JAPANESE PRESS MORNIGN HIGHLIGHTS 09/24/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE PRESS MORNIGN HIGHLIGHTS 09/24/09 INDEX: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Hatoyama Diplomacy in New York 4) Hatoyama and Obama agree at meeting to strengthen Japan-U.S. alliance (Yomiuri) 5) Hatoyama and Obama reaffirm Japan-U.S. alliance (Nikkei) 6) Gist of discussion at Hatoyama-Obama meeting (Yomiuri) 7) Prime Minister expresses willingness to expand PKO role for Japan (Nikkei) 8) Japanese and Russian leaders meet (Nikkei) 9) British prime minister asks Hatoyama to continue refueling mission (Nikkei) 10) Hatoyama expresses willingness to expand PKO role in meeting with UN Secretary General (Sankei) 11) Gist of discussion of between Hatoyama and UN Secretary General (Sankei) 12) Obama vouches for U.S. Ambassador to Japan Roos during summit with Hatoyama (Yomiuri) Okada Diplomacy in New York 13) FM Okada criticizes uranium enrichment in meeting with Iranian counterpart (Nikkei) Security & Defense 14) Administration's positive attitude toward basic defense program spurs MOD to accelerate its formulation (Yomiuri) Economy 15) Keidanren chairman calls for public debate on greenhouse gas reduction (Nikkei) Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei & Sankei Hatoyama, Obama agree to strengthen bilateral alliance Tokyo Shimbun: Construction Minister Maehara apologizes for policy change on Yamba Dam project: "Consideration was lacking" Akahata: JCP Chairman Shii, Kazakhstan ruling party's first vice chairman confirm cooperation in eliminating nuclear weapons, ensuring peace in Asia 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Quickly arrange next climate change summit to break impasse in negotiations (2) Welfare Ministry under Nagatsuma should become good model of politicians-led politics for people Mainichi: (1) Climate change summit: Present specific measures under Hatoyama initiative �00A;TOKYO 00002228 002 OF 008 (2) U.S. mediation in Middle East: Continue persuasion on halt of immigration by Israel Yomiuri: (1) Hatoyama UN speech: No domestic consensus yet on a 25 PERCENT cut in gas emissions (2) Cancellation of Yamba Dam project: Stance of sticking to campaign pledges unreasonable Nikkei: (1) Make use of Hatoyama speech to accelerate negotiations on global warming (2) Make efforts to establish relationship of trust between Japan, China before working on concept of East Asia Community Sankei: (1) Pledge of 25 PERCENT cut in gas emissions: Explanation needed about increase in public burden (2) Reconstruction of financial system: Concerns looming about increase in government bond issuance Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Try to translate "government's determination" to reduce gas emissions by 25 PERCENT into reality (2) Final stage of Olympics-invitation race: Convey Japan's eagerness Akahata: (1) Climate change summit: Make efforts to translate government's determination into action 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, September 24, 2009 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 22, 2009 Afternoon Met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon. Interviewed by the Washington Post at Intercontinental Hotel. Held informal meeting with Japanese officials at UN. dinner meeting with Ban Ki Moon at UN headquarters. Met British Prime Minister Brown. Prime Minister's schedule, September 24, 2009 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 23, 2009 Morning Met President Obama at Waldorf Astoria. Interviewed by news organizations at Intercontinental Hotel. Afternoon Met Russian President Medvedev at Waldorf Astoria. 4) Japan-U.S. summit confirms strengthening of alliance, cooperation in dealing with North Korea, nuclear issue, global warming YOMIURI (Top play) (Full) September 24, 2009 Kohei Kobayashi, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held his first meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama after assuming office, for about 35 minutes TOKYO 00002228 003 OF 008 at a hotel in New York on the morning of September 23 (evening of September 23, Japan time). The two leaders confirmed their intention to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and to cooperate in dealing with the North Korean nuclear issue, nuclear disarmament, and climate change. After the meeting, the Prime Minister told reporters: "The President and I were able to build a relationship with a certain degree of trust." Hatoyama stated at their meeting that the bilateral alliance "will continue to be the cornerstone of security," while Obama said that the alliance is "the basis of the two countries' security and economic prosperity." There was no specific discussion on such issues as the revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA),a review of the U.S. Forces Japan realignment plans, and what to do with the refueling mission of the Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Indian Ocean whose authorization will expire in January 2010. The President told Hatoyama: "We will have a long relationship starting today, so let's resolve the issues one by one." Hatoyama replied that, "We would like to consider our best possible contribution from an overall perspective," indicating Japan's willingness to provide agricultural aid, vocational training, and other civilian assistance to support reconstruction in Afghanistan. The two leaders agreed that North Korea's possession and development of nuclear arms is "unacceptable." Hatoyama pointed out that it is "important" for U.S.