JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05/28/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05/28/09 Index: North Korea problem - Japan's response: 1) Prime Minister Aso wants a full ban on exports to North Korea in the wake of its nuclear test (Yomiuri) 2) Government and LDP not lined up internally on response to North Korea for its nuclear test (Tokyo Shimbun) 3) Aso in one-on-one Diet debate confirms that U.S. provided intelligence on latest DPRK nuclear test but does not go into specifics (Asahi) 4) Foreign Ministry is expecting North Korea to soon launch another ICBM and test another nuclear weapon (Asahi) North Korea problem - international response: 5) Japan proposes new UNSC resolution against North Korea for its nuclear test (Tokyo Shimbun) 6) U.S., Japan draft proposals for new UNSC resolution against North Korea with tougher measures, such as ship cargo searches (Asahi) 7) U.S. proposes five measures for inclusion in draft UNSC resolution against North Korea (Yomiuri) 8) Criticism emerges in U.S. of administration's policy of "dialogue with North Korea," in view of latest nuclear testing (Yomiuri) Defense and security affairs: 9) Defense chiefs of U.S., Japan, and South Korea to meet in Singapore (Yomiuri) 10) Japan, South Korea to propose international conference on piracy (Yomiuri) 11) Japan's anti-piracy bill is now before the Upper House for deliberation and revision (Asahi) Diet affairs: 12) Aso, Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama have first one-on-one debate in the Diet (Yomiuri) 13) Supplementary budget expected to be passed by the Diet tomorrow (Mainichi) 14) METI report on unfair trade practices shows strong alarm about growing protectionism in the world (Yomiuri) 15) Government to ease domestic BSE inspections and then possibly expand U.S. beef-import framework (Nikkei) Articles: 1) Government considering blanket export ban against North Korea YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 The government on May 27 started looking into a blanket ban on exports to North Korea as Japan's original additional sanctions measure, following that nation's nuclear test. It will reach a final decision, based on the UN Security Council's sanctions debate. The government is continuing its original sanctions in the wake of North Korea's ballistic missile launches and nuclear test in 2006. A blanket ban is placed on imports from the North. Exports of articles of luxury and materials related to weapons of mass destructions are also prohibited. According to the Finance Ministry's trade statistics, Japan's exports to North Korea stood at roughly 800 million yen in 2008. Some take the view that the efficacy of a blanket export ban is TOKYO 00001199 002 OF 010 limited. The government's judgment is, however, that it is necessary to indicate Japan's attitude to the North's rash act." It will look into both independently strengthening sanctions and tighten the figurative noose around that nation. 2) Japan's response to North Korea's nuclear test: Discord emerges between government, which wants to wait for UN resolution, and LDP, which is eager to take speedy steps TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) May 28, 2009 Shoichi Takayama When should Japan impose additional sanctions on North Korea that conducted its second nuclear test? The view is prevalent in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) that Japan should first demonstrate its attitude, while the government is set to wait for the UN Security Council's new resolution. Discord has emerged between the two sides. Possible additional sanctions being mentioned today include: (1) a total ban on exports to North Korea, (2) lowering the cap on the amount of money allowed to be remitted to North Korea without notification (currently set at 10 million yen),(3) lowering the cap on the amount of cash travelers to North Korea are allowed to carry without notification (currently set at 300,000 yen),and (4) prohibiting in principle foreigners living in Japan from reentering Japan after visiting North Korea. Prime Minister Taro Aso has indicated that he would make a decision based on the content of the new UNSC resolution that is expected to be adopted this week, at the earliest. A senior Foreign Ministry official explained that the prime minister thinks Japan's response measure should be linked to the envisaged UNSC resolution. Japan wants to block exports and funds transfers to North Korea, but there exists a loophole of using a third country. The logic is that the envisaged UNSC resolution would allow Japan to ask a third country to crack down on such acts. The LDP attaches importance on swiftness. LDP departments and likeminded groups met after the nuclear test in which many voiced the need to speedily transmit a message internally and externally and to reinforce (Japan's) sanctions immediately. Such views perhaps reflect concerns that Japan's unilateral economic sanctions lack effectiveness. The government's policy course is likely to materialize in the end. A mid-level LDP lawmaker said disapprovingly, "I cannot understand why the government remains so cautious." Aso: UNSC resolution, including additional sanctions, important With respect to a new UNSC resolution on North Korea, Prime Minister Aso said last night: "It is extremely important that (the new resolution) includes additional sanctions. A step must be taken in a way that will let the country know that (conducting a nuclear test) is impermissible." The prime minister was responding to a question from the press corps. The prime minister also expressed his hope TOKYO 00001199 003 OF 010 that the United States will put the North back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism, saying, "I would like to see an appropriate step taken." 