SEOUL - PRESS BULLETIN; September 1, 2009

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 SEOUL 001399 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KS US SUBJECT: SEOUL - PRESS BULLETIN; September 1, 2009 TOP HEADLINES -------------- Chosun Ilbo, Dong-a Ilbo Blue House to Have "Double-Headed System" Led by Presidential Chief of Staff and Newly Created Post of Chief of Policy JoongAng Ilbo "Japanese Version of People Power" Ends Ruling Conservatives' Long Grip on Power Hankook Ilbo, Segye Ilbo, Seoul Shinmun Blue House Secretariat Reshuffle is Aimed at Enhancing Policy Coordination, Publicity and Relations with Political Parties Hankyoreh Shinmun Japanese Public Sentiment Hoping for New History, Change and Coexistence Brings About Historic Change of Government DOMESTIC DEVELOPMENTS -------------- Yesterday, President Lee Myung-bak telephoned Yukio Hatoyama, the leader of the Democratic Party of Japan, to congratulate him on his party's sweeping victory in Sunday's general election. (All) During the 20-minute conversation, President Lee expressed hope for a new era in ROK-Japan relations. The two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. (All) According to the Unification Ministry, starting today, restrictions on ROK citizens' cross-border land trips to North Korea will be lifted, following the North's offer last month to ease its rules for border crossings. (Hankyoreh, Segye, Seoul, KBS, YTN) MEDIA ANALYSIS -------------- -Japan's Elections -------------- Japan's August 30 general election continued to capture the attention of the ROK media. All ROK media reported on yesterday's 20-minute telephone conversation between President Lee Myung-bak and Yukio Hatoyama, the leader of the Democratic Party of Japan that is set to take power from the Liberal Democratic Party after a landslide victory in Sunday's general election. According to media reports, President Lee expressed hope for a new era in ROK-Japan relations, and the two leaders agreed to cooperate closely to resolve the North Korean nuclear issue. Conservative Chosun Ilbo carried an inside-page article entitled "New Japan's Choice." The article raised the possibility that the Democratic Party of Japan may seek a Japanese version of "dismantling the Cold War" by redirecting the focus of Japan's foreign policy away from the U.S. toward Asia. The article also speculated that the Democratic Party may seek direct talks with North Korea. Left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun editorialized: "In order to create an 'East Asian community,' a framework for 'stable economic cooperation and security' that the Democratic Party of Japan desires, the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and improvement in Japan-North Korea relations should be given precedence. In a situation where North Korea remains a threat to regional security, we cannot realize regional peace and security. It is time for Japan to make more proactive efforts to improve relations with North Korea. Improved relations between the two countries will also help SEOUL 00001399 002 OF 002 resolve Japan's history issues." Newspapers carried the following front-and inside-page headlines: "'Japanese Version of People Power' Ends Ruling Conservatives' Long Grip on Power" (right-of-center JoongAng Ilbo); "New Japan Likely to End Dependence on U.S. and Seek Dialogue with N. Korea... It Will Likely Opt for 'Prudent Change' In Consideration of Reality" (conservative Dong-a Ilbo); "'New Honeymoon Period' Expected between ROK and Japan, which will Provide Less Conflict over History... There is Also Possibility of Dialogue between Japan and N. Korea" (moderate Hankook Ilbo); and "Japanese Public Sentiment Hoping for New History, Change and Coexistence Brings About Historic Change of Government" (left-leaning Hankyoreh Shinmun.) TOKOLA