-DPRK talks to take place "within the framework of the Six-Party Talks on the nuclear issue." He also requested support in seeking a solution to the problem of Japanese nationals abducted by the DPRK. On climate change, Hatoyama explained Japan's mid-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emission by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020, asking the United States to also make efforts. He also complimented the President on his advocacy of a "world without nuclear weapons" in April and confirmed with him the two countries' cooperation in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Regarding the Hatoyama administration's policy on Asia, the Prime Minister explained that Japan "will strengthen its relationship of trust with the Asian countries and promote regional cooperation with the Japan-U.S. alliance as the cornerstone." The President welcomed this policy. 5) Hatoyama, Obama agree to uphold Japan-U.S. alliance NIKKEI (Top play) (Excerpts) September 24, 2009 Naoya Yoshino, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held talks for about 25 minutes with U.S. President Barack Obama at a New York hotel on the morning of Sept. 23 (the night of Sept. 23, Japan time). The two leaders agreed to maintain the bilateral alliance with next year marking the 50th anniversary of the conclusion of the revised U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. They also agreed to work closely for overcoming the global economic crisis. The two leaders stopped short of referring to an extension of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in TOKYO 00002228 004 OF 008 the Indian Ocean or the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan. Gist of the Japan-U.S. summit talks Q The leaders agreed that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of the two countries' security policies and that they must deepen the bilateral alliance. Q They emphasized the need to work closely for overcoming the global economic crisis. Q They shared the view that the Six-Party Talks is an effective framework in dealing with the North Korean issue. Q Prime Minister Hatoyama announced a plan to provide civilian aid to Afghanistan. President Obama welcomed the announcement. Q They agreed to cooperate to achieve their common goal of making the world nuclear free. Q The two leaders agreed to cooperate in the international talks in the run-up to the COP15 climate change conference to be held in December. Q President Obama will visit Japan in November. 6) Main points of the Japan-U.S. summit YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 24, 2009 Japan-U.S. relations Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: The Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be the cornerstone of security. We would like to engage in close consultations on all issues pertaining to the bilateral security arrangements. Japan will strengthen its relationship of trust with the Asian countries and promote regional cooperation with the bilateral alliance as the cornerstone. President Barack Obama: I welcome your policy. The Japan-U.S. relationship is very important not only to both countries, but also to the world. The bilateral alliance is the basis of the two countries' security and economic prosperity. We will have a long relationship, so let us resolve the issues one by one. North Korea Hatoyama: In addition to the policy of dialogue and cooperation, we also need to take a tough stance when necessary. The Six-Party Talks is the most effective framework, and it is important that U.S.-DPRK talks take place within this framework. A comprehensive solution to the issues of abduction, nuclear arms, and missiles is important. We would like to strengthen our cooperation. Obama: Let us continue to cooperate. Climate change Hatoyama: Japan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020 premised on all the major powers also taking effective actions. While our industrial sector still has problems with this, a political solution is necessary. Both leaders: Let us promote international negotiations ahead of the 15th Conference of Parties to the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15). We will collaborate closely. TOKYO 00002228 005 OF 008 Afghan aid Hatoyama: Japan will become actively involved in the reconstruction of Afghanistan and Pakistan as its own cause. We excel at agricultural aid, vocational training, and other forms of assistance for stable livelihoods, so we intend to make positive contributions in this area. We plan to consider our best possible contribution from an overall perspective. Obama: That will be very helpful. Nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament Hatoyama: Let us take the lead in realizing a world without nuclear weapons. Exchanges between leaders Obama: I look forward to my visit to Japan in November. Hatoyama: We welcome you wholeheartedly. 