TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - G8 SUMMIT

UNCLAS TOKYO 001901 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 - G8 SUMMIT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers gave top play to Prime Minister Fukuda's press conference at the close of the G8 summit on Wednesday. ¶2. "Numerical Target Disappeared Overnight" The liberal Asahi editorialized (7/10): "...Unfortunately, major emitters failed to set a goal that includes a numerical target. During the 16-country leaders' meeting, including the G8 nations, China, and India, developed nations and emerging economies failed to agree on concerted action.... We cannot say that any remarkable results were obtained, as the nations present failed to express their determination to fight global warming by stating specific numbers. There is hope, however, that change may come.... While being cautious from the fear that they may have to bear the greater burden, both developed nations and emerging economies appear to have started to move in the same direction." ¶3. "From Sharing Sense of Crisis to Taking Action" The liberal Mainichi's editorial argued (7/10): "...The G8 summit demonstrated that it is difficult for the G8 alone to resolve global issues.... The ambiguous G8 agreement, which gave consideration to the U.S., did not lead to progress in the MEM.... The G8 is urged to take positive action by making sure the U.S. is involved." ¶4. "Dialogue Should Be Continued to Overcome Crisis" The moderate Yomiuri's editorial stated (7/10): "In order to overcome current global crises, we need to continue patient dialogue and sow the seeds for policy coordination. It was significant that the leaders of the G8 and other participating nations shared a sense of crisis and sent the message that they will move toward policy coordination." ¶5. "Did G8 Show Ability to Settle Problems?" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (7/10): "...It will be difficult for the G8 on its own to cope with soaring oil and food prices and global warming. Recognizing the limits of their ability, the G8 nations urged emerging economies to take part in the common discussion and produced results." ¶6. "G8 Makes Step Forward, But Dissatisfaction Remains" The conservative Sankei said in an editorial (7/10): "The G8 agreement brought about important progress on global warming, as both European nations, which are proactive in fighting global warming, and the U.S., which is cautious about the issue, welcomed it as an 'achievement.'" ¶7. "We Need a Shared Sense of Crisis" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun editorialized (7/10): "...Although the MEM's position of cooperating on the common problem of global warming was made clear during the G8 summit, no concrete progress was made. China and India remain opposed to the G8 agreement proposing a common goal for both industrialized nations and developing countries." SCHIEFFER