3) Aso implies info from U.S. on N. Korea's nuke test ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged) May 28, 2009 Prime Minister Aso yesterday sat in on a parliamentary one-on-one debate with Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) President Hatoyama. In the debate, Hatoyama asked whether there was information in advance from the United States to the Japanese government about North Korea's recent nuclear test. In response to this question, Aso stated, "It's true that information was conveyed (to Japan) at quite an early stage." He did not reveal anything specific about when there was such information. "You're asking when, but that's the kind of thing we've promised not to say on both sides" Aso stated. A senior Foreign Ministry official yesterday confirmed that there had been no information from North Korea. However, the official implied that there was a certain kind of information from the United States, saying: "Japan and the United States are always communicating with each other at various levels. All I can say is just guess from that." 4) Foreign Ministry official: ICBM launch in mind ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) May 28, 2009 A senior official of the Foreign Ministry indicated yesterday that North Korea might conduct a third nuclear test. "We'd better bear it in mind that North Korea may launch an intercontinental ballistic missile," the official said. Concerning the idea of strengthening Japan's sanctions on its own against North Korea, the official indicated that it would be desirable to take steps in the form of being linked to a United Nations Security Council resolution. Meanwhile, the leading Liberal Democratic Party yesterday held a meeting of its committee on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea. At the meeting, the committee decided to adopt a resolution calling for three additional sanctions, such as placing a total ban on exports, and also decided to propose this to the government today. Two other sanctions were proposed: (1) foreign seafarers should not be allowed in principle to land in Japan if they violate economic sanctions on North Korea, and foreign nationals with permanent resident status in Japan should not be allowed in principle to reenter Japan after traveling to North Korea; and 2) local governments should be advised not to provide property tax breaks or exemptions for the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon),etc. 5) Japan drafts new resolution against DPRK calling for tougher sanctions, requiring ship inspections TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 Miki Kato, New York Japan is seeking the adoption of a sanction resolution at the UN TOKYO 00001199 004 OF 010 Security Council (UNSC) against North Korea's second nuclear test. It will present to an ambassadorial-level meeting of the five permanent UNSC members on the afternoon of May 27 (morning of May 28, Japan time) a draft resolution seeking such additional sanctions as stricter cargo inspections onboard ships and expansion of the scope of the embargo on imports and exports. According to a UN diplomatic source, the draft resolution Japan will be presenting mostly calls for strengthening Resolution 1718 adopted after the DPRK's first nuclear test in October 2006. It reportedly includes such measures as requiring (UN members) to inspect North Korean ships, a freezing of DPRK assets, and expanding the scope of the travel ban. Japanese ambassador to the UN Yukio Takasu said: "It is not a question of increasing the number of sanctions. The important thing is effectiveness." The U.S. and Europe agree. UNSC permanent members China and Russia, which hold veto power, also agree that a new resolution needs to be adopted regarding North Korea. But China and Russia are not keen on additional sanctions that would force the DPRK into a corner. China fiercely resisted the requirement to conduct ship inspections during the adoption of the 2006 resolution, which resulted in the inspections being left to the discretion of UN member states, thereby weakening its legal force. It is uncertain whether China and Russia will accept the draft resolution at the meeting to be held possibly on May 27. If they do, a resolution is likely to be passed at an early date within this week. 6) Japan, U.S. to propose strengthening cargo inspections ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 Kayo Matsushita, New York Japan and the United States have worked out a draft resolution of the United Nations Security Council over North Korea's recent nuclear test, incorporating such measures as strengthening cargo inspections, prohibiting arms exports, and restricting overseas bank transactions, diplomatic sources have revealed. The two countries are expected to present the draft resolution to the other four UNSC permanent members and South Korea. Japan and the United States want to hold an ambassadorial meeting of the seven countries at an early stage for concurrence on the draft resolution. Coordination is now at the final stage for adopting the draft resolution within the week. According to the diplomatic sources, the draft resolution to be presented by Japan and the United States strengthens and expands the sanctions resolution adopted at the time of the last nuclear test in ¶2006. It features no additional sanctions. The draft resolution, in its revised wording, strengthens cargo inspections, which were voluntary in the previous resolution. Japan and the United States are aiming to mandate cargo inspections. However, it requires inspections for all overland, maritime, and air cargoes to and from North Korea, and China, which borders on North Korea, is reluctant. As it stands, Japan and the United States will TOKYO 00001199 005 OF 010 consult with China to finalize the draft resolution's wording. In addition, the newly planned resolution is expected to include shoring up the international arms embargo, not only on full-fledged weaponry but also on conventional weapons, and taking such financial sanctions as restricting specific individuals' overseas bank transactions as well as specific organizations' transactions. The new resolution, within 30 days after its adoption, will require U.N. member nations to report their actions. 