7) Prime Minister Hatoyama willing to expand Japan's PKO NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 24, 2009 Yusuke Nakajima, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, now visiting the United States, met with United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon at UN headquarters on the afternoon of Sept. 22 (early on the morning of Sept. 23, Japan time). Referring in it to Japan's UN peacekeeping operations (PKO),Hatoyama said, "Our personnel contribution is not sufficient, but I think we should make more efforts." He expressed his willingness to expand Japan's participation in PKO. He told Ban, "I would like you to exercise your leadership" regarding the North Korean nuclear and missile issues. 8) Hatoyama, Medvedev meet NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 24, 2009 Naoya Yoshino, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama met with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in New York at noon Sept. 23 (early on the morning of Sept. 24, Japan time). Hatoyama is expected to tell Medvedev about his determination to resolve the issue of the Northern Territories and seek his cooperation. He is also expected to propose strengthening relations in such areas as the economy, energy, and anti-global warning efforts. 9) British premier asks Hatoyama to extend refueling mission NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 24, 2009 (Yusuke Nakajima, New York) Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, now visiting the U.S., met with his TOKYO 00002228 006 OF 008 British counterpart, Gordon Brown, on the evening of Sept. 22 (local time). Brown asked Hatoyama whether Japan would continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean beyond its January expiration. "We will consider what would be the best way to contribute to the future of Afghanistan," Hatoyama replied. Citing as an example vocational training for elements of the Taliban, an armed anti-government group, Hatoyama indicated Japan would place emphasis on aid in the public welfare area. Prior to the Hatoyama-Brown meeting, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met British Foreign Secretary David Miliband at UN Headquarters. Miliband called for Japan's continued refueling operation. "During the campaign (for the latest House of Representatives election),we emphasized our intention of not simply extending the refueling mission," Okada said in response. "We would like to thoroughly discuss the issue." He pointed out that poverty is behind the Taliban's gaining in influence. He added: "To facilitate Taliban soldiers' reintegration into society we will emphasize job creation, vocational training, and help in finding jobs." 10) Hatoyama in meeting with UN secretary general expresses eagerness for more contributions in UN PKO SANKEI (Page 5) (Excerpts) September 24, 2009 (Morimichi Imahori, New York) Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, currently visiting the U.S., met UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in UN headquarters in New York on the afternoon of Sept. 22, local time, in which he indicated a willingness to expand Japan's contribution in UN peacekeeping operations (PKO). Hatoyama said: "Japan's personnel contribution is not enough. Japan must make more efforts in this area." He made this remark in response to Ban's reference to the need to step up efforts to prevent disputes and build peace. 11) Gist of meeting between Hatoyama, UN Secretary General Ban (UN PKO) Hatoyama: The (Hatoyama) coalition government has placed emphasis on the UN more than the previous governments. I am glad that I was given an opportunity to address the UN as my first job. Ban: I have a deep sense of gratitude toward Japan's assistance to the UN in such areas as peacekeeping, human rights, development, and finances. It is necessary to step up our efforts to prevent disputes and build peace. Hatoyama: Japan's personnel contribution in PKO is not enough. Japan must make more efforts in this area. (Climate change) Ban: You were able to announce the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 PERCENT owing to your wonderful leadership. The target has been favorably taken by other UN member nations. Hatoyama: In