Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TOKYO1216
2009-05-29 07:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:  

WHALING: JAPAN UNLIKELY TO COMPROMISE IN UPCOMING

Tags:  SENV EFIS KSCA IWC ETRD JA 
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UNCLAS TOKYO 001216 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR D, OES/OA AND EAP/J
STATE PASS CEQ
NOAA/NMFS - CMCCARTY AND RWULFF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV EFIS KSCA IWC ETRD JA
SUBJECT: WHALING: JAPAN UNLIKELY TO COMPROMISE IN UPCOMING
IWC MEETING

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED, PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY

UNCLAS TOKYO 001216

SIPDIS

STATE FOR D, OES/OA AND EAP/J
STATE PASS CEQ
NOAA/NMFS - CMCCARTY AND RWULFF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV EFIS KSCA IWC ETRD JA
SUBJECT: WHALING: JAPAN UNLIKELY TO COMPROMISE IN UPCOMING
IWC MEETING

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED, PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY


1. (SBU) While the Japanese public does not oppose whaling -
in fact most support continued whaling - interest groups here
are divided over whether to accept a compromise in the
International Whaling Commission (IWC) that would allow Japan
limited coastal whaling in exchange for a
reduction/elimination of Japan's research whaling. Japanese
policymakers, however, seem to be coalescing around opposing
any compromise on the issue that appears to stem from foreign
pressure, according to a senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs
official. This official also recently told EMIN politicians
in all Japanese parties support continued whaling in some
form and that there would be no progress on whaling this
year.


2. (SBU) The MOFA senior official's comments are similar to
responses from working level GOJ officials and Japanese media
contacts Post has spoken with recently. All say Japan is
unlikely to compromise and they do not expect progress at the
IWC's annual meeting in Madeira in June. While there is an
expectation the negotiations on finding a compromise will
continue until the 2010 IWC annual meeting, many in the GOJ,
according to a reporter for a Japanese fisheries trade daily,
are wondering about future U.S. policies and who may replace
Dr. Hogarth, and the impact these decision might have on the
negotiations.
ZUMWALT