7) Ban on bank transactions with North Korea: U.S. makes five proposals for new UN resolution YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 Yoshikazu Shirakawa, New York The Yomiuri Shimbun learned on May 27 that the U.S. had proposed that the UN Security Council's new resolution on sanctions against North Korea's nuclear test include bans on bank transactions with, financial assistance and aid to that nation. According to a diplomatic source, the U.S. has proposed at an ambassador-level meeting of seven countries with Japan and South Korea as well as with the UNSC permanent member nations five items to be included in the envisaged resolution: (1) embargo on arms trade; (2) mandatory inspection of cargoes being carried by North Korean ships; (3) reporting on the implementation of cargo inspections; (4) a ban on bank transactions with North Korea; and (5) a ban on financial assistance and grant aid. The Japanese government has also drafted its original resolution on North Korean sanctions. According to a related source, the draft is based on the specifics of Resolution 1718 adopted after the North's first nuclear test conducted in 2006. Individuals and organizations subject to the freeze of financial assets have been expanded. A proposal for strengthening inspections of ships that enter or leave North Korea with strict conditions attached is also included. The Japanese government is reportedly taking a more cautious stance than that of the U.S., since it must consolidate the legal basis for using the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) for such a purpose and there is concern that strict sanctions could lead to a rash act by North Korea. According to the same diplomatic source, France on the 27th also drafted its own set of proposals, including strict sanctions. The Japanese government will enter talks with UNSC permanent member nations other than the U.S., after making adjustments with the U.S. and South Korea. It will aim to have the resolution passed early next year. However, it will likely take still more time for adjustments. 8) "Dialogue with DPRK" criticized in U.S. YOMIURI (Page 7) (Full) May 28, 2009 Keiichi Honma, Washington As the nuclear strategy of the Obama administration faces a TOKYO 00001199 006 OF 010 difficult phase, criticism against the United States' policy toward North Korea has intensified in the country. This is because it is becoming increasingly clear that the U.S. is unable to come up with effective policies in response to the series of provocations by the DPRK. The May 26 issue of the U.S. newspaper Wall Street Journal commented sarcastically on the Obama administration's dialogue policy: "No wonder General Secretary Kim Jong Il has concluded that violations yield rewards and not punishment." The Heritage Foundation's Bruce Klingner also published an article on the same day saying: "The Obama administration's actions fall short of its firm rhetoric." Since the Obama administration has had little interest in policy toward North Korea, the media and experts are voicing their criticism after the nuclear test. There has been a series of crises involving the DPRK since March, including the detention of American reporters, the launching of a ballistic missile, and the nuclear test. The Obama administration has criticized North Korea each time, but maintained its posture of calling for dialogue. This is perceived as weakness, and in a sense, has aggravated the DPRK's intimidation. Michael Green, former director for Asia of the National Security Council, recently told a U.S. newspaper that, "The Obama administration is now realizing that the lack of pressure is the problem." Furthermore, while the Obama administration views North Korea's provocation as a card to strengthen its hand in negotiations, there is also a growing opinion that the latest nuclear and missile crisis shows that "Pyongyang is now focused on realizing strategic technological achievements rather than gaining tactical negotiating leverage" (Klingner). In which case, the Obama administration may have misconstrued the DPRK's real intent in rushing to become a "nuclear power." For now, the focus of attention is whether President Barack Obama can shift gear from "dialogue" to "pressure" - whether a strong sanction resolution can be adopted at the UN Security Council (UNSC) with the involvement of China and Russia, or whether stricter ship inspections abhorred by North Korea can be implemented. 