education reform bill to clear Lower House as early as Nov. 16 TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) November 8, 2006 The House of Representatives Special Committee on Basic Education Law decided yesterday to hold on Nov. 9 a session to hear views from experts and on the 13th a public hearing in a local city. The ruling parties suggested taking a vote on a bill revising the Basic Education Law at the Lower House plenary session on the 14th, but the opposition camp turned it down. Therefore, chances are that the bill will clear the Lower House on the 16th or later. The ruling camp initially proposed holding a public hearing on the 10th and putting the bill on a vote on the 13th at the committee, but they made a concession to the opposition, which insisted that more time would be needed for deliberations on the bill. 14) LDP lawmaker Sasagawa's remarks suggesting a review of three nonnuclear principles irritate New Komeito, LDP leadership ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) November 8, 2006 At a liaison meeting yesterday of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) executives, Party Ethics Committee Chairman Takashi Sasagawa referred to a review of the three nonnuclear principles and later caused a stir inside and outside the party. His reference could damage the ABE administration, so the party leadership was desperate to limit the repercussions. Meanwhile, junior coalition partner New Komeito expressed displeasure. After the plenary session yesterday, LDP Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Toshihiro Nikai asked Sasagawa about his remarks: "As a TOKYO 00006420 009 OF 010 personal view, that would be fine, but it is problematic to say such a thing at a meeting, the details of which are publicized." Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa, too, negated Sasagawa's remarks SIPDIS in question, noting: "Such a thing will never be put on the agenda for official discussion in the party." At a time when deliberations on the bill amending the Basic Education Law -- a priority bill -- are at a crucial stage, the party leadership is highly sensitive to problematic remarks. After meeting with Nikai, Sasagawa explained to reporters: "I didn't mention a review of (the three nonnuclear principles). What I said was it's questionable how the United States can defend Japan if it's not allowed to bring (nuclear weapons) into Japan." On the other hand, Nakagawa stated in a speech on Nov. 6: "Our party's position is to adhere to Prime Minister Abe's policy of observing the three nonnuclear principles." Given this, Sasagawa's remarks could be taken to criticize the administration as well as the party leadership. A senior New Komeito member made this comment: "(The LDP) has a wrong view of the situation. ABE is being disrespected." On the other hand, Prime Minister ABE was asked late yesterday by reporters about Sasagawa's remarks and stated: "There's no change in the government's policy." 15) Kyuma: US aircraft may land on planned runways from two directions in emergencies YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) November 8, 2006 Touching on the operation of a facility to be constructed on the coastline of Camp Schwab to replace Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Defense Agency Director-General Fumio Kyuma said before the Lower House Security Committee yesterday: " US aircraft could land on the runways from any direction in emergency situations where saving life is top priority." He thus indicated that Japan would have to allow US aircraft to land on the planned V-shaped pair of runways from both directions strictly in emergency situations. 16) Kyuma: US aircraft could make landings on Futenma alternate runways from two ways; Local objections inevitable MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) November 8, 2006 Defense Agency Director-General Fumio Kyuma indicated before the Lower House Security Committee yesterday that the government would allow US military aircraft to make landings on a V-shaped pair of runways to be constructed on the coastline of Camp Schwab from two directions in emergency situations. He said: "In a life-or-death situation, aircraft could make a landing from any direction." US aircraft would then fly over residential districts, so local residents are likely to raise objections. In April, the Defense Agency reached an agreement with Nago City and other affected municipalities to allow US military aircraft to use only two spots on the seaside for landings in order to remove flight paths from residential district. But the US side later requested approach lights be installed on the either side of the two runways. The Defense Agency intends to specify "emergency use" in a facility operation agreement to be concluded with affected municipalities. TOKYO 00006420 010 OF 010 17) Asia diplomacy vision study group launched, 40 LDP lawmakers take part in it MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) November 8, 2006 Ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers, including Koichi Kato and Taku Yamasaki, who place priority on Japan's foreign policy toward Asian countries, yesterday convened an inaugural meeting of a study group on Japan's "vision" of its Asia foreign and security policies. The formation of the group was decided during the LDP presidential campaign. The group initially seemed to have aimed at rallying together LDP lawmakers who do not favor Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. But since ABE has taken a stance of placing his own emphasis on Asia by making trips to China and South Korea soon after assuming office, the group appears to have been neatly sidestepped. In order to blur the image of it being an anti-Abe group, the organizers tried to call on lawmakers belonging to the Machimura faction, from which ABE hailed, to join. As a result, the inauguration of the group failed to have a major impact. At the inaugural meeting, Kato was chosen chairman and Yamasaki a standing adviser. Yamasaki praised Abe, saying, "I greatly welcome that he was able to overcome the first critical phase," but he criticized former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, saying, "Japan has three foreign policy principles: placing importance on UN diplomacy; on the Japan-US alliance, and on being an Asian country. But Mr. Koizumi attached little importance to Asia diplomacy." The organizers came from all LDP factions except the Kono faction. They included Shinya Izumi, a Nikai faction member, who backed ABE in the party's presidential election. About 40 lawmakers took part in yesterday's meeting. The lineup of organizers appears to be aimed at emphasizing internal harmony, having switched tactics from an Aug. 24 meeting, in which members of the factions supporting ABE did not participate. In the statement revealed yesterday, the group sought to constrain the Yasukuni issue and noted that China and South Korea believe that the prime minister would not visit Yasukuni Shrine while he is in office. It went on to state that if he betrays them, there is a possibility that bilateral relations would return to again being "politically cool, economically hot." Regarding the fact that LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Shoichi Nakagawa and other official have advocated a debate on a nuclear option for Japan, the statement noted that there seems be a move to force a review of the three nonnuclear principles. The group underscored a stance against such a move. Yet a person closed to Kato said, "There is no need now to lock horns with Mr. Abe." Therefore, the challenge at present is for the group to have its say, while closely watching the prime minister's stances for the time being. SCHIEFFER