Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08TOKYO1001
2008-04-11 04:31:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - TIBET AND NORTH KOREA
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UNCLAS TOKYO 001001
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 - TIBET AND NORTH KOREA
UNCLAS TOKYO 001001
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 - TIBET AND NORTH KOREA
1. LEAD STORIES: All papers gave front-page play to the
Dalai Lama's press remarks on Thursday, during which he
expressed his opposition to the violent protests that
disturbed the Olympic torch relay in London, Paris, and
San Francisco.
2. "We Should Protect Both Human Rights and Olympic
Torch" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized
(4/11): "...The Chinese government has labeled the
protests in London, Paris, and San Francisco 'sabotage
by a small number of elements who advocate independence
for Tibet.' However, the demonstrators were calling for
the protection of human rights, not independence.... In
order to help the people of China think about the issue
of Tibet in a cool-headed manner, the Chinese
government should accept international inspectors and
allow domestic and foreign journalists to gather
information there and file stories freely.... In order
to get the torch to the Olympics with the blessing of
the international community, the Chinese government
should sincerely listen to the voices at home and
abroad calling for protection of human rights. It
should also hold a dialogue with the Dalai Lama. The
torch will not be protected only by security guards,
regardless of their strength. The best way to prevent
the flame from being extinguished is to protect the
human rights of the people of Tibet."
3. "What Changes to Expect of South Korea?" The
moderate Yomiuri said in an editorial (4/11): "We
expect that Japan will keep an eye on the future policy
of South Korea's Lee administration toward North Korea.
The new ROK government plans to attach conditions to
its economic assistance to North Korea and to urge
Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programs. This is a
very different approach from that of the government of
former President Roh Moo Hyun, who took a conciliatory
approach toward Pyongyang and supported the DPRK based
on his political beliefs and nationalism.... How far
will South Korea depart from its previous approach of
appeasement? President Lee's trips to the U.S. and
Japan next week will be the first opportunity to
determine his position on the issue."
4. "Much Work Left to Do" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun's
editorial argued (4/11): "Following the U.S.-DPRK
meeting in Singapore, the U.S. held discussions with
the other members of the six-party talks in Beijing.
However, those representatives were told by the chief
U.S. delegate that there is a lot of work to do to
reach a final agreement regarding Pyongyang's nuclear
declaration.... North Korea is responsible for the
denuclearization process, as it took part in drawing up
the agreement at the six-party talks. It should fulfill
its promises as soon as possible."
MESERVE
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 - TIBET AND NORTH KOREA
1. LEAD STORIES: All papers gave front-page play to the
Dalai Lama's press remarks on Thursday, during which he
expressed his opposition to the violent protests that
disturbed the Olympic torch relay in London, Paris, and
San Francisco.
2. "We Should Protect Both Human Rights and Olympic
Torch" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized
(4/11): "...The Chinese government has labeled the
protests in London, Paris, and San Francisco 'sabotage
by a small number of elements who advocate independence
for Tibet.' However, the demonstrators were calling for
the protection of human rights, not independence.... In
order to help the people of China think about the issue
of Tibet in a cool-headed manner, the Chinese
government should accept international inspectors and
allow domestic and foreign journalists to gather
information there and file stories freely.... In order
to get the torch to the Olympics with the blessing of
the international community, the Chinese government
should sincerely listen to the voices at home and
abroad calling for protection of human rights. It
should also hold a dialogue with the Dalai Lama. The
torch will not be protected only by security guards,
regardless of their strength. The best way to prevent
the flame from being extinguished is to protect the
human rights of the people of Tibet."
3. "What Changes to Expect of South Korea?" The
moderate Yomiuri said in an editorial (4/11): "We
expect that Japan will keep an eye on the future policy
of South Korea's Lee administration toward North Korea.
The new ROK government plans to attach conditions to
its economic assistance to North Korea and to urge
Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programs. This is a
very different approach from that of the government of
former President Roh Moo Hyun, who took a conciliatory
approach toward Pyongyang and supported the DPRK based
on his political beliefs and nationalism.... How far
will South Korea depart from its previous approach of
appeasement? President Lee's trips to the U.S. and
Japan next week will be the first opportunity to
determine his position on the issue."
4. "Much Work Left to Do" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun's
editorial argued (4/11): "Following the U.S.-DPRK
meeting in Singapore, the U.S. held discussions with
the other members of the six-party talks in Beijing.
However, those representatives were told by the chief
U.S. delegate that there is a lot of work to do to
reach a final agreement regarding Pyongyang's nuclear
declaration.... North Korea is responsible for the
denuclearization process, as it took part in drawing up
the agreement at the six-party talks. It should fulfill
its promises as soon as possible."
MESERVE