C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 000436

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2017
TAGS: PREL UP JA
SUBJECT: JAPAN ASKS ABOUT U.S.-UKRAINE RELATIONS


Classified By: Political Section Depty Carol T. Reynolds for reasons 1.
4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) This message contains an action request in para 2.


2. (C) In the course of a separate conversation on FM Aso's
recent visit to Eastern Europe, MOFA Central and South
Eastern Europe Division Deputy Director Hiroki Takabayashi
observed that not all of the countries subsumed in Aso's "Arc
of Freedom and Prosperity" are "solid." Japan is especially
concerned about stability in the countries of GUUAM (Georgia,
Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Moldova), where "frozen
conflicts" (internal conflicts with pro-Russia military
groups) persist. He noted with particular concern the recent
rise to power of notoriously pro-Russia Ukraine Prime
Minister Viktor Yanukovych. Noting that the United States
had supported GUUAM in the past, Takabayashi asked if U.S.
assistance to the Ukraine would diminish with anti-U.S.
elements gaining power in the Ukrainian government. ACTION
REQUEST: Please provide guidance on how to respond to this
question.
SCHIEFFER