TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - RESIGNATION OF PRIME

UNCLAS TOKYO 004292 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: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - RESIGNATION OF PRIME MINISTER ABE AND RUSSIAN POLITICAL SITUATION LEAD STORIES: All Friday morning papers led with an informal decision by former Chief Cabinet Secretary Fukuda to run in the LDP presidential race, with dailies noting that support for his candidacy apparently exceeds that for party Secretary General Aso. ¶1. "Candidates' Policies and Qualifications Must Be Scrutinized" The top circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/14): "Following Prime Minister Abe's announcement that he will step down, the LDP presidential election campaign officially starts today. The ruling party must elect a new president with experience and strong leadership in order to restore public trust and get the country back on a steady track.... PM Abe cited as the reason for his resignation the deadlock concerning a continuation of the MSDF refueling operation in the Indian Ocean. No matter who succeeds Abe, an extension of the operation is an international commitment that must be fulfilled. LDP presidential candidates in the campaign must demonstrate to both domestic and foreign audiences that Japan will not withdraw from the operation." ¶2. "Putin Makes Strategic Move to Hold on to Power" Moscow correspondent Komaki of the liberal Asahi wrote (9/14): "Following his nomination by President Putin as prime minister, Victor Zubkov, the head of the Russian government's financial market watchdog, said on Thursday that he might run in the presidential election next March if he can 'accomplish something as premier.' As his appointment was not widely expected, speculation is rife about whom Putin will tap as his successor.... It is certain that Putin made this sudden appointment in an attempt to strengthen his grip on the government. Opposition Yabloko leader Yavlinsky said: 'It is apparent that Putin hopes to retain power even after his expected retirement.' As it is almost certain that Putin's favored successor will win the presidential election, it appears as though Putin may be the only person whose vote counts." SCHIEFFER