DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02/26/08

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 000505 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02/26/08 INDEX: (1) Japan has high expectations for President Lee's "pragmatic diplomacy" (Mainichi) (2) Japan-South Korea summit gives momentum to resuming EPA negotiations (Yomiuri) (3) Japan, Australia start EPA negotiations in Tokyo (Yomiuri) (4) All municipal assemblies in Okinawa to adopt resolution of protest against recent alleged rape of junior high school girl by U.S. Marine (Ryukyu Shimpo) (5) U.S. military in Okinawa to continue a 24-hour ban on leaving base until March 3 (Ryukyu Shimpo) (6) Foreign Minister Koumura: Government's preventive measures tentative; Okamoto stresses need to educate U.S. military personnel so that there is zero-crime rate; Gabe points out important for government to recognize crimes in entire U.S. military (Okinawa Times) (7) Okinawa calls on gov't to stop 3 surveys in Futenma relocation prelim study (Okinawa Times) (8) What is Fukuda administration's environmental diplomacy? (Part 3 -conclusion): Need for debate on balance of work and life (Asahi) (9) Poll on Fukuda cabinet, political parties, Aegis accident, LDP-DPJ grand coalition (Sankei) ARTICLES: (1) Japan has high expectations for President Lee's "pragmatic diplomacy" MAINICHI (Page 3) (Abridged) February 26, 2008 The first summit meeting between Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak has paved the way for resuming reciprocal visits, which have been on hold since the former Koizumi administration, ushering a new age for Japan-South Korea relations. Japanese government and political leaders have high hopes for the new South Korean administration, which is exhibiting a harder stance toward North Korea than the previous administration. In their first summit meeting, Prime Minister Fukuda and President Lee confirmed their intention to build a new, future-oriented era in Japan-South Korea relations. This is not the first time that the top leaders of the two countries have discussed such a plan. Similar words were exchanged five years ago when then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with President Roh Moo Hyun immediately after his inauguration. Although it was welcomed as an indication of Roh's stance attaching importance to Japan, relations between the two countries have strained since then. On the installment of a conservative administration in South Korea after a hiatus of ten years, a senior Foreign Ministry official said with deep emotion, "A true new era has opened in Japan-ROK relations." A large number of Japanese political and business TOKYO 00000505 002 OF 013 leaders also attended Lee's inauguration apparently out of expectations for change. They are hopeful that Lee, a former businessman, can bring true change to South Korea, drawing a distinction from Roh, who brought his own visions into foreign policy by presenting himself as president with the common touch. In November 2005, then President Roh presented the Yasukuni, historical, and the so-called wartime comfort women issues to then Prime Minister Koizumi apparently in an effort to impress the South Korean public with his hard-line stance toward Japan. The relationship between Tokyo and Seoul has estranged as a result. At the same time, the number of travelers between the two countries is nearly 5 million annually owing to the waves of economic investment and cultural exchanges, including the Korean cultural boom. The Japanese government is hopeful that the wave of popular diplomacy will spill over to intergovernmental talks due to the Lee administration's pragmatic diplomacy. The resumption of reciprocal visits by top leaders of Japan and South Korea is a symbol of that. President Lee's visit to Japan in late April, Prime Minister Fukuda's another trip to South Korea within this year, Fukuda's invitation of Lee to the G8 Lake Toya Summit in July are all indented to strengthen the foundation for political relations of the two countries. Specific discussion may give rise to disputes "You are the first guest (for me to see as president)," President Lee said at the outset of his meeting with Fukuda. The comment indicated that the two countries have returned to relations in which both regard each other as special. President Lee can get credit from the normalization of Japan-South Korea relations, which have constantly been marked with disputes. The Lee administration also wants to actively use a friendly mood with Japan for the general election in April. Nevertheless, discussion of specifics might result in policy debate in South Korea. That is because the Grand National Party led by Lee is in center-right sandwiched by two conservative and progressive parties. For instance, the Japanese media reported on Feb. 22 that Fukuda and Lee were likely to reach an agreement to resume the talks on an economic partner ship agreement (EPA). The South Korean Foreign and Trade Ministry rebutted it in a press release on the same day. The press release clarified South Korea's basic position that the talks can be resumed if Japan has wishes to make