TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - NORTH KOREA AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000771

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 AND
PRESIDENT OBAMA'S SPEECH IN PRAGUE


1. LEAD STORIES: All Monday morning papers gave top
play to North Korea's missile launch on Sunday.


2. "Threat Should Be Removed by International Unity"
The liberal Asahi editorialized (4/6): "... It is
necessary for the UN Security Council to urge UN member
states to steadily implement the 2006 resolution on
North Korea... The U.S. has a heavy role and
responsibility... Japan's unilateral sanctions would
have only limited effects. Japan should place priority
on international unity and coordination with the Obama
administration."


3. "Concerted Action at UN Security Council Needed" The
liberal Mainichi stated in an editorial (4/6): "... The
UN Security Council should show the way of dealing with
North Korea, which repeats provocative actions that
jeopardize peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Japan
should work with the U.S. to narrow the gap with China
and Russia."

4."UNSC Should Reconfirm Strict Implementation of
Resolution" The moderate Yomiuri wrote in an editorial
(4/6): "... During the foreign ministerial telephone
talks between the U.S. and Japan and between Japan and
South Korea, the three nations shared the view that it
is necessary for the UNSC to send a strong message. The
UNSC should reconfirm that Resolution 1718, which
called on North Korea to halt all of its activities
related to missile development programs, is implemented
in a strict manner."


5. "UNSC Should Contain North Korea's 'Adventurism'"
The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (4/6): "...
North Korea's launch is an act of adventurism... If the
international community fails to take firm measures,
Pyongyang will repeat similar actions. It is reasonable
for the U.S. and Japanese governments to call for an
emergency UNSC meeting."


6. "Sanctions Should be Imposed" The conservative
Sankei insisted in an editorial (4/6): "... The U.S.
and Japan should urge the UNSC to take swift actions,
including a new resolution, and make every diplomatic
effort to impose strict sanctions on North Korea."


7. "More Losses than Gains" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun
editorialized (4/6): "North Korea fired a missile by
ignoring international calls to exercise restraint.
Although the move is aimed at boosting its national
prestige, Pyongyang should understand that there will
be more losses rather than gains."


8. "President Obama Expresses Resolve toward Nuclear
Arms Reduction" The liberal Asahi wrote (4/6):
"President Obama, who calls for a 'nuclear-free world,'
showed a clear path to the reduction of nuclear weapons
during his speech in Prague. This is the strong message
following his recent agreement with the Russian leader
to restart the stalled negotiations between Washington
and Moscow."


9. "Obama to Be Tested" The liberal Mainichi wrote from
Prague (4/6): "President Obama set a far-reaching goal
of creating a 'nuclear-free world.' His ongoing tour of
Europe, during which he declared the resumption of
nuclear arms reduction talks with Russia, is the

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initial step. However, there are difficult challenges
ahead, including regional problems. President Obama,
who advocates the 'reconstruction of U.S. leadership,'
will be tested."


10. "U.S. to Lead Reduction of Nuclear Arms" The
moderate Yomiuri reported from Prague (4/6): "President
Obama advocated a 'nuclear-free world' during his
address in Prague in order to create an international
agreement to prevent nuclear terrorism and demonstrate
Washington's specific steps toward the reduction of
nuclear weapons. The President aims to use his efforts
to urge North Korea and Iran to abandon their nuclear
programs."


11. "Obama Stresses Change to Nuclear-Free World" The
business-oriented Nikkei wrote from Prague (4/6):
"President Obama's address in Prague, during which he
advocated a 'nuclear-free world,' is aimed at
impressing the world that AMERICA has changed in its
diplomatic policy. His pledge to ratify the CTBT is a
policy-turnaround from the Bush administration.
Although challenges remain for the ratification, his
statement indicates progress."


12. "Ambitious Blueprint for Nuclear Arms Reduction"
The liberal Tokyo Shimbun's report from Prague said
(4/6): "President Obama put forward his idea of
creating a 'nuclear-free world' in Prague. If nuclear
superpowers move first, the move would be useful to
convince North Korea and Iran to give up on their
nuclear programs and to prevent nuclear proliferation
to terrorists. Despite this ambitious blueprint, North
Korea launched a missile. A 'big wall' stands against
the realization of the idea."


ZUMWALT