JAPAN UNSURE ABOUT APPROACH TO VENEZUELA

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 005305

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR WHA - LOURDES CUE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM VE JA
SUBJECT: JAPAN UNSURE ABOUT APPROACH TO VENEZUELA

REF: A. STATE 157005

B. STATE 157206

Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).


1. (U) This cable contains an action message. Please see
paragraph 3.


2. (C) Japan's approach to the proposed constitutional
changes in Venezuela is a "sensitive" and "delicate" matter,
MOFA South America and Caribbean Division Principal Deputy
Director Akifumi Mizuguchi told Embassy Tokyo Political
Officer November 20 in response to reftel demarches,
delivered November 16. Because the Chavez administration is
following democratic rules in proposing the amendments, Japan
does not know how to respond. Mizuguchi asked 1) Specifically
what action will the United States take? 2) What specific
action does the United States want Japan to take besides
"joining the voices of international concern?" and 3) When
should these actions take place, before or after the December
2 referendum?


3. (U) ACTION REQUEST: Please provide guidance on how to
respond to these questions.
SCHIEFFER