TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - G-7 AND UKRAINE

UNCLAS TOKYO 000262 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 - G-7 AND UKRAINE ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Tuesday morning included Prime Minister Hatoyama's meeting with DPJ Secretary General Ozawa on Monday, during which the premier reportedly approved Ozawa's decision to remain in his post. ¶2. "Role of G-7 to Remain Important" The moderate Yomiuri editorialized (2/9): "The G-7 will be transformed into an informal venue, in which cabinet ministers from advanced nations will exchange their opinions candidly. It is certainly difficult for the G- 20, a larger group, to rapidly respond to emergencies, such as sudden fluctuations in exchange rates. The role of the G-7, which is capable of acting quickly, will remain important." ¶3. "Ukraine Fails to Overcome East-West Conflict" The liberal Mainichi wrote from Kiev (2/9): "In the run-off presidential election in Ukraine, former Prime Minister Yanukovich came out ahead of incumbent Prime Minister Tymoshenko in the east part of the nation, while Tymoshenko assumed the lead in the west. This election result showed that Ukraine has yet to overcome the East- West conflict within the country that was revealed in the previous election in 2004." ¶4. "Democratization in Ukraine at Turning Point" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun reported from Kiev (2/9): "The victory of pro-Russia candidate former Prime Minister Yanukovich in the run-off presidential election in Ukraine on February 7 has become almost certain. Democratization in Ukraine will face a major turning point following incumbent President Yushchenko's loss in the first round of voting in January and the defeat of Prime Minister Tymoshenko, who led the 'Orange Revolution' in 2004." ROOS