9) Japan, U.S., ROK to hold first defense ministers' meeting on May 30 YOMIURI (Page 7) (Full) May 28, 2009 Yoshinari Kurose, Washington A U.S. Department of Defense official told reporters on May 26 that Secretary Robert Gates will meet Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and South Korean Minister of National Defense Lee Sang-hee in Singapore on May 30 to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue. This will be the first trilateral talks among the defense ministers of Japan, the U.S., and the ROK. The meeting will take place at the "Asian Security Conference," a gathering of defense ministers and military experts from the Asian and Pacific nations. The conference had been planned before North Korea's nuclear test, but according to this official, the conference will "concentrate on discussing the North Korean issue." TOKYO 00001199 007 OF 010 10) Japan, South Korea to jointly host international antipiracy conference YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) May 28, 2009 The Japanese and South Korean governments will jointly host an international conference on June 9-10 in Seoul to discuss such measures as helping neighboring countries improve their maritime policing capabilities as part of antipiracy efforts in waters off Somalia, Africa, according to informed sources yesterday. The two countries plan to invite high-ranking government officials, representatives of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and fishing industry representatives operating in waters off Somalia from about 25 countries. The Japanese government has decided to announce support measures to prevent local citizens from becoming pirates. 11) Deliberations on antipiracy bill begin in Upper House ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) May 28, 2009 Deliberations on an antipiracy bill started in a plenary session of the House of Councillors yesterday. The bill would enable the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to protect the ships of any nation from possible attacks by pirates in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),which controls the Upper House, has been calling for amendments to the bill, including requiring prior Diet approval for any MSDF dispatch on an antipiracy mission. Attention is now being focused on how negotiations on amendments will develop between the ruling and opposition parties. Prime Minister Aso said in the plenary session: "It is necessary to quickly enact the bill, which would enable the MSDF to take appropriate measures against pirate acts to protect vessels regardless of nationality." The bill would allow the MSDF to protect the ships of any nation, an act that is prohibited under the provisions of the existing SDF Law for maritime patrols. The bill also includes such measures as: (1) Establishing charges of piracy; (2) allowing troops to fire shots at ships that ignore an order to stop; and (3) requiring the prime minister to provide an outline of the antipiracy mission to the Diet when the mission is approved and completed. The DPJ has insisted on the need for prior Diet approval. In deliberations at the House of Representatives, the ruling side presented a comprise proposal to enable a planned dispatch to be cancelled if resolutions are adopted by both Houses of the Diet. But the main opposition party declined the proposal. The bill was approved in the Lower House by a majority from the ruling parties. Dispatched MSDF destroyers have taken measures against unidentified ships in five cases, based on reports from foreign-registered vessels, since late March. The government is eager to enact the bill at an early date to enable the MSDF to properly protect ships regardless of nationality from possible attacks by pirates. As the DPJ has decided not to prolong deliberations in the Upper House, the bill is expected to pass the Diet (which is set to close June 3) by June 21, the 60th day after it cleared the Lower House. TOKYO 00001199 008 OF 010 12) Party-head debate: Aso - DPJ policies create unease; Hatoyama -- Bureaucrat-led government must come to an end YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 Prime Minister Taro Aso and Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama held their first party-head debate at the Diet yesterday. In the session, Aso took up a violation of the Political Funds Control Law over a fund-management organization of former DPJ president Ichiro Ozawa as "a matter of great concern to the public." Aso also harshly criticized the fact that Hatoyama has appointed Ozawa to be deputy president, the party's No. 2 post, saying, "It doesn't make sense to the public." In response, Hatoyama indicated that a DPJ third-party committee composed of experts had questioned Ozawa and that a report would be made public before long. Hatoyama also rebutted, "The people pin great hopes (on the party's new system)," by citing the fact that the candidate backed by the DPJ prefectural federation won the May 24 Saitama mayoral race. Hatoyama also revealed a plan to submit to the Diet in the current session a bill amending the Political Funds Control Law to totally prohibit in three years' time corporations and organizations from making political donations and purchasing party tickets. Hatoyama asked the ruling parties for their support for the bill. But Aso refused the request, saying, "Blaming the system because of a violation of the law by a secretary is switching the focus of the argument." Aso also posed a question about the DPJ's ability to run the government, remarking: "A change of government is a means, not a goal. The DPJ's social security and national security policies create great uneasiness." Hatoyama, on the other hand, underlined the need for a change of government, arguing, "The current LDP-New Komeito coalition government has been led by bureaucrats. This must come to an end." The prime minister and the DPJ head carried out their one-on-one Diet debate for the first time in six months since the last one held last November between Aso and then DPJ President Ozawa. 