Cablegate: Media Reaction Q Iran - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 004326

SIPDIS

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: MEDIA REACTION Q IRAN - TOKYO

LEAD STORIES: Wednesday morning's Mainichi front-paged a
report from Jerusalem concerning the intensification of
Israel Defense Force (IDF) ground operations against
Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

1. "International Unity Needed to Resolve Iranian Nuclear
Issue" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri
editorialized (8/2): "The UNSC adopted a resolution that
gives Iran until August 31 to suspend uranium enrichment
or face economic and other sanctions. This indicates the
serious concern with which the international community
views Tehran's nuclear program. Iran has said there is no
need for it to comply with the resolution, arguing that
the peaceful use of nuclear technology is its right.
Nonetheless, the UNSC has moved for the first time to
adopt a resolution on the issue. Tehran should seriously
accept it and suspend uranium enrichment.... In June, the
five permanent members of the UNSC plus Germany asked
Iran for a timely reply to a comprehensive plan that
would provide Iran with assistance in building light
water reactors in return for suspending uranium
enrichment.

2. "Tehran, however, on its own authority declared that
it will reply on August 22 and has remained unclear as to
its intentions. There are suspicions in the international
community that Iran is playing for time in order to
acquire further uranium enrichment technology.... The
deteriorating situation in Lebanon is a new cause for
concern. Iran is believed to wield strong influence over
Hezbollah, the group responsible for the tense situation
in Lebanon. There is growing concern that Iran may be
trying to play the 'Hezbollah card' in an attempt to gain
the upper hand in the negotiations over its nuclear
program. A breakthrough in the situation is needed soon."

SCHIEFFER

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