JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/25/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 002240 SIPDIS DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/25/09 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Hatoyama Diplomacy in New York 4) Japanese and Russian leaders meet; no resolution of territorial issue in sight (Yomiuri) 5) Gist of Japanese-Russian summit (Yomiuri) 6) Gist of Japanese-Korean summit (Yomiuri) 7) Gist of Hatoyama's speech to UN Security Council (Sankei) 8) Hatoyama proposes East Asia Community during UN speech (Nikkei) 9) Japanese and Korean leaders agree on a trilateral approach with U.S. to North Korea issues (Sankei) 10) Hatoyama affirms Japan will uphold three non-nuclear principles (Sankei) 11) Hatoyama says fresh policies will revive Japanese economy (Yomiuri) MOD Kitazawa 12) MOD Kitazawa affirms close coordination with MOFA (Yomiuri) 13) MOD Kitazawa says review of basic defense program will not be postponed (Asahi) 14) MOD Kitazawa expresses willingness for early resolution of Futenma relocation issue (Mainichi) 15) MOD Kitazawa says GSDF will not be deployed to Yonaguni (Tokyo Shimbun) Foreign Relations 16) FM Okada tells counterparts at G8 meeting SDF dispatch to Afghanistan problematic (Nikkei) 17) Summit of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean leaders to be held in Beijing on Oct. 10 (Nikkei) Politics 18) Okinawan Diet members demand revision of the SOFA (Asahi) 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei, Sankei & Akahata UNSC unanimously adopts resolution seeking nuclear-free world Tokyo Shimbun: In speech at UNSC Hatoyama expresses resolve to take initiative in eliminating nuclear weapons 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Solidify Japan-U.S. alliance for sake of world (2) Find ways to preserve Kitora tomb Mainichi: (1) Japanese, U.S. leaders expected to reconstruct bilateral relationship Yomiuri: (1) Japan, U.S. must address outstanding bilateral issues (2) Kamei's debt-moratorium plan: Government should not intervene in banking business TOKYO 00002240 002 OF 009 Nikkei: (1) Whether Hatoyama, Okada were able to dispel uncertainties over diplomacy remains to be seen (2) Government should think hard before considering JAL bailout Sankei: (1) Japan-U.S. summit: Hatoyama must further strengthen practical options (2) Japan-Russia summit: Hatoyama must call for "return of four islands" Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Hatoyama administration should present specific vision of an equal alliance (2) Middle East peace negotiations: Insist on a freeze on Israeli settlements Akahata: (1) Services and Support for Persons with Disabilities Law: Immediately abolish "benefit taxation" principle 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, September 23 (Local time) NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 25 Afternoon Luncheon meeting hosted by the Japan Society in New York. Met with Australian Prime Minister Rudd. Met with South Korea President Lee Myung Bak. Evening Welcome reception at Metropolitan Museum hosted by President Obama and the First Lady. Stayed at the Intercontinental Hotel overnight. Prime Minister's schedule, September 24 (Local time) NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 25, 2009 Morning Met with Vietnamese President Triet. Attended UNSC meeting on nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament. Afternoon Delivered speech at UN General Assembly 4) No resolution in sight for territorial issue despite agreement between Hatoyama, Medvedev to settle issue in their generation YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) September 25, 2009 Kohei Kobayashi, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev held their first summit meeting at a New York hotel at around noon on Sept. 23 (early on the morning of Sept. 24, Japan time) and exchanged views on the Northern Territories issue. The two leaders agreed to seek to bring a final resolution to the issue during their generation. "We are ready to take an innovative approach," President Medvedev said. But the meeting fell short of resulting in any TOKYO 00002240 003 OF 009 prospect. The summit meeting took place at the request of the Russian side. According to a source accompanying the Prime Minister, Hatoyama at one point urged Medvedev to discuss the territorial issue as well because the President focused his attention solely on economic cooperation with Japan. According to the source, Hatoyama told the Russian counterpart that the territorial issue and economic cooperation are like two wheels of a cart. Hatoyama pressed Medvedev to explain exactly what he means by an "innovative approach." The Russian President used the phrase "innovative approach" repeatedly when dealing with former Prime Minister Taro Aso. What it specifically means still remains unclear. Once again, Medvedev simply said, "It is important for the two countries to take flexible measures by moving away from extreme positions." A senior Foreign Ministry official indicated on the same day that the territorial issue warrants no optimism, saying: "Russia's position on the territorial issue has not changed. We should not fluctuate between optimism and pessimism after hearing Russia's words." 