TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - KOSOVO DECLARATION OF

UNCLAS TOKYO 000427 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 - KOSOVO DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Tuesday morning included an agreement between the ruling and opposition camps on procedures concerning Diet approval of nominees for key portfolios, such as Bank of Japan governor and Fair Trade Commission Chairman. ¶2. "How to Avoid Confusion on the Balkan Peninsula" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (2/19): "What must be avoided for the time being is an accidental clash between Kosovo and Serbian forces. Self-restraint and due consideration on both sides are very important. It was a matter of course for NATO, tasked with ensuring security in Kosovo, to demonstrate its readiness to intervene in the event of a conflict. A rise in ethnic sentiment in Serbia is particularly concerning. Riots broke out across Serbia in protest of Kosovo's declaration of independence. The Serbian leadership's crisis-management capabilities are being tested. Negotiations over the final status of Kosovo broke down late last year, but a solution that will lead to regional peace and stability can only be attained through dialogue. Leaders on both sides need to search for a fundamental solution." ¶3. "First Step toward Stability" The liberal Asahi argued (2/19): "The U.S. and EU have endorsed Kosovo's declaration of independence. Independence for Kosovo is the only way to stabilize the region, overcome ethnic hatred, and achieve reconciliation. It must have been an agonizing decision. The international community should patiently support Serbia and Kosovo so that they can open a new chapter in their history.... In order to keep the situation from being destabilized, Serbian concerns must be addressed, and the safety of Serbians in Kosovo must be ensured. It is also important to keep talking to Russia about the matter, as Moscow has opposed independence for Kosovo." ¶4. "Careful Approach Needed to Avert Ethnic Conflict" The liberal Mainichi insisted (2/19): "When countries accept a declaration of independence without UN authorization, they may end up prompting other ethnic groups to unilaterally declare independence. Some nations are concerned that independence for Kosovo may have opened a Pandora's Box. Historically speaking, Kosovo's independence is a logical result. The EU, as a guardian of Kosovo, should join with the U.S. in persuading Russia and Serbia to coexist with Kosovo." SCHIEFFER