TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - PAKISTAN AND CUBA

UNCLAS TOKYO 000458 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 - PAKISTAN AND CUBA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers led with the continuing investigation into Tuesday's collision between an MSDF vessel and a fishing boat. ¶2. "Election Results Deal Blow to Musharraf" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (2/21): "...Whatever administration is established in Pakistan, the nation bears heavy responsibility to the international community. Of primary concern is the war on terrorism. The border area between Pakistan and Afghanistan has become the base of operations for the Taliban and al-Qaeda. Another issue is Pakistan's control of its nuclear weapons. Pakistan, along with India and North Korea, possesses nuclear arms without the understanding of the global community. It would be impermissible for Islamabad's nuclear weapons to fall into the hands of terrorists due to political instability in the country. We hope the situation in Pakistan will stabilize following the elections." ¶3. "Pakistan Should Listen to International Concerns" The conservative Sankei's editorial said (2/21): "...The international community strongly hopes that a democratic government will be established in Pakistan. Incoming political leaders should listen to the concerns and expectations of the international community.... The international community, which has backed the Musharraf government in view of his support for the war on terrorism, needs to consider the reason for the defeat of the ruling party in the recent parliamentary elections. In order to continue the war on terror and ensure that Pakistan's nuclear weapons remain under strict control, it will be essential for the international community to provide Pakistan with assistance that will be welcomed by its people." ¶4. "Time for U.S. To Review Sanctions on Cuba" The liberal Mainichi editorialized (2/21): "...We are concerned about the continuing U.S. antagonism toward the Castro regime in Cuba. The U.S. continues to have no diplomatic ties with Cuba and is keeping in place unilateral sanctions that ban trade, investment, and tourism.... The UN General Assembly last year adopted its 16th resolution calling on the U.S. to lift its sanctions on Cuba. Only three nations opposed the motion. Even in the U.S., some have voiced doubts about the sanctions.... The Castro administration accused the U.S. of hurting the Cuban economy by attempting to 'contain' the nation. He was able to unite the Cuban people by whipping up anti-American sentiment and nationalism. The next U.S. administration should seek a path toward diplomatic normalization with Cuba by reviewing the sanctions and resuming dialogue with Havana." SCHIEFFER