13) Extra budget bill likely to be enacted tomorrow MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) May 28, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) decided yesterday to agree to a call by the ruling camp for a vote to be taken tomorrow on a fiscal 2009 supplementary budget bill, which is now under deliberations in the House of Councillors. The main opposition party intends to inform the Liberal Democratic Party of this decision during a meeting of the Upper House Diet Affairs Committee chairmen this afternoon. The extra budget bill is now expected to pass the Diet tomorrow. The bill is likely to be rejected by a majority from opposition parties during an Upper House plenary session tomorrow. In a joint meeting of party members of both Houses, both sides are expected to remain divided. But the bill will be enacted, based on a provision in the Constitution stipulating the House of Representatives' superiority. TOKYO 00001199 009 OF 010 DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaoka said in a party meeting yesterday: "As long as there is no commotion, we are planning to take a vote in the Upper House later this week." This stance is considered to be reflecting the judgment that protracted deliberations should be avoided, given the current severe economic situation, in addition to the party leadership's policy that the party should not give the ruling camp a good cause for extending the current Diet session. 14) METI expresses strong concern about protectionism in trade report YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) May 28, 2009 The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) released its unfair trade report for fiscal 2009 yesterday. The report examines industrialized countries' trade policies in view of the World Trade Organization's international rules and other regulations. Taking up for the first time the system the Chinese government plans to introduce to force foreign manufacturers to disclose security-related data about their information technology products, the report urged China to review this system. The report said that "countries have taken measures to tighten regulations and raise tariffs under the severe global economic situation" since the outbreak of the financial crisis last fall. It then indicated a strong sense of alarm about protectionist moves rearing up in countries aimed at giving top priority to protecting domestic industries. The report also referred for the first time to a "Buy American" provision designed to require only U.S.-made products to be used in public works projects. China plans to introduce the IT information disclosure system in May 2010 and is likely to force countries to disclose security-related data, such as source codes. METI indicated yesterday that it would address 15 cases, including the Chinese system, on a priority basis. The report also cited Russia's increased tariffs on autos and other products, as well as India's standard-enforcement system for iron and steel products. 15) Welfare and labor ministry, agriculture ministry looking into easing BSE inspection guidelines NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) May 28, 2009 The Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHL) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) on May 27 started looking into easing guidelines for inspections of domestic cattle, a measure that is being carried out to prevent BSE. Their plan is to east the age of cattle subject to such an inspection from those aged 21 months or older to those aged 30 months or older. They will also take a second look at inspections of dead cattle aged 24 months or older. Japan is currently restricting imports of U.S. beef, based on strict domestic guidelines. Chances are, however, talks to expand cattle eligible for imports will speed up, following the easing of the inspection standards. TOKYO 00001199 010 OF 010 A BSE-infected cow was for the first time discovered in Japan in September 2001. Following the discovery, the MHLW started implementing BSE inspections on all cattle in October the same year. Since August 2005, the inspection has been targeting cattle aged 21 months or older. The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE headquartered in Paris) on the 26th decided to recognize Japan as a country with controlled risk of BSE, giving high marks to the safety of Japanese-produced beef. Following such a decision, the government will look into easing the age of cattle subject to the BSE inspection to those aged 30 months or older. It means that approximately 60 PERCENT of cattle will not have to undergo the inspection. Concerning dead cows, the blanket cattle inspection is being carried out if they are aged 24 months or older. The plan is to switch to a sample inspection, instead of lowering the age of cattle subject to the inspection or carrying out blanket testing. Easing the domestic cattle inspection guidelines will likely affect adjustments of views with the U.S. government, as Japan sets an age restriction on imports of U.S. beef. The Japanese government has been restricting U.S. beef eligible for imports to beef from cattle aged up to 20 months since the occurrence of BSE in that nation. The U.S. has been seeking the scrapping of such a restriction. However, Japan has remained cautious, because Japanese consumers are highly interested in food safety and peace of mind. The U.S. has already been given controlled BSE risk status by the OEC, though its inspection method differs from that of Japan. Japan has been restricting imports of U.S. beef, based on its strict domestic guidelines. Some government officials have begun taking the view that the envisaged revision to the inspection standards will lead to speeding up Japan-U.S. talks to scrap the restriction. Following the OIE's certification, the Japanese government intends to ask importers of Japanese beef not to set an age restriction. This is due in part to the fact that it would become difficult for Japan to strictly restrict imports of U.S. beef, while calling on other countries to ease their restrictions. ZUMWALT