TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA, U.S.-JAPAN

UNCLAS TOKYO 002800 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 - NORTH KOREA, U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS, AND RUSSIA-INDIA RELATIONS ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All papers on Tuesday morning front- paged the GOJ's move to arrange a summit between Prime Minister Hatoyama and President Obama next week in Copenhagen so that the premier can directly explain to the President the Japanese administration's current position on Futenma relocation. ¶2. "Denuclearization Must Be Thoroughly Pursued" On the planned visit to North Korea by a USG delegation led by Special Representative Bosworth, the liberal Mainichi editorialized (12/8): "The situation in which nuclear threats by an abnormal autocratic state are continuing must be resolved at all costs. The goal [of denuclearizing North Korea] can only be achieved if the U.S. shares and upholds this position with Japan and South Korea. We would like to [Bosworth] to make patient and uncompromising efforts.... Some in the U.S. are openly saying: 'Complete denuclearization of North Korea is impossible for the time being. It would be better if the proliferation of nuclear weapons [by North Korea] to terrorist organizations or rogue states can be prevented.'" This means that North Korea's possession of a small amount of nuclear weapons or materials would be acceptable. If this 'for the time being' is prolonged, Japan cannot accept it. Denuclearization must be thoroughly pursued." ¶3. "Foreign Minister Should Risk His Post to Persuade Prime Minister" The conservative Sankei asserted in an editorial (12/7): "The time has come for Foreign Minister Okada to put his job on the line and persuade Prime Minister Hatoyama to settle the Futenma deadlock swiftly. The delay in a conclusion is undermining the foundation of Japan's national security and now runs the risk of damaging national interests. Does PM Hatoyama share the view stated by FM Okada that a reduction in the security burden on Okinawa will move forward only if a relationship of trust exists between the U.S. and Japan? Okada must tackle this issue with grave determination." ¶4. "Russia, India Enhance Ties" On Russian President Medvedev's summit with Indian Prime Minister Singh in Moscow on Monday, the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri wrote (12/8): "The two leaders agreed that Russia will sell an aircraft carrier to India, and signed a comprehensive cooperation pact concerning the peaceful use of nuclear power. The two states, which are enjoying a larger say in the international arena as major emerging powers, have made it clear that they will deepen their friendly ties in such strategic areas as military and energy." ROOS