TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA, IRAQ, BURMA, AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 001529 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 - NORTH KOREA, IRAQ, BURMA, AND U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Monday morning papers led with the victory of the DPJ-backed candidate in Sunday's gubernatorial election in Shizuoka, saying that the results are clear evidence of growing popular support for the opposition party. ¶2. "Stronger Coalition against North Korea Necessary" On North Korea's launch of seven ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on July 4, the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (7/5): "[The launch] was a provocative act [on the part of North Korea] that neglected the international community's warnings and undermined peace and security in Northeast Asia. It cannot be overlooked.... It is important for the G8 leaders to issue a clear message that nuclear and missile development by North Korea will never be acceptable. Additionally, Prime Minister Aso needs to strengthen the coalition against North Korea by holding separate meetings with President Obama, Chinese President Hu, and Russian President Medvedev." ¶3. "Can Safety in Iraq Be Ensured?" The moderate Yomiuri argued in an editorial (7/5): "The U.S. military has completely withdrawn from urban areas in Iraq in line with President Obama's initiative. It remains to be seen whether this move will become a first step toward what the President called [bringing a] 'responsible end' to the Iraq war. Efforts by the Iraqi government and the U.S., as well as support by the international community, will become even more important." ¶4. "Diplomacy by UN Chief Fails to Produce Results" The liberal Asahi stated (7/5): "Myanmar's (Burma's) junta categorically dismissed requests made by UN Secretary General Ban, including his request to be allowed to meet with opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The UN leader's hope for achieving a breakthrough through summit diplomacy appears to have failed to deliver results. It is certain that UN diplomacy on Myanmar will come to a standstill.... The UN chief's failure to produce accomplishments during his visit is likely to draw criticism from the U.S. and Europe, as well as from human rights groups." ¶5. "Two Leaders to Play up 'Reset'" The liberal Asahi wrote on the planned summit between President Obama and his Russian counterpart Medvedev in Moscow (7/6): "The two leaders are expected to seal an accord concerning the basic framework for a new arms reduction treaty. Although some divisive issues still exist, the two leaders are keen to demonstrate that they have 'reset' the bilateral relations that deteriorated during the former Bush administration and leave the world with the impression that the two nations are heading toward improved ties in a variety of areas." ZUMWALT