TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - BURMA

UNCLAS TOKYO 002292 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 - BURMA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Monday morning included Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao's arrival in Pyongyang on Sunday. ¶2. " U.S. Policy Shift Should Lead to Breakthrough" The liberal Asahi editorialized (10/5): "The Obama administration has changed its basic policy toward Myanmar (Burma) and will launch direct talks with the military junta shortly.... The military government's dictatorship has been strengthened ahead of the general election planned for next year.... The U.S. will open the door to dialogue while continuing to enforce sanctions. We hope that such a move, which is aimed at achieving a breakthrough in the stalemate, will lead to an improvement in the situation, including the problem of democratization.... If the military junta wants to fully return to the international community, it should provide a clear vision for democratization through its dialogue with the U.S." ROOS