TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - FUTENMA RELOCATION AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 002784 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 - FUTENMA RELOCATION AND IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Friday morning papers gave top or front-page play to Prime Minister Hatoyama's apparent decision on Thursday to postpone a conclusion on Futenma relocation beyond the end of the year. ¶2. "Prime Minister Hatoyama Should Reconsider Postponement of Decision on Futenma Relocation" The moderate Yomiuri editorialized (12/4): "Prime Minister Hatoyama has reportedly made up his mind to give up on reaching a decision on Futenma relocation before the end of the year.... The U.S., Okinawa, and Nago have been earnestly calling for an early settlement of the issue based on the existing plan. The prime minister should reconsider his decision.... It is certain that the U.S. government's distrust of the prime minister and the Japanese government will further increase in the future. Efforts at the U.S.-Japan working group on Futenma to produce positive results will probably lose momentum. This will have an immeasurable impact on the U.S.-Japan relationship as a whole." ¶3. "Iran Should Return to Path toward Diplomatic Solution" The liberal Asahi stated in an editorial (12/4): "Iran, which is suspected of developing nuclear weapons, announced its plans to build ten new uranium enrichment facilities.... This decision is unacceptable because it will discourage the international community that is trying to strengthen its unity against nuclear proliferation.... Both Iranian businesses and people are suffering under UN sanctions. Iran should alter its confrontational policy, which will only deepen its isolation, and return to the path toward a diplomatic solution." ROOS