JAPAN PREPS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS SUMMIT; FIJI

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 000895 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL SUBJECT: JAPAN PREPS FOR PACIFIC ISLANDS SUMMIT; FIJI INVITE STILL UNDER DISCUSSION Classified By: Charge James P Zumwalt for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Japan will host the fifth Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM 5) in Hokkaido May 22-23. The focus of this tri-annual summit meeting between Japan and the members of the Pacific Islands Forum will be climate change, human security and expanding people-to-people exchanges. The Japanese Government, which released a statement on April 16 expressing concern about recent events in Fiji, remains undecided about whether to invite Fiji's interim leader. END SUMMARY. -------------- GOALS FOR PALM5 -------------- ¶2. (C) MOFA Oceania Division Director Kiminori Iwama told Embassy Tokyo that the upcoming PALM 5 event will focus on three areas: "Eco-friendliness," the promotion of human security, and expanding people-to-people exchanges. In terms of eco-friendliness, Japan hopes to use the upcoming summit meeting to promote regional cooperation in addressing climate change and environmental protection, including through its own "Cool Earth Partnership." Regarding human security, Iwama noted that while it may be difficult for Japan to provide more in the way of monetary assistance, the Japanese government wants to promote exchanges of experts and volunteers who can contribute technical know-how in fields such as tourism, fresh water supply, and education. The PALM 5 - the theme of which is "We Are Islanders" - will also discuss people-to-people exchanges between Pacific island nations and Japan, as well as ASEAN members. -------------- FIJI INVITATION STILL UNDER DISCUSSION -------------- ¶3. (C) Iwama noted that while in principle it would be "preferable to invite all Pacific Island Forum (PIF) members," MOFA recognizes that the current situation in Fiji must be addressed. Iwama offered his personal view that it will be "very difficult" to invite the head of Fiji's interim government. The final decision will be made at "a very high level," Iwama added. -------------- MOFA STATEMENT ON FIJI -------------- ¶4. (SBU) On April 16, MOFA issued the following statement on the situation in Fiji: Japan has been encouraging Fiji to return to democracy since the coup that took place in December, 2006. Japan is deeply concerned that Fiji made undemocratic decisions including abrogation of the Constitution, as it will step backwards in its restoration of democracy process that Fiji has been undertaking in cooperation with the international community. Japan sincerely hopes Fiji will make steadfast advancement towards democracy and that fair elections will be held at the soonest possible timing. ZUMWALT