TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S. RELATIONS WITH EASTERN EUROPE,

UNCLAS TOKYO 002448 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. RELATIONS WITH EASTERN EUROPE, DEFENSE SECRETARY GATES'S VISIT TO JAPAN, AFGHANISTAN, AND SUDAN ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Friday morning's Sankei led with the disclosure by several GOJ sources that the Hatoyama administration has informally decided to choose and propose to the U.S. an alternate site for the Futenma replacement facility somewhere else in Okinawa by the end of the year. ¶2. "Distrust of U.S. Spreading in East Europe" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri reported from Warsaw (10/23): "Distrust of the U.S. is intensifying among former communist states in Eastern Europe following the decision by the Obama administration, which is moving forward in its reconciliation with Russia, to shelve plans to deploy missile defense platforms in Eastern Europe. The U.S. is desperately trying to curb this sentiment by sending Vice President Biden off to three Eastern European nations. However, the nations have reacted coolly to the visit. The relationship between the U.S. and Eastern Europe, which has been in place since the end of the Cold War, has become strained." ¶3. "Hatoyama Administration's Position Not Evident" On Secretary of Defense Gates's recent trip to Japan, during which he called for a swift implementation of the existing Futenma relocation initiative, the liberal Mainichi asserted in an editorial (10/23): "The Futenma relocation issue has now entered a new stage, as a top USG official has formally conveyed a message [that there will be no relocation of Marines to Guam nor any personnel reduction in Okinawa without Futenma relocation] to the GOJ.... A delay [in a GOJ decision] would allow the problems of safety and noise affecting residents near MCAS Futenma to remain unaddressed. Prime Minister Hatoyama has no choice other than to make a decision while taking into account the ongoing review of the negotiation process.... The premier appears to be anxious to see the results of the Nago mayoral election in late January. However, it's hard to imagine the poll results leading to a breakthrough in the Futenma issue." ¶4. "Rooting out Corruption, Irregularities Top Priority" On the upcoming runoff presidential election in Afghanistan, the liberal Tokyo editorialized (10/23): "We are concerned that the upcoming race will further deepen the turmoil in Afghanistan. Election irregularities, which took place in the August election, must not be allowed to run rampant again.... A fair election must be conducted so that former Foreign Minister Abdullah, if he is defeated, can accept the outcome. If the northern parts of Afghanistan distance themselves from the central government, the new administration will further lose its grip on power in the face of increased control of the southern region by the Taliban." ¶5. "China Holds Key to Persuading Sudan" The liberal Asahi wrote (10/23): "The Obama administration has launched a diplomatic policy of 'pressure and incentives' centering on economic sanctions and dialogue in order to build peace in Sudan. It is clear that the initiative was launched without solid prospects, as there is no guarantee that the U.S. will be able to successfully persuade the Sudanese government, which has different views on issues such as human rights violations and war crimes. Whether or not the U.S. will be able to draw China, which has strong influence over Sudan, into the creation of a coalition is the key to achieving a breakthrough." ROOS