improvements, listing topics for discussion, such as a review of the standards for opening up the agricultural market. Lee won the election for being strong in economics. Making major concessions on the economic front would directly drag down his support rate. Although an agreement has been reached on holding preliminary talks for resuming the EPA talks, discussion of specifics has been postponed until after the general election. Once detailed discussion beings, a dispute might result in. Further, gaps seem to exist in views between Tokyo and Seoul on enhancing cooperative ties between Japan, the United States, and South Korea. After the summit, Japanese authorities noted that President Lee had referred to strengthening bilateral ties. The TOKYO 00000505 003 OF 013 South Korean side did not mention this part, however. Before its inauguration, the Lee administration received a strong protest from China in January. Lee has given consideration to China, as seen in the fact that he always touches on "cooperation between Japan, China, and South Korea" when he refers to "cooperation between Japan, the United States, and South Korea." In his inaugural address, President Lee said that South Korea will strengthen ties not only with the United States but also with Japan, China, Russia, and Central Asian countries. President Lee is expected to continue giving consideration to those countries until the foundation of his administration becomes stable. Rebuilding cooperative ties in policy toward North Korea The Japanese government welcomes Lee's inauguration, thinking that Japan, the United States, and South Korea will be able to rebuild close trilateral relations in policy toward North Korea. A Japanese source familiar with Japan-DPRK talks took this view regarding the former Roh administration, which put high priority on reconciliation between the South and North: "South Korea placed disproportionate weight on support for North Korea without any quid pro quo. That has strained relations between Japan and the United States. Disarray between Japan, the United States, and South Korea has encouraged the North's brinkmanship." President Lee, on the other hand, has made it clear that the denuclearization of the North should come first, while revealing his intention to continue with humanitarian and economic aid to the North. A senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official doe not think that President Lee will take reconciliatory policy unilaterally. Tokyo intends to enhance cooperative ties with South Korea within the six-party framework. Japan held TCOG (Trilateral Coordination and Oversight Group) meeting with the United States and South Korea as necessary to coordinate policy toward the North. The group has not met since ¶2003. Japan intends to reinforce cooperative ties by, for instance, rebuilding TCOG. Tokyo also wants to obtain Seoul's close cooperation under President Lee on the issue of Japanese abducted by North Korea. In his meeting with Fukuda, Lee said: "I am well aware of the (abduction) issue. I would like to cooperate for resolving the issue." The South Korean government has defined the abduction issue as one humanitarian issue. Attention is now focused on how far the South Korean government will change that stance. (2) Japan-South Korea summit gives momentum to resuming EPA negotiations YOMIURI (Page 9) (Full) February 26, 2008 Following the meeting held yesterday between new South Korean President Lee Myung Bak and Prime Minister Fukuda, the governments of Japan and South Korea kicked off efforts to resume negotiations on concluding an economic partnership agreement (EPA),which have been suspended since November 2004. Japan has largely lagged behind other countries in competing to sign EPAs. By quickly reopening EPA TOKYO 00000505 004 OF 013 talks with South Korea, Japan hopes to catch up with the U.S. and Europe in the EPA race. In South Korea, however, some persons are cautious about a strengthening of relations with Japan. Given this situation, negotiations may not go smoothly. Yearly growing trade value The value of trade between Japan and South Korea has been growing yearly, topping 9 trillion yen in 2006. However, since Japan has had a trade surplus with South Korea for years, some South Koreans are worried that if the two countries sign an EPA, their country's trade deficit with Japan might swell further. South Korea has imposed an 8 PERCENT tariff on imported automobiles and precision machinery in a bid to protect its domestic markets. The ratio of tariff-free products to all industrial products is about 77 PERCENT in Japan and about 38 PERCENT in South Korea. Some people in South Korea are alarmed that a removal of tariffs in more sectors may lead to a sharp increase in imports from Japan. In past negotiations, South Korea called on Japan to significantly raise its 24 PERCENT tariff-abolition rate in the agricultural sector. There are also such political issues as school textbooks pending between the two countries. These factors reportedly were behind the suspension of EPA negotiations. Sense of alarm in Japan Japan is now eager to reopen talks with South Korea