order for human beings to survive, we think it is necessary to attain this target, although it is set high. Japan would like to play the role of leading the world in the technical TOKYO 00002228 007 OF 008 area. (North Korea) Hatoyama: I want you as a UN secretary general from Asia to demonstrate your leadership in resolving the North Korean nuclear and missile issues. I appreciate the UN for its efforts to settle the issue of abductions by North Korean agents from a humanitarian point of view. Ban: I am willing to make utmost efforts to settle various issues related to North Korea. I highly appreciate Japan's contributions to the UN Security Council. (Nuclear disarmament) Hatoyama: Japan, as the only atomic-bombed nation, would like to take the lead in reducing nuclear arms and play its role. Ban: I also want to convey such a message to the world. 12) President Obama vouches for U.S. Ambassador to Japan Roos YOMIURI (Page 3) (Full) September 24, 2009 Satoshi Ogawa "He is a person I can trust very much." This is how President Barack Obama reportedly described U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos, who just assumed his post in August, toward the end of the Japan-U.S. summit on Sept. 23. There are concerns in Japan about Ambassador Roos, a former lawyer, because he has little experience in diplomacy although he has close ties to the President. President Obama was apparently addressing those concerns. Roos is an alumnus of Stanford University, which is also the alma mater of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. Hatoyama and Obama reportedly talked casually about the university in English, drawing laughter. 13) In meeting with Iranian foreign minister, Foreign Minister Okada criticizes Iran's uranium enrichment program NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 24, 2009 Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada met with his Iranian counterpart Manouchehr Mottaki on the afternoon of Sept. 22 (the early morning of Sept. 23, Japan time) in New York. During the meeting, Okada criticized Iran's stance of continuing its uranium enrichment program, saying, "Iran should dispel the international community's doubts" about its nuclear program. Mottaki asserted, "Since our religion prohibits us from possessing weapons of mass destruction, we have no intention to have nuclear weapons." Okada told Mottaki: "The U.S. administration has changed, and President Obama is now in office. Why don't you hold straightforward talks with the United States?" 14) Gov't to speed up defense program revision TOKYO 00002228 008 OF 008 YOMIURI (Page 4) (Abridged) September 24, 2009 The government is set to revise its national defense program guidelines, or NDPG for short, and its midterm defense buildup plan later in the year. The Hatoyama cabinet has indicated a positive stance about overhauling the two defense plans. In response, the Defense Ministry is now gearing up to review them. The NDPG is an outline of Japan's defense capabilities for the years ahead. Its current version, adopted in a cabinet meeting of December 2004, is required to be revised in five years. Meanwhile, the current midterm defense buildup plan, which stipulates a five-year timetable for the government to procure mainstay equipment and weaponry for the Self-Defense Forces, also expires in the current fiscal year. In this regard, Defense Minister Kitazawa revealed in a Sept. 17 press conference that he had been told by Prime Minister Hatoyama to coordinate with relevant ministers to revise the NDPG and formulate a new midterm defense buildup plan. "I am the person in charge," Kitazawa said, "so it's my responsibility to make preparations for the plans that will expire at the end of the current fiscal year." 15) Nippon Keidanren chairman calls for public debate on greenhouse gas emissions cut NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) September 24, 2009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama at the high-level meeting on climate change hosted by the UN (climate change summit) announced Japan's mid-term goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent by 2020 from the 1990 level. Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) Chairman Fujio Mitarai released a comment on the announcement, saying, "A strong resolution to build a fair and effective international framework that major emitters participate in has been announced." He then asked the prime minister to generate public debate after showing a concrete path toward emissions reduction and the burdens to be shouldered. President Tadashi Okamura of the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry also released a statement, which read, "We take it seriously that the prime minister has pledged (a 25 percent emissions cut) to the world. I would like him provide a clear roadmap toward making the environment and the economy compatible." ROOS