Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TOKYO1790
2009-08-05 04:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT TO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 001790
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 - FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT TO
NORTH KOREA
UNCLAS TOKYO 001790
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 - FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT TO
NORTH KOREA
1. LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers led with yesterday's
surprise visit to North Korea by former President Bill Clinton and
his meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Il.
2. "Main Principle of Denuclearization Must Not Be Compromised" The
conservative Sankei editorialized (8/5): "Concern remains about the
U.S. possibly making wrong-headed concessions through negotiations
over the release [of the two hostages]. We urge the Obama
administration to uphold its principles on the resolution of the
nuclear issue and provide to Japan, South Korea, and other concerned
parties a detailed briefing on the process and outcomes [of the
Clinton visit].... The Obama administration must not forget its
declaration that U.S.-DPRK dialogue would only be [possible] within
the framework of the Six-Party Talks."
3. "Clinton Visit Should Be Used to Achieve Breakthrough" An
editorial by the liberal Asahi argued (8/5): "We welcome [the
Clinton visit], as it has finally opened a window to dialogue
between the U.S. and North Korea.... However, there is ONE issue
that we want the U.S. to take into account. Since Japan is
confronted with the abduction issue in addition to the nuclear and
missile development issues, concern remains within the GOJ about the
U.S. making concessions.... The U.S., while searching for additional
clues to achieving a breakthrough, is called upon to make efforts to
coordinate closely with Japan and South Korea."
4. "Release Female Journalists First" The liberal Mainichi insisted
in an editorial (8/5): "It would be significant if North Korea, by
taking advantage of the latest development, would stop taking
provocative actions and abandon its previous approach of gaining
concessions by staging crises and blackmailing. If such a policy
turnaround could be ensured, it would be acceptable if U.S.-DPRK
talks were to precede the Six-Party Talks as a matter of formality.
However, the basis of trust has already been destroyed. We urge the
U.S. again to be careful not to be fooled by the DPRK. North Korea's
aim is to disrupt unity among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea and
have them accept its nuclear and missile programs as a fait
accompli."
5. "Do Not Repeat Same Mistake" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun contended
(8/5): "North Korea, in the face of the deteriorating HEALTH of its
leader Kim Jong Il, appears to be very keen to have the U.S.
recognize it as a 'nuclear power.' A series of missile launches and
a nuclear test were carried out in order to realize that goal. North
Korea must not be allowed to come to the false conclusion that its
demands can be met through military blackmail."
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 - FORMER PRESIDENT CLINTON'S VISIT TO
NORTH KOREA
1. LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers led with yesterday's
surprise visit to North Korea by former President Bill Clinton and
his meeting with DPRK leader Kim Jong Il.
2. "Main Principle of Denuclearization Must Not Be Compromised" The
conservative Sankei editorialized (8/5): "Concern remains about the
U.S. possibly making wrong-headed concessions through negotiations
over the release [of the two hostages]. We urge the Obama
administration to uphold its principles on the resolution of the
nuclear issue and provide to Japan, South Korea, and other concerned
parties a detailed briefing on the process and outcomes [of the
Clinton visit].... The Obama administration must not forget its
declaration that U.S.-DPRK dialogue would only be [possible] within
the framework of the Six-Party Talks."
3. "Clinton Visit Should Be Used to Achieve Breakthrough" An
editorial by the liberal Asahi argued (8/5): "We welcome [the
Clinton visit], as it has finally opened a window to dialogue
between the U.S. and North Korea.... However, there is ONE issue
that we want the U.S. to take into account. Since Japan is
confronted with the abduction issue in addition to the nuclear and
missile development issues, concern remains within the GOJ about the
U.S. making concessions.... The U.S., while searching for additional
clues to achieving a breakthrough, is called upon to make efforts to
coordinate closely with Japan and South Korea."
4. "Release Female Journalists First" The liberal Mainichi insisted
in an editorial (8/5): "It would be significant if North Korea, by
taking advantage of the latest development, would stop taking
provocative actions and abandon its previous approach of gaining
concessions by staging crises and blackmailing. If such a policy
turnaround could be ensured, it would be acceptable if U.S.-DPRK
talks were to precede the Six-Party Talks as a matter of formality.
However, the basis of trust has already been destroyed. We urge the
U.S. again to be careful not to be fooled by the DPRK. North Korea's
aim is to disrupt unity among the U.S., Japan, and South Korea and
have them accept its nuclear and missile programs as a fait
accompli."
5. "Do Not Repeat Same Mistake" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun contended
(8/5): "North Korea, in the face of the deteriorating HEALTH of its
leader Kim Jong Il, appears to be very keen to have the U.S.
recognize it as a 'nuclear power.' A series of missile launches and
a nuclear test were carried out in order to realize that goal. North
Korea must not be allowed to come to the false conclusion that its
demands can be met through military blackmail."
ZUMWALT