Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09TOKYO626
2009-03-20 01:16:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - DPRK DETENTION OF
how-toVZCZCXRO4968 PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH DE RUEHKO #0626 0790116 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 200116Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1660 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA PRIORITY RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI//N541// PRIORITY RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA// PRIORITY RUHBANB/OKINAWA FLD OFC US FORCES JAPAN CP BUTLER JA PRIORITY RHMFIUU/USFJ PRIORITY INFO RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 3079 RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 5419 RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 0832 RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 3619 RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 6871 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 8360 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 2752 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 4385 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4276 RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC
UNCLAS TOKYO 000626
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 - DPRK DETENTION OF
AMERICAN JOURNALISTS, IRAQ, AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE
UNCLAS TOKYO 000626
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 - DPRK DETENTION OF
AMERICAN JOURNALISTS, IRAQ, AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE
¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Friday morning included
the compilation of a new set of pump-priming measures
by the ruling coalition, including 300 billion yen in
additional government spending for creating jobs.
¶2. "New Source of Dispute" On the detention of two
Asian-American female journalists by DPRK authorities,
a Seoul correspondent for the top-circulation, moderate
Yomiuri wrote (3/20): "Given the recent deterioration
in U.S.-DPRK relations over the latter's preparations
for a ballistic missile launch, chances are high that
the detention will turn into a bilateral dispute.... It
remains uncertain whether North Korea will become
cooperative in releasing the detainees swiftly.
Prolonged negotiations are likely."
¶3. "Greater Self-Reliance Needed" On the 6th
anniversary of the start of the Iraq war, the liberal
Mainichi editorialized (3/20): "It is very pleasing to
know that the environment has been gradually set for
people in Iraq to finally overcome post-war confusion
and enjoy peace.... Less reliance on the U.S. sooner
than later is imperative for Prime Minister Maliki. In
order to achieve that goal, the Iraqi government must
do its utmost. At the same time, it is important for
the international community to assist Iraq in becoming
self-reliant."
¶4. "Step toward Middle East Peace Dialogue" The liberal
Tokyo Shimbun asserted in an editorial (3/20):
"President Obama has expressed strong interest in
expanding the scope of Middle East peace talks by
calling for enhanced dialogue with the people in the
Islamic world. His planned trip to Turkey next month
can be taken as a part of U.S. overtures toward the
Islamic world."
ZUMWALT