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Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Resignation of Prime

Published: Fri 14 Sep 2007 01:56 AM
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FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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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 - RESIGNATION OF PRIME
MINISTER ABE AND RUSSIAN POLITICAL SITUATION
LEAD STORIES: All Friday morning papers led with an
informal decision by former Chief Cabinet Secretary
Fukuda to run in the LDP presidential race, with
dailies noting that support for his candidacy
apparently exceeds that for party Secretary General
Aso.
1. "Candidates' Policies and Qualifications Must Be
Scrutinized" The top circulation, moderate Yomiuri
editorialized (9/14): "Following Prime Minister Abe's
announcement that he will step down, the LDP
presidential election campaign officially starts today.
The ruling party must elect a new president with
experience and strong leadership in order to restore
public trust and get the country back on a steady
track.... PM Abe cited as the reason for his
resignation the deadlock concerning a continuation of
the MSDF refueling operation in the Indian Ocean. No
matter who succeeds Abe, an extension of the operation
is an international commitment that must be fulfilled.
LDP presidential candidates in the campaign must
demonstrate to both domestic and foreign audiences that
Japan will not withdraw from the operation."
2. "Putin Makes Strategic Move to Hold on to Power"
Moscow correspondent Komaki of the liberal Asahi wrote
(9/14): "Following his nomination by President Putin as
prime minister, Victor Zubkov, the head of the Russian
government's financial market watchdog, said on
Thursday that he might run in the presidential election
next March if he can 'accomplish something as premier.'
As his appointment was not widely expected, speculation
is rife about whom Putin will tap as his successor....
It is certain that Putin made this sudden appointment
in an attempt to strengthen his grip on the government.
Opposition Yabloko leader Yavlinsky said: 'It is
apparent that Putin hopes to retain power even after
his expected retirement.' As it is almost certain that
Putin's favored successor will win the presidential
election, it appears as though Putin may be the only
person whose vote counts."
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