TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - IRAN NATIONAL

UNCLAS TOKYO 005484 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 - IRAN NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE ESTIMATE LEAD STORIES: Front-page items on Friday morning include a North Korean press report that President Bush has sent letters to leaders of the other members of the six-party talks, including DPRK leader Kim Jong Il, calling for promotion of the denuclearization process. ¶1. "And Then There Was North Korea" The liberal Mainichi editorialized (12/7): "This year's National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) concluded that Iran halted its nuclear-weapons programs in 2003 and has not resumed it since. It must be a severe blow to the Bush administration, which has stressed the threat posed by Iran and hinted at the possible use of force against the nation.... The latest NIE assessment reminds us of the Bush administration's trumpeting of the 'threat' of Iraq's WMD ahead of the invasion of that country in ¶2003. There were no WMD there.... Past mistakes by U.S. intelligence authorities tell us that we cannot immediately conclude that the latest NIE report is completely accurate. However, if President Bush and Vice President Cheney have been making tough statements about Iran in full knowledge of the results of this intelligence estimate, they will not be able to escape suspicion that they have been unfairly trying to manipulate the public.... North Korea's suspected nuclear programs should be strictly verified. Pyongyang should also give a full accounting of its suspected nuclear support for Syria.... Although the U.S. has been very concerned about any moves by Iran, and before that Iraq, North Korea has actually conducted a nuclear test, and its nuclear program is a real threat to the international community." ¶2. "No Reason to Relax Sanctions on Iran" The conservative Sankei editorialized (12/7): "The recent U.S. NIE report concludes that Iran halted its nuclear- weapons program in 2003. Some hold the opinion that this assessment has dealt a blow to the Bush administration, which has been urging additional sanctions on Tehran, and worked in Iran's favor. Iranian President Ahmadinejad declared that the report dealt a 'finishing blow' to the U.S. and brought victory to the people of Iran. However, this is no true. Suspicions that Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons have yet to be dispelled. The NIE clearly pointed out that its nuclear-weapons program continued until 2003. That program could be resumed at anytime.... The assessment is likely to affect UN Security Council discussions on additional sanctions on Iran. However, Tehran has ignored two previous UNSC resolutions. Iran still bears the responsibility of regaining international confidence." SCHIEFFER