5) Gist of Japan-Russia summit talks YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 25, 2009 (Northern Territories issue) Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: I hope the President will exercise leadership so that we can see a final resolution of the territorial issue within our generation and the signing of a peace treaty. President Dmitry Medvedev: I want to vigorously proceed with peace treaty talks. I am ready to take an innovative approach. It is possible to resolve the legacy of the past politically. (Nuclear nonproliferation) Prime Minister: I hope talks on disarmament and nuclear nonproliferation between you and U.S. President Obama will move forward. President: I am ready to make progress in the area of nuclear disarmament. (Top-level exchanges) Two leaders: We have agreed to make arrangements to hold the next summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in November and to hold foreign minister-level talks regularly. 6) Gist of Japan-ROK summit meeting YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 25, 2009 (Japan-South Korea relations) TOKYO 00002240 004 OF 009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: The relationship with South Korea is the most important relationship with a neighboring country for Japan, and I want to further strengthen our bilateral relationship. The new (Hatoyama) administration is an administration that has the courage to look squarely at history. I want to further develop the future-oriented Japan-South Korea relationship together with you. President Lee Myung Bak: Taking our relationship a step further, I want to build a relationship of mutual trust and an extremely close relationship. (North Korean issue) Two leaders: We will continue working closely among Japan, the United States, and South Korea. We can never condone the development of nuclear and ballistic missiles by North Korea. For the time being, we will steadily implement sanction measures in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions and urge North Korea to swiftly return to the Six-Party Talks. (Climate change) President: I highly praise Japan's role in the international community. Prime Minister: I will make efforts so that the 15th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP15) can reach a certain conclusion. 7) Gist of PM Hatoyama's speech at the UNSC high-level meeting on nuclear disarmament SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) September 25, 2009 Three non-nuclear principles Japan is the only country that has suffered from an attack by nuclear weapons. It has chosen the path to prevent the vicious cycle of nuclear arms expansion despite its potential ability to develop nuclear arms because it feels that this is the moral responsibility of the only atomic-bombed nation. Those who have suspicions about Japan's possession of nuclear weapons in light of the development of nuclear arms by its neighbors are ignorant of Japan's strong determination. I reiterate our commitment to upholding the three non-nuclear principles. It is the responsibility of all countries on earth, whether they possess nuclear arms or not, to take action for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. Japan's response Japan will call on the nuclear powers to work toward disarmament. It will push vigorously for the early effectuation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the launch of negotiations for the Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty at an early date. Japan will play a leading role in nuclear disarmament and make efforts to reinforce the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). North Korea's nuclear issue North Korea's development of nuclear weapons is a threat to peace and security. Japan will take further necessary measures to enhance TOKYO 00002240 005 OF 009 the effectiveness of UN resolutions. Japan is also concerned about the Iranian nuclear issue. 8) Hatoyama advocates an East Asian Community in UNGA speech NIKKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) September 25, 2009 Yusuke Nakajima, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered a speech at a United Nations General Assembly session at noon on Sept. 24 (after midnight on Sept. 25, Japan time). In the speech, he advocated creating an East Asian Community. He said that he will make efforts in pursuit of "open regionalism" to strengthen cooperation among East Asian countries in order to reduce security risks and revitalize the economy. With regard to Japan's position on reforming the UN Security Council, he said that Japan aims to become a permanent UNSC member. 9) Hatoyama, Lee confirm Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation on North Korea issue SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) September 25, 2009 Morimichi Imabori, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama met with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak on the afternoon of Sept. 23 (early on the morning of Sept. 24) at a hotel in New York. The two leaders agreed that the three countries, including the United States, should continue to cooperate in dealing with the North Korea issue. Hatoyama and Lee also reaffirmed that they will swiftly implement sanction measures in UN Security Council resolutions and urge North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks. During the meeting, Hatoyama told Lee: "The new government has the courage to keep a firm eye on history. Based on this, we would like to jointly develop a forward-looking bilateral relationship." 