TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S.-RUSSIA SUMMIT,

UNCLAS TOKYO 000738 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.-RUSSIA SUMMIT, ISRAEL, AND AFGHANISTAN ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Thursday morning papers gave front- page play to yesterday's summit between President Obama and Russian President Medvedev, during which they confirmed a bilateral commitment to nuclear reductions. ¶2. "Reset of Bilateral Ties Begins" The liberal Asahi said in a front-page commentary (4/2): "That President Obama and Medvedev agreeing to a 'roadmap' for a new nuclear arms reduction treaty, as well as to a timeline for the next summit represents a 'reset' of bilateral relations that goes beyond words.... The Obama administration's policy of ensuring a stable Afghanistan and a nuclear-free Iran would not be possible in the absence of cooperation from Russia. A 'reset' of U.S.-Russia relations will have significant impact on President Obama's world strategy." ¶3. "U.S. Serious about Improving Ties with Russia" The moderate Yomiuri wrote from London (4/2): "The Obama administration's rapprochement with Russia runs the risk of undermining the security of traditional U.S. allies in Western Europe, given that Washington may be forced to make concessions on the issue of deploying missile defense platforms in Eastern Europe." ¶4. "Lukewarm Coordination between U.S. and Russia" The conservative Sankei reported from London (4/2): "No concrete progress was made during the U.S.-Russia summit concerning the most pressing issue of MD deployment in Eastern Europe. While the two leaders may have pressed the 'reset' button for improved relations, the bilateral ties are unlikely to develop into strategic ones that involve shared values anytime soon." ¶5. "'Coexistence of Two States' Imperative" On the formation of a right-wing government in Israel, the liberal Mainichi editorialized (4/2): "It is premature to conclude that the launch of the Netanyahu administration has dashed hopes for progress on peace talks, as there is a view that only a 'hardliner' could make a crucial decision.... We hope Netanyahu will be flexible about peace talks. He should be aware that the coexistence of Israeli and Palestinian states would form the basis for peace." ¶6. "Turnaround for Stable Afghanistan" On President Obama's new Afghan policy, the business-oriented Nikkei insisted in an editorial (4/2): "The new Afghan policy is significant in that Washington is committed to ensuring regional stability, including Pakistan. In this regard, attention will be paid to whether the presidential election in Afghanistan will be held smoothly in August as planned without major troubles. In the long-run, a stable Afghanistan would be impossible without the restoration of safety through empowering police forces and nation-building through the nurturing of new industries." ZUMWALT