on an EPA just after the new administration was inaugurated there, because Japan has largely lagged behind the U.S., Europe, and South Korea in competition over EPAs. South Korea has promoted EPA negotiations with other countries while negotiations with Japan have been up in the air. In April 2007, Seoul concluded the negotiations with the U.S. In EPA negotiations with the European Union (EU),observers anticipate that South Korea will soon reach an agreement. Now that no progress has been made in the new round of global trade talks (Doha Round) under the World Trade Organization (WTO),the U.S. and Europe have placed importance on bilateral economic relations. Asian countries are also stepping up efforts to conclude EPAs. The EU has imposed high tariffs on autos and flat-screen televisions. Japanese manufacturers are concerned that they might sustain a disadvantage in competition for exports to the EU if the EU builds a trade partnership with South Korea. Expectations and concerns There are many South Korean companies that process components and intermediate products imported from Japan and export such processed products to third countries. If Japan and South Korea concludes an EPA, the prices of components and intermediate products from Japan will come down, and eventually "the products made in South Korea and exported to third countries will become more competitive," a South Korean trader said. Further, moves may gain momentum for a partnership to be formed in wide-ranging areas, such as steel, autos, and home electric appliances. Meanwhile, some South Korean companies voice concerns about an increase in imported home appliances and autos from Japan if an EPA is concluded between South Korea and Japan. Now that the South Korean auto industry has the dominant market share, automakers are TOKYO 00000505 005 OF 013 wary of Japanese cars bolstering their price competitiveness. The Japanese and South Korean leaders agreed to hold preliminary talks in preparation for resuming EPA negotiations. But it remains to be seen whether both sides will be able to begin full-scale negotiations while anti-Japanese feelings still persist in South Korea. (3) Japan, Australia start EPA negotiations in Tokyo YOMIURI (Page 9) (Full) February 26, 2008 The governments of Japan and Australia started the fourth round of talks on an economic partnership agreement (EPA),designed to abolish tariffs, in Tokyo yesterday. They mark the first EPA talks between the two countries the new Australian administration was launched last December. In the talks yesterday, Japan requested that such mainstay products as rice, wheat, beef, dairy products, and sugar be placed outside the scope of subjects for negotiations in the agricultural sector. In past negotiations, Australia continued to turn down the request. The focus of attention is on to what extent both sides will make concessions. In the ongoing talks, Japan and Australia will also discuss energy and mineral resources, besides goods and services. The talks are scheduled to last until Feb. 29. (4) All municipal assemblies in Okinawa to adopt resolution of protest against recent alleged rape of junior high school girl by U.S. Marine RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 2) (Abridged) February 26, 2008 The number of municipal assemblies in 38 cities, towns, and villages in Okinawa Prefecture that adopted a resolution of protest or a request against the recent alleged rape of a junior high school girl in Okinawa, which occurred in the central area of the main Okinawa island, came to 38 as of Feb. 25. Today, the Kumejima Town Assembly and the Zamami Village Assembly will adopt a resolution of protest and a request. With the Minami Daito Village Assembly expected to adopt a resolution of protest at its special session on Feb. 28, all the municipal assemblies in addition to the prefectural assembly will come to adopt a resolution of protest against the incident. The Liaison Council for the Okinawa Children's Associations and the Federation of Women's Associations in Okinawa plan to stage a prefectural rally in protest against the incident. Riding on the strength of the ongoing move by municipal assemblies in the prefecture to adopt a resolution of protest, they will ask the prefectural assembly to play a leading part in staging a supraparty rally. Most resolutions of protest call for making apologies to and compensation for the victims, strengthening the disciplines among the U.S. military personnel and paramilitary personnel and measures to prevent a recurrence of similar incident, and reviewing the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement. Many municipal assemblies, such as Naha City, Itoman City, and Motobu Town, have called for scaling down the U.S. military facilities. The Yomitan Village Assembly has adopted a request insisting on even a removal of the TOKYO 00000505 006 OF 013 bases on the ground that every time an incident took place, it protested against U.S. military authorities and demanded that the U.S. tighten the disciplines among its military personnel, but no positive effect has been produced." As for a prefectural rally, the