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