JAPAN WELCOMES ASIA DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP

UNCLAS TOKYO 003451 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KDEM PREL XB JA SUBJECT: JAPAN WELCOMES ASIA DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP ¶1. (SBU) Summary: In a July 17 meeting with Deputy Special Envoy Christian Whiton, MOFA Regional Policy Division Director Kazutoshi Aikawa indicated initial support for the proposed Asian Democracy Partnership while saying that GOJ deliberations were ongoing and that they would provide a list of questions shortly. He stressed that aid coordination and focused projects would make the Partnership useful. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) While in Japan to discuss broadcasting issues, Deputy Special Envoy for Human Rights in North Korea Christian Whiton met July 17 with MOFA Policy Division Director Kazutoshi Aikawa concerning the Asian Democracy Partnership (ADP). Whiton provided a recap on the design and goals of the ADP, and updated GOJ officials on recent developments. Whiton also differentiated the ADP from the proposed Quad and the Partnership for Democratic Governance. ADP a Venue for Aid Coordination -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Aikawa said that Japan generally welcomes the ADP. He noted that after 60 years of being a model democracy, Japan was ready to be more forthcoming in promoting democracy in Asia. Aikawa stated that Japan views the ADP as a venue for aid coordination, which should start with small focused projects. He also recommended a "low profile" role for the U.S. and Japan in the ADP to avoid appearing "high handed." ¶4. (SBU) Aikawa asked if the ADP would be considered a "subsidiary" to other democratic associations and added strongly that the GOJ would like to see the ADP as a substantive stand-alone organization that would "do real things." One way to do this, Aikawa suggested, was by organizing projects that promote transparency, alleviate social inequalities, fight corruption or organize elections in countries such as Indonesia. He also stressed that when promoting democracy, the issue of religion needs to be included and carefully addressed. Future Steps -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Aikawa asked if the U.S. was really serious about the ADP initiative. He pressed the notion that the U.S. needs to prove its commitment to other potential ADP countries. Aikawa also recommended that the USG explain to China in the near future why it is excluded from the ADP. ¶6. (SBU) Whiton stated that the ADP has support at senior levels of the USG and that U.S. view of the ADP was largely consistent with Japan's. Responding to Whiton's question on next steps for ADP development, Aikawa advocated for a meeting of mid-level officials including potential participating countries. This meeting should take place in a developing country in the Asian region, Aikawa said, mentioning Indonesia as a possibility. The GOJ will compile a list of questions concerning the ADP and transmit it to the U.S. soon, Aikawa stated. SCHIEFFER