TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - BURMA, CHINA, AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 001326 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 - BURMA, CHINA, AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers gave top play to the devastation in Sichuan Province, China, which was hit by a powerful earthquake on Monday. ¶2. "Junta's Rejection of International Relief Teams a Crime Against Humanity" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (5/15): "...The Burmese junta's rejection of international relief teams is increasing the damage caused by the cyclone.... UN Secretary-General Ban harshly criticized the junta's response to the cyclone as 'unacceptably slow.' President Bush and leaders of European nations, including the UK and France, also voiced criticism of the Burmese regime.... The decision by the junta to go forward with a national referendum on May 24 in the devastated areas was detached from reality.... The UN expressed the view in 2005 that the international community has a responsibility to protect people if their government commits a crime against humanity.... The UN may need to take action to rescue those people who are in a life or death situation. The responsibility of China and Russia is great, as they have close relations with the junta." ¶3. "Protection of Human Life the Primary Responsibility" The conservative Sankei argued in an editorial (5/15): "...The U.S. and Japan have offered all possible support, including personnel assistance, to China. Why is China refusing such offers? ... The Chinese government declined Japan's offer of a professional rescue team by saying that accepting such a team would be difficult for the time being due to bad road conditions in the devastated areas.... President Hu has ordered his subordinates to make every effort possible to rescue injured persons and ensure the safety of residents in the affected regions. The earthquake was massive. China would be unlikely to lose face even if it were to accept the assistance of foreign nations." ¶4. "Predicament of Palestinian Refugees Should Be Ended" The liberal Asahi's editorial said (5/15): "...The issue of Palestinian refugees must not be forgotten. The number of such refugees registered with the UN has increased to 4.5 million.... Although President Bush is making diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement on Middle East peace before he steps down next January, peace will be impossible without solving the issue of Palestinian refugees.... We hope the U.S. will play a fair and positive role as a mediator." DONOVAN