TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT, NORTH KOREA, AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 001540 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 - U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT, NORTH KOREA, AND UIGHUR ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Most papers gave top play to the U.S.-Russia summit on Monday in Moscow. ¶2. "Progress Toward 'World without Nuclear Weapons'" The liberal Mainichi editorialized (7/7): "The U.S.-Russia summit, which was held ahead of the G-8 summit starting on Wednesday, marked a milestone in President Obama's drive to seek a 'world without nuclear weapons.' The fact that the U.S. and Russia, which possess more than 90 percent of all the nuclear warheads in the world, have agreed on a new framework for nuclear reduction is a welcomed development. However, complete elimination of nuclear arms will not be achieved unless North Korea and other nations are prevented from possessing nuclear weapons. We hope that the U.S. and Russia will work together on North Korean issues, which will be discussed at the G-8 summit." ¶3. "Initial Step Toward 'World Without Nuclear Weapons'" The liberal Asahi wrote from Moscow (7/7): "For the U.S.-Russia summit on Monday, attention was focused on whether the two nations could include goals for nuclear warhead reductions in a basic framework for a new treaty replacing the START-1 Treaty. The result of the summit was that goals for reducing the number of delivery systems in addition to warheads were put in writing. Given that the international environment for nuclear [nonproliferation] is growing increasingly severe, it is clear that the summit signifies an important step toward a 'world without nuclear weapons,' which President Obama is aiming for." ¶4. "U.S., Russia Reset 'New Cold War' Relations " The moderate Yomiuri's correspondent report from Moscow commented (7/7): "President Obama and President Medvedev demonstrated to the world that they have 'reset' U.S.-Russia relations, which are said to be facing a 'new Cold War,' by reaching an agreement on a framework for a new nuclear reduction treaty. The outcome of negotiations on the new treaty at the end of the year will determine whether President Obama's idea of creating a 'world without nuclear weapons' will move closer to realization. The negotiations may also affect nuclear issues in North Korea and Iran." ¶5. "Japan Should Exercise Leadership in Implementing Sanctions on North Korea" The business-oriented Nikkei wrote in an editorial (7/7): "North Korea fired seven ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan last weekend. It is said that Pyongyang possibly fired a new type of missile that is capable of striking Japan. This is a serious threat to Japan's security. We should not allow North Korea to repeat its reckless actions. The launches clearly violate the UN Security Council resolution that prohibits all activities related to ballistic missile programs.... It makes sense that the Japanese government filed a strong protest with North Korea. However, Japan needs to lead the international community in thoroughly implementing sanctions and strengthening pressure [on Pyongyang]." ¶6. "Bloody Ethnic Conflict Should Be Avoided" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun stated in an editorial (7/7): "More than 100 people died in the riots in Urumqi in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region in China. It is said that the Uighur people's antagonism toward the Han Chinese was the reason [for the riots]. The Chinese government should exercise self-restraint in dealing with the issue in order to prevent retaliation from spreading." ZUMWALT