TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - G20 SUMMIT

UNCLAS TOKYO 003160 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 - G20 SUMMIT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Monday papers gave top play to the declaration issued on Saturday by leaders of the G20 nations concerning measures to deal with the financial crisis. ¶2. "Unity Should Be Maintained" The liberal Asahi editorialized (11/17): "...The declaration appears to be a simple compilation of wishes of the G20 nations. However, the summit made an initial step to prevent the current crisis from spreading further and happening again... It is significant that the G20 nations could reach an agreement by sharing consensus. There are many issues disagreed among the G20 nations, though. Whether they will be able to create a framework for cooperation depends on their efforts to overcome those differences." ¶3. "Historic Cooperation Should Be Put into Practice" The liberal Mainichi stated in an editorial (11/17): "... The G20 nations made the first step toward the resolution of the financial crisis by sharing the consensus that a lack of cooperation will make all of them losers. Although their efforts will be determined by their future actions, we welcome the G20 agreement as a move to confirm their future direction." ¶4. "Determination Displayed to Resolve Crisis" The moderate Yomiuri opined in an editorial (11/17): "It is impossible to overcome the current financial crisis by industrialized nations alone. It is historically significant that leaders of emerging nations took part in the summit." ¶5. "Next Step Will Be Tested" The business-oriented Nikkei's editorial said (11/17): "... We welcome the determination demonstrated by the G20 nations to fight the financial crisis by overcoming their differences... However, no end to the current crisis is in sight yet, and the world economy will likely worsen further. The declaration alone is not sufficient." ¶6. "Action Called For" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun contended in an editorial (11/17): "The G20 nations agreed at their emergency summit on reform of the global financial system and other issues. Although this is the first step toward the resolution of the problem, how to put their ideas into shape remained undetermined. Cooperation between developed nations and emerging economies is essential." SCHIEFFER