Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TOKYO1365
2009-06-17 04:40:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - IRAN AND U.S.-ROK SUMMIT
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UNCLAS TOKYO 001365
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 - IRAN AND U.S.-ROK SUMMIT
UNCLAS TOKYO 001365
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 - IRAN AND U.S.-ROK SUMMIT
1. LEAD STORIES: Lead stories on Wednesday morning included growing
unrest in Iran over the recent reelection of President Ahmadinejad
and yesterday's summit in Washington between President Obama and his
South Korean counterpart Lee.
2. "No More Bloodshed" The conservative Sankei editorialized (6/17):
"While Iran's sovereignty must be respected, Tehran should share the
international community's view as expressed by President Obama that
the democratic process, freedom of speech, and peaceful dissent are
universal values that should be upheld.... In order to restore the
international community's confidence, Iran needs to prove that the
presidential election was fair."
3. "Democratic State at a Crossroads" A senior writer for the
liberal Asahi wrote (6/17): "In a country where people have a strong
belief in democracy, massive public demonstrations are taking place.
Iran is at a crossroads over whether it is going to become an
autocracy or remain a democratic country.... If mullahs, who are
regarded as ruling wise men, fail to demonstrate 'fairness' and
'justice' in settling the current turmoil, Iran may step onto a
dangerous path toward a military state."
4. "'Landslide' Jeopardizes Iran's Political System" The
business-oriented Nikkei argued in an editorial (6/17): "The ongoing
confrontation [between the pro-Ahmadinejad camp and pro-Mousavi
camp] has rekindled distrust of Iran within the U.S., with the
possibility growing that President Obama will be forced to review
his dialogue line with Iran if results are not produced this year.
Trying to improve ties with major countries is imperative for Iran
to reconstruct its economy. The nation's future depends on whether
the Iranian leadership will be able to take a step toward confidence
building [with major countries]. Addressing the suspicion about
possible election fraud will be a first step."
5. "Enhanced Nuclear Umbrella Meant to Preserve Status Quo" The
liberal Tokyo Shimbun stated from Washington on Tuesday's summit
between President Obama and ROK President Lee (6/17): "The renewed
U.S. commitment to maintain the nuclear umbrella over South Korea
tends to be considered a reflection of Washington's strong resolve
against North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear programs.
However, the U.S. nuclear umbrella is also part of the Obama
administration's nuclear nonproliferation policy designed to head
off nuclear armament by Japan and South Korea while maintaining the
U.S.'s vested interest in being a nuclear power."
ZUMWALT
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 - IRAN AND U.S.-ROK SUMMIT
1. LEAD STORIES: Lead stories on Wednesday morning included growing
unrest in Iran over the recent reelection of President Ahmadinejad
and yesterday's summit in Washington between President Obama and his
South Korean counterpart Lee.
2. "No More Bloodshed" The conservative Sankei editorialized (6/17):
"While Iran's sovereignty must be respected, Tehran should share the
international community's view as expressed by President Obama that
the democratic process, freedom of speech, and peaceful dissent are
universal values that should be upheld.... In order to restore the
international community's confidence, Iran needs to prove that the
presidential election was fair."
3. "Democratic State at a Crossroads" A senior writer for the
liberal Asahi wrote (6/17): "In a country where people have a strong
belief in democracy, massive public demonstrations are taking place.
Iran is at a crossroads over whether it is going to become an
autocracy or remain a democratic country.... If mullahs, who are
regarded as ruling wise men, fail to demonstrate 'fairness' and
'justice' in settling the current turmoil, Iran may step onto a
dangerous path toward a military state."
4. "'Landslide' Jeopardizes Iran's Political System" The
business-oriented Nikkei argued in an editorial (6/17): "The ongoing
confrontation [between the pro-Ahmadinejad camp and pro-Mousavi
camp] has rekindled distrust of Iran within the U.S., with the
possibility growing that President Obama will be forced to review
his dialogue line with Iran if results are not produced this year.
Trying to improve ties with major countries is imperative for Iran
to reconstruct its economy. The nation's future depends on whether
the Iranian leadership will be able to take a step toward confidence
building [with major countries]. Addressing the suspicion about
possible election fraud will be a first step."
5. "Enhanced Nuclear Umbrella Meant to Preserve Status Quo" The
liberal Tokyo Shimbun stated from Washington on Tuesday's summit
between President Obama and ROK President Lee (6/17): "The renewed
U.S. commitment to maintain the nuclear umbrella over South Korea
tends to be considered a reflection of Washington's strong resolve
against North Korea's relentless pursuit of nuclear programs.
However, the U.S. nuclear umbrella is also part of the Obama
administration's nuclear nonproliferation policy designed to head
off nuclear armament by Japan and South Korea while maintaining the
U.S.'s vested interest in being a nuclear power."
ZUMWALT