10) Prime Minister Hatoyama in UNSC speech vows to uphold three nonnuclear principles SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) September 25, 2009 Morimichi Imabori, New York Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who is now visiting the U.S., delivered a speech on the morning of Sept. 24 (after midnight of Sept. 25, Japan time) at the UN Security Council meeting on disarmament and nonproliferation held at the UN Headquarters. In the speech he announced his resolution to proactively lead nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation by reaffirming Japan's commitment to uphold its three nonnuclear principles. The Prime Minister said, "As the only country that has suffered from atomic bombs, Japan vows to uphold its three nonnuclear principles. It must spearhead efforts for the elimination of nuclear arms." Hatoyama highly praised the U.S. President's Prague speech. Calling TOKYO 00002240 006 OF 009 for nuclear disarmament from nuclear powers, he urged an early effectuation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the launch of negotiations on the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty. Hatoyama strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear development, "It is a threat to the peace and security of the international community. We cannot possibly allow such development." He also expressed concern about Iran's nuclear issue and called for the UNSC to play a stronger role. The Prime Minister will also deliver a speech at the UN General Assembly on the afternoon of the 24th (after midnight on Sept. 25, Japan time). He is expected to announce his resolve to tackle five challenges - the global economic crisis, the climate change issue, nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, peace building, development and poverty, and the East Asian Community Initiative. 11) Prime Minister Hatoyama to announce in UN Assembly speech his resolution to bring Japanese economy around with new policies YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) September 25, 2009 Kohei Kobayashi, New York Prime Minister Hatoyama will deliver a speech at the UN Assembly at noon on Sept. 24 (after midnight on Sept. 25, Japan time). He is expected to announce his resolution to turn the Japanese economy around with new economic policies in order to lead the global economy. He will note in the speech that Japan will do its utmost to become a bridge across the world, between East and West, between developed and developing countries, and between diverse civilizations. To be specific, he will present Japan's policy of tackling issues focusing on the following challenges: (1) measures to address the global economic crisis; (2) climate change; (3) nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation; (4) peace building, development, and poverty; and (5) building an East Asian Community. 12) Defense chief confirms cooperation with Foreign Ministry YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) September 25, 2009 Defense Minister Kitazawa yesterday held his first meeting with the Defense Ministry's state secretary and parliamentary vice ministers at his office. During the meeting, they confirmed that the ministry would discuss such issues as reviewing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and working out alternative plans for the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean while cooperating closely with the Foreign Ministry's state secretary and parliamentary vice ministers. 13) Defense minister announces review of National Defense Program Guidelines before year's end, saying, "We will not put off the revision of the guidelines" ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) September 25, 2009 Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa during an interview with various media organizations on Sept. 24 noted, "Putting off a review of the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) is not an option." He TOKYO 00002240 007 OF 009 thus announced his intention to review the guidelines before year's end, as planned by the previous Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) administration. Some Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) members had been calling for postponing such a review until after the Upper House election in July next year, because there are opposing views on the security policy within the party and with the Social Democratic Party (SDP). 14) Defense minister to make first visit to Okinawa, eager to seek early solution to Futenma relocation issue MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) September 25, 2009 Yasushi Sengoku Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa will visit Okinawa for the first time since he took office on September 25. He will exchange views with Governor Hirokazu Nakaima and other Okinawa officials on the relocation of the Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City),a major pending issue. