MEDIA REACTION NORTH KOREA - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 000722 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 NORTH KOREA - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Thursday morning's Mainichi and Tokyo Shimbun front-paged a USDA OIG report on the finding of downer cattle entering the food supply. ¶1. "After Japan-DPRK Talks: Watching North Korea's Next Step" The liberal Asahi editorialized (2/9): "The Japan- DPRK talks that started Saturday in Beijing came to a close Wednesday without producing any noticeable results. Both sides only agreed to continue the bilateral dialogue. Chief Japanese negotiator Haraguchi's indignation over Pyongyang's lack of sincerity and desire to bring progress to the talks is understandable. Not only did the North Koreans not offer a reasonable response to Japan's calls to clarify the truth concerning the abductions and to hand those responsible over to Japan; they actually made the outrageous demand that Japan should surrender NGO personnel who have helped North Koreans to escape from their country. Although Japan's basic policy has been to deal with North Korea through a combination of dialogue and pressure, the pattern of such behavior on the part of Pyongyang will inevitably ramp up public support for pressure. The North Koreans should seriously take this into account. ¶2. "Progress was lacking not only on the abduction issue but also on North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Additionally, Japanese negotiators inquired about North Korean counterfeiting and money laundering. Throughout the meetings, though, the DPRK showed no willingness to listen.... North Korea probably agreed to meet with Japan in order to demonstrate to the US and China its intention to continue dialogue, including the six-party talks in Beijing. Although it appears that Pyongyang is playing for time, Kim Jong Il recently visited China, and there has been behind-the-scenes contact with the US, as well. We want to keep a close eye on North Korea's next step." SCHIEFFER