TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-JAPAN SUMMIT, U.S.-RUSSIA

UNCLAS TOKYO 002241 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.-JAPAN SUMMIT, U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT, AND UNSC ADOPTION OF RESOLUTION ON 'WORLD WITHOUT NUCLEAR WEAPONS' ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Friday morning papers led with Thursday's unanimous adoption by the UN Security Council of a motion calling for a 'world free of nuclear weapons.' ¶2. "Pending Issues Put on Backburner" On the summit between President Obama and Prime Minister Hatoyama, the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/25): "It is necessary for Japan to keep in mind that President Obama is trying to maintain good relations not only with Japan but also with the international community as a whole. Japan should squarely address the pending issues that were not taken up in the summit so as to enhance the bilateral alliance and forge a genuine relationship of trust. President Obama's visit to Japan in November will be a testing ground for Hatoyama diplomacy. It is imperative for the administration to set the stage for a settlement of the outstanding issues." ¶3. "U.S.-Japan Alliance for the World" The liberal Asahi asserted in an editorial (9/25): "The first encounter between the President and the Prime Minister appeared to represent a historic connection. President Obama's emphasis on nuclear reduction, nuclear abolition, and global warming, as well as international coordination through dialogue, is in sync with the basic policies of the Hatoyama administration.... We want the Prime Minister to put forward a new vision for the bilateral alliance that will be conducive to global interests." ¶4. "First Coordination with Russia over Iran" On President Obama's agreement with his Russian counterpart Medvedev on taking a concerted approach regarding sanctions against Iran, the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri wrote from New York (9/25): "With this accord, additional progress was made on laying the groundwork for putting pressure on Iran ahead of the planned talks on October 1 between Iran and the P5 plus Germany. However, it is still unclear whether Russia, which has been negative about enhancing sanctions on Iran, will maintain its coordination with the U.S." ¶5. "U.S. Exercises Leadership on Nuclear Nonproliferation" The liberal Mainichi stated (9/25): "President Obama chaired the UNSC meeting and brought about the adoption of a resolution calling for a 'world free of nuclear weapons.' This was aimed at turning the UN into an 'Obama world' and allowing the U.S. to take the lead in worldwide nuclear strategy.... President Obama's nuclear strategy is to demonstrate U.S. readiness for nuclear reduction while engaging other countries in nuclear nonproliferation in order to head off 'nuclear terrorism.' This approach coincides with the Obama administration's diplomatic catchphrases of 'restoring U.S. leadership through setting examples' and 'sharing international responsibilities.'" ¶6. "U.S. Avoids Specifics in Order to Prioritize Unity" The liberal Asahi speculated (9/25): "The Obama administration's foremost priority was to pass the resolution unanimously. The draft that was put forward did not use language that might undermine the rights of other nuclear powers, and stopped short of naming North Korea and Iran so as to head off opposition from China.... A 'world without nuclear weapons' is a distant goal, as President Obama himself admitted by saying, 'We have no illusions.' Nonetheless, the President pursued this resolution with the goal of stepping up international restrictions on nuclear development by North Korea and Iran, which is Washington's top security concern." ROOS