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama had asserted before the recent House of Representatives election that "at least, relocation out of Okinawa is desirable," but the new administration has not clarified its policy. There will be a great deal of attention focused on the statement Kitazawa makes in Okinawa. At an interview with the media on September 24, Kitazawa said: "The agreement with the U.S. is of great importance. On the other hand, the people of Okinawa are hoping for relocation out of Okinawa or out of Japan. How do we reconcile these two aspects? I would like to go to Okinawa as soon as possible to hear their views," thus indicating his eagerness to resolve the relocation issue at an early date. Kitazawa will visit Futenma and Camp Schwab, the proposed relocation site for the Futenma base, on September 26. He will meet with Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro and other officials of Nago City, where Camp Schwab is located. He also plans to visit the Okinawa International University, the site of a U.S. military helicopter crash in 2004. In connection with this visit, seven Diet members of the Democratic Party of Japan, the Social Democratic Party, and the People's New Party elected from Okinawa called on Kitazawa at the Ministry of Defense on September 24 and demanded a review of the current plans for Futenma relocation. Kitazawa did not give a clear answer but agreed to hold regular meetings with them from now on. 15) Defense minister discloses he has no intention to deploy GSDF troops on Yonaguni Island TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) September 25, 2009 In an interview with the press yesterday, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa indicated that he would not approve a plan to deploy Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops on Yonaguni Island, one of the Southwest Islands. "I wonder if it is proper to introduce a plan that would provoke our neighbors while we are promoting collaboration with Asian countries," he said. The government is considering the deployment plan as it drafts the National Defense Program Outline due out at the year end. TOKYO 00002240 008 OF 009 Asked if the government should propose revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA),Kitazawa stressed he would seek to improve procedures such that suspects can be handed over to the Japanese side prior to indictment. "I think the custody issue can be resolved through discussion," he said. Regarding a plan to add (to the SOFA) an environment provision designed to require the U.S. military to remove contaminated soil and other materials from American bases, he remarked: "That is perhaps a good proposal." 16) Okada at G8 foreign ministerial: Sending SDF troops to Afghanistan would be difficult NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) September 25, 2009 Yusuke Nakajima, New York Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada attended the Group of Eight (G8) foreign ministerial meeting held at the United Nations headquarters on the evening of Sept. 23 (on the morning of Sept. 24, Japan time). Okada said at the meeting that it would be difficult to send Self-Defense Force (SDF) troops to Afghanistan, citing a variety of restrictions. Okada also announced that the Japanese government is considering new comprehensive civilian support measures, such as providing anti-government Taliban elements with vocational training and job creation. The meeting agreed that it is important for the international community to assist in Afghanistan's efforts (to rebuild itself). The members also recognized the need for the Afghan military forces to train security forces. They also confirmed the need for international unity in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue. 17) Japan-China-South Korea meeting set for Oct. 10 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) September 25, 2009 A three-way meeting among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean leaders will be held in Beijing on Oct. 10, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced yesterday. The meeting will be attended by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak. The leaders are expected to discuss North Korea's nuclear development problem, an East Asia Community, and other issues. 18) Okinawa lawmakers call for SOFA revisions ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) September 25, 2009 Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa met yesterday with Shokichi Kina, a House of Councillors member of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and representative of the DPJ's Okinawa prefectural chapter, and other lawmakers elected from Okinawa Prefecture. During the meeting, Kitazawa agreed to meet periodically with them from now on to discuss issues relating to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and measures intended to promote the development of local communities. Kina and his group also met with State Secretary for Foreign Affairs Koichi Takemasa and requested that the Japan-U.S. TOKYO 00002240 009 OF 009 Status of Forces Agreement be revised. ROOS