Liaison Council for the Okinawa Children's Associations, the Federation of Women's Association in Okinawa, the Prefectural Federations of Elderly Clubs, the Prefectural Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations of Senior High Schools, the Association to Discuss Youth, and the Prefectural Council of Youth Organizations will meet today and decide on the date and the venue for a prefectural rally. Afterwards, Tetsuei Tamayose, chair of the Liaison Council for the Okinawa Children's Associations and others will call at the prefectural assembly and present to it a petition asking it to stage a prefectural rally under its leadership. (5) U.S. military in Okinawa to continue a 24-hour ban on leaving base until March 3 RYUKU SHIMPO (Page 31) (Full) February 26, 2008 In response to the alleged rape of a junior high school girl by a U.S. Marine, a ban on leaving the bases or an order commanding confinement to quarters has been imposed on all United States military personnel in Japan as a "period of reflection." Regarding this ban, the U.S. Marines in Okinawa yesterday revealed that as a result of consultations on Feb. 24 between Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer, the top commander of U.S. forces in Okinawa, and other leading officers, the ban will be continued at least until March 3, when Zilmer and other representatives of the U.S. military in Okinawa will reexamine the situation and decide what to do about the ban. On February 24, Zilmer and leaders of the U.S. military in Okinawa discussed the effects and impact of the "period of reflection." As a result, they decided to continue the confinement order unless otherwise instructed. Leaders of the U.S. military in Okinawa will continue to discuss the question of whether to strengthen the disciplines among the U.S. military service members in Okinawa unless otherwise instructed. According to a press officer of the U.S. Marine Corps in Okinawa, Zilmer noted: "Leaders of the U.S. military (in Okinawa) need to instruct most (U.S. military personnel) to behave as if they are a U.S. ambassador. We encourage the U.S. service members and their families to continue to use facilities within the bases." The Naha District Court has allowed the prefectural police to hold in custody until March 3 Tyrone Hadnot (38),the U.S. Marine arrested and investigated by the Okinawa Prefectural Police on the charge that he raped a school girl. (6) Foreign Minister Koumura: Government's preventive measures tentative; Okamoto stresses need to educate U.S. military personnel so that there is zero-crime rate; Gabe points out important for government to recognize crimes in entire U.S. military OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Full) February 25, 2008 Appearing on an NHK program on the morning of Feb. 24, Foreign TOKYO 00000505 007 OF 013 Minister Masahiko Koumura stated on the government's preventive measures worked out after a series of sexual assaults on Okinawan girls by U.S. military members: "These are stopgap measures and I don't think they are sufficient. Really effective disciplinary steps and preventive measures will have to be worked out" He stressed that the government would continue looking into measures in the future as well. Asked about growing critical views of U.S. military personnel and others living off base following the series of incidents, the foreign minister indicated that the government would respond to the issue by reviewing the conditions. He said: "We are not thinking that the U.S. service personnel should not live outside their bases. I think (local residents) want the government to show there are clear qualifications for U.S. military personnel to live off base." Yukio Okamoto, an advisor on international issues, and Masaaki Gabe, professor at Ryukyu University also appeared on the NHK program. Okamoto pointed out: "There are more than 20,000 U.S. military servicemen in Okinawa alone. The scale is almost the same as a city, which has the population of several tens of thousands. Some in the U.S. military say that they will try to prevent crimes but it is impossible to completely prevent them. But they are wrong." Okamoto also underscored, saying: "Whenever U.S. commanders change, discipline (among American troops) becomes lax. Each commander has to educate his service personnel that eliminating incidents and accidents is as important as maintaining security in East Asia." Prof. Gabe said: "I wonder how much (the government) recognizes crimes in the whole U.S. military and in bases in Japan. Without knowing such circumstances, it is probably impossible to (eliminate crimes committed by U.S. military personnel) outside the bases alone." Referring to an impact on the realignment of U.S. forces Japan, Gabe pointed out: "The plan to reorganize U.S. forces in Japan was worked out from military viewpoint. However, the series of recent incidents have brought up an issue that how political and social costs (of U.S. bases in Okinawa) should be paid. Gabe took a view that the USFJ realignment plan should be revised. (7) Okinawa calls on gov't to stop 3 surveys in Futenma relocation prelim study OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Abridged) February 26, 2008 The assembly of Okinawa Prefecture continued a question-and-answer session yesterday afternoon, during which Kenji Chinen, director general of Okinawa Prefecture's Cultural and Environmental Affairs TOKYO 00000505 008 OF 013 Department, noted that the Defense Ministry's Okinawa Defense Bureau conducted three preliminary surveys without the prefectural government's consent in waters off Henoko Point in the prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago for the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma airfield. Chinen stated that the Okinawa Defense Bureau, in its preliminary study of the relocation site's environs, used piles at the dugong's seaweed bed, carried out a baseline survey over coral reefs, and cited the "manta method" (diving probe) to survey the distribution of coral reefs. "We have requested the Okinawa Defense Bureau to stop these surveys," Chinen added. He was replying to a question asked by Yoshikazu, an independent member of the assembly. (8) What is Fukuda administration's environmental diplomacy? (Part 3 -conclusion): Need for debate on balance of work and life ASAHI (Page 17) (Abridged) February 7, 2008 (From the fifth panel discussion of the Asahi Shimbun's Council to Discuss Asahi Shimbun News Reports.) Kunio Kojima, council member: The Fukuda cabinet has been described as not being enthusiastic about pushing structural reform amid falling stock prices since the beginning of the year. The Asahi dealt with the government-adopted streamlining plan for independent administrative agencies in its Dec. 28 morning edition under the caption, "Don't allow bureaucrats to run away after gaining what they want." Its point of view was appropriate, but the time when the editorial appeared was not good, because the problem was then generally being resolved. I wanted to read such an editorial earlier. The Asahi looked at reform of independent administrative agencies from the viewpoint of a feud within the cabinet in its article on Dec. 20 under the caption, "Prime minister to make decision on reform of independent administrative agencies." But such a point of view is apparently trivializing the problem. The real problem lies in bureaucrats' awareness of defending themselves. In connection with drastic reform of the National Civil Service System, the Asahi was quick to report on Prime Minister Fukuda's advisory panel's proposal banning in principle contacts between public servants other than those for political affairs and Diet members. Reform of the National Civil Service System is a very important theme in view of structural reform. I hope the daily will follow up the developments. Junichi Takahashi, editor for economic policy: In the Koizumi administration days, structural reform produced some results in terms of slicing the bloated bureaucracy. I was interested in how such reform was going under the Fukuda administration. The Asahi in its Dec. 13 edition under the caption, "Deregulation clouded," dealt with the state of the Council for the Promotion of Regulatory Reform. Bureaucrats in Kasumigaseki appear to be backpedaling on structural reform. The Asahi will keep tabs on such moves. Tetsuya Kumaoka, member of the council: When it comes to the subprime mortgage issue, the initial interest rates were set low, but they jumped two or three years later. I think what is happening now would have been predictable to some extent. Once a problem TOKYO 00000505 009 OF 013 emerges, an article analyzing it is important, but I want to read news reports written from a long-term perspective, as well. With the ongoing globalization of the economic and financial systems, a collapse of one system could lead to chain-reaction damage via bond markets across the world. Other countries took the subprime issue seriously and have come out with measures since last fall, but the Japanese government remains slow to deal with the issue. I want the daily to delve into this point. Nobuyuki Sugiura, editor for industrial and banking affairs: Some economists had previously predicted that the damage from the subprime issue could spread worldwide. The Asahi has dealt with America's trends and bubble economy in terms of structural aspects in its weekly column "The changing economy" and an article that appeared in December under the caption, "Subprime crisis." As for matters that may affect people's livelihoods, such as stock prices and interest rates, we want to carefully write an outlook focusing on what will come next and what effects there will be. Sanae Ariga, council member: The Asahi took up the balance of work and life in its Dec. 31 editorial titled "10 proposals for a society full of hope," and advised men to stop "working overtime" and instead have greater latitude and be sensible. I expect debate to proceed with an eye on how to be professional in this context. Kenichi Miyata, deputy editor in chief: On the question of balancing work and life, one difficult point is how to keep corporate competitiveness and increase productivity with employees heading home without working overtime. (9) Poll on Fukuda cabinet, political parties, Aegis accident, LDP-DPJ grand coalition SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) February 26, 2008 Questions & Answers (Note) Figures shown in percentage. Figures in parentheses denote the results of the last survey conducted Jan. 13-14. Q: Do you support the Fukuda cabinet? Yes 28.7 (36.6) No 52.2 (47.3) Don't know (D/K) + Can't say which (CSW) 19.1 (16.1) Q: Which political party do you support? Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 27.8 (32.1) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) 25.3 (25.0) New Komeito (NK) 5.2 (4.0) Japanese Communist Party (JCP) 1.9 (3.5) Social Democratic Party (SDP or Shaminto) 1.6 (2.1) People's New Party (PNP or Kokumin Shinto) 0.5 (0.6) New Party Nippon (NPN or Shinto Nippon) 0.2 (0.3) Other answers (O/A) 1.0 (0.9) None 35.0 (30.6) D/K + Can't say (C/S) 1.5 (0.9) Q: Do you appreciate Prime Minister Fukuda and his government on the TOKYO 00000505 010 OF 013 following points? Economic policy Yes 15.3 (17.0) No 69.9 (64.7) D/K+CSW 14.8 (18.3) Foreign policy Yes 23.6 (30.9) No 57.2 (48.8) D/K+CSW 19.2 (20.3) Response to pension issues Yes 20.8 (28.0) No 69.0 (64.0) D/K+CSW 10.2 (8.0) Response to food safety problems Yes 22.9 No 60.6 D/K+CSW 16.5 Response to incidents caused by U.S. military personnel Yes 16.8 No 70.0 D/K+CSW 13.2 Response to Maritime Self-Defense Force Aegis destroyer's collision with fishing boat Yes 11.6 No 76.1 D/K+CSW 12.3 Q: What do you think about Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba's responsibility over the recent collision of an MSDF Aegis destroyer with a fishing boat? He should resign right away to take responsibility 6.5 He should resign when ready to come up with preventive steps 32.0 He should continue to do his job, such as overhauling the Defense Ministry, without resigning 59.5 D/K+C/S 2.0 Q: Do you support a "grand coalition" of the LDP and the DPJ? Yes 30.5 (33.7) No 50.8 (54.6) D/K+CSW 18.7 (11.7) Q: Do you hope to see political realignment in the near future? Yes 58.9 No 33.2 D/K+CSW 7.9 Q: The Fukuda cabinet has taken over almost all of the former ABE cabinet's ministers. Do you think Prime Minister Fukuda should shuffle his cabinet substantially at an early date? Yes 48.9 (44.0) No 41.5 (51.1) D/K+CSW 9.6 (4.9) TOKYO 00000505 011 OF 013 Q: When would you like the House of Representatives to hold its next election? During the first half of this year 17.6 (23.6) After this July's G-8 summit in Japan and during the latter half of this year 45.3 (45.9) Upon the current term's expiry or next year 34.0 (29.0) D/K+C/S 3.1 (1.5) Q: How long do you think the Fukuda government will continue? Until around the next election for the House of Representatives 49.1 (46.7) Until the fall of next year 33.6 (34.0) Continue until after the fall of next year 13.6 (15.8) D/K+C/S 3.7 (3.5) Q: What's your impression of Prime Minister Fukuda on the following points? Friendly Yes 34.2 No 61.9 D/K+CSW 3.9 Political clout Yes 24.8 No 65.0 D/K+CSW 10.2 His own imprint Yes 19.3 No 68.9 D/K+CSW 11.8 Too bad he cannot carry out his policies because the Diet is divided Yes 49.0 No 43.9 D/K+CSW 7.1 Prime Minister Fukuda is trustworthy as Japan's leader Yes 16.1 No 72.4 D/K+CSW 11.5 Q: What do you think or do about food safety on the following points? Try to use "China free" products Yes 88.3 No 9.4 D/K+CSW 2.3 Restrict food imports from China Yes 87.8 No 9.3 D/K+CSW 2.9 Q: What do you think about the rate of provisional taxation on gasoline? TOKYO 00000505 012 OF 013 Continue the provisional tax for local roads 7.7 Review the provisional tax's period and rate for continuation 58.1 Abolish the provisional tax, given the high price of crude oil and other factors 32.1 D/K+CSW 2.1 Q: Do you appreciate the following cabinet ministers and governors? Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura Yes 29.5 No 51.1 D/K+CSW 19.4 Financial Services Minister Yoshimi Watanabe Yes 41.2 No 36.9 D/K+CSW 21.9 Justice Minister Kunio Hatoyama Yes 16.7 No 68.8 D/K+CSW 14.5 Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe Yes 72.3 No 18.4 D/K+CSW 9.3 Foreign Minister Masahiko Koumura Yes 35.0 No 40.2 D/K+CSW 24.8 Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba Yes 43.1 No 40.8 D/K+CSW 16.1 Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tetsuzo Fuyushiba Yes 14.1 No 67.3 D/K+CSW 18.6 Former Prime Minister SHINZO ABE Yes 21.5 No 65.3 D/K+CSW 13.2 Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi Yes 57.0 No 33.2 D/K+CSW 9.8 Former LDP Secretary General Taro Aso Yes 52.9 No 26.9 D/K+CSW 20.2 DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa Yes 26.5 No 58.2 TOKYO 00000505 013 OF 013 D/K+CSW 15.3 Osaka Gov. Tohru Hashimoto Yes 42.5 No 27.9 D/K+CSW 29.6 Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru Yes 85.2 No 7.9 D/K+CSW 6.9 Polling methodology: The survey was conducted Feb. 23-24 by the Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN) over the telephone on a computer-aided random digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, a total of 1,000 persons were sampled from among males and females, aged 20 and over, across the nation. SCHIEFFER