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FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 002240
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA;
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION;
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN,
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR;
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/25/09
Index:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)
Hatoyama Diplomacy in New York
4) Japanese and Russian leaders meet; no resolution of territorial
issue in sight (Yomiuri)
5) Gist of Japanese-Russian summit (Yomiuri)
6) Gist of Japanese-Korean summit (Yomiuri)
7) Gist of Hatoyama's speech to UN Security Council (Sankei)
8) Hatoyama proposes East Asia Community during UN speech (Nikkei)
9) Japanese and Korean leaders agree on a trilateral approach with
U.S. to North Korea issues (Sankei)
10) Hatoyama affirms Japan will uphold three non-nuclear principles
(Sankei)
11) Hatoyama says fresh policies will revive Japanese economy
(Yomiuri)
MOD Kitazawa
12) MOD Kitazawa affirms close coordination with MOFA (Yomiuri)
13) MOD Kitazawa says review of basic defense program will not be
postponed (Asahi)
14) MOD Kitazawa expresses willingness for early resolution of
Futenma relocation issue (Mainichi)
15) MOD Kitazawa says GSDF will not be deployed to Yonaguni (Tokyo
Shimbun)
Foreign Relations
16) FM Okada tells counterparts at G8 meeting SDF dispatch to
Afghanistan problematic (Nikkei)
17) Summit of Japanese, Chinese, and Korean leaders to be held in
Beijing on Oct. 10 (Nikkei)
Politics
18) Okinawan Diet members demand revision of the SOFA (Asahi)
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei, Sankei & Akahata
UNSC unanimously adopts resolution seeking nuclear-free world
Tokyo Shimbun:
In speech at UNSC Hatoyama expresses resolve to take initiative in
eliminating nuclear weapons
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Solidify Japan-U.S. alliance for sake of world
(2) Find ways to preserve Kitora tomb
Mainichi:
(1) Japanese, U.S. leaders expected to reconstruct bilateral
relationship
Yomiuri:
(1) Japan, U.S. must address outstanding bilateral issues
(2) Kamei's debt-moratorium plan: Government should not intervene in
banking business
TOKYO 00002240 002 OF 009
Nikkei:
(1) Whether Hatoyama, Okada were able to dispel uncertainties over
diplomacy remains to be seen
(2) Government should think hard before considering JAL bailout
Sankei:
(1) Japan-U.S. summit: Hatoyama must further strengthen practical
options
(2) Japan-Russia summit: Hatoyama must call for "return of four
islands"
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Hatoyama administration should present specific vision of an
equal alliance
(2) Middle East peace negotiations: Insist on a freeze on Israeli
settlements
Akahata:
(1) Services and Support for Persons with Disabilities Law:
Immediately abolish "benefit taxation" principle
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)
Prime Minister's schedule, September 23
(Local time)
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 25
Afternoon Luncheon meeting hosted by the Japan Society in New York.
Met with Australian Prime Minister Rudd. Met with South Korea
President Lee Myung Bak.
Evening Welcome reception at Metropolitan Museum hosted by
President Obama and the First Lady. Stayed at the Intercontinental
Hotel overnight.
Prime Minister's schedule, September 24
(Local time)
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Morning Met with Vietnamese President Triet. Attended UNSC meeting
on nonproliferation and nuclear disarmament.
Afternoon Delivered speech at UN General Assembly
4) No resolution in sight for territorial issue despite agreement
between Hatoyama, Medvedev to settle issue in their generation
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Kohei Kobayashi, New York
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev
held their first summit meeting at a New York hotel at around noon
on Sept. 23 (early on the morning of Sept. 24, Japan time) and
exchanged views on the Northern Territories issue. The two leaders
agreed to seek to bring a final resolution to the issue during their
generation. "We are ready to take an innovative approach," President
Medvedev said. But the meeting fell short of resulting in any
TOKYO 00002240 003 OF 009
prospect.
The summit meeting took place at the request of the Russian side.
According to a source accompanying the Prime Minister, Hatoyama at
one point urged Medvedev to discuss the territorial issue as well
because the President focused his attention solely on economic
cooperation with Japan. According to the source, Hatoyama told the
Russian counterpart that the territorial issue and economic
cooperation are like two wheels of a cart.
Hatoyama pressed Medvedev to explain exactly what he means by an
"innovative approach." The Russian President used the phrase
"innovative approach" repeatedly when dealing with former Prime
Minister Taro Aso. What it specifically means still remains unclear.
Once again, Medvedev simply said, "It is important for the two
countries to take flexible measures by moving away from extreme
positions."
A senior Foreign Ministry official indicated on the same day that
the territorial issue warrants no optimism, saying: "Russia's
position on the territorial issue has not changed. We should not
fluctuate between optimism and pessimism after hearing Russia's
words."
5) Gist of Japan-Russia summit talks
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
September 25, 2009
(Northern Territories issue)
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: I hope the President will exercise
leadership so that we can see a final resolution of the territorial
issue within our generation and the signing of a peace treaty.
President Dmitry Medvedev: I want to vigorously proceed with peace
treaty talks. I am ready to take an innovative approach. It is
possible to resolve the legacy of the past politically.
(Nuclear nonproliferation)
Prime Minister: I hope talks on disarmament and nuclear
nonproliferation between you and U.S. President Obama will move
forward.
President: I am ready to make progress in the area of nuclear
disarmament.
(Top-level exchanges)
Two leaders: We have agreed to make arrangements to hold the next
summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
(APEC) forum in November and to hold foreign minister-level talks
regularly.
6) Gist of Japan-ROK summit meeting
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
September 25, 2009
(Japan-South Korea relations)
TOKYO 00002240 004 OF 009
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: The relationship with South Korea is
the most important relationship with a neighboring country for
Japan, and I want to further strengthen our bilateral relationship.
The new (Hatoyama) administration is an administration that has the
courage to look squarely at history. I want to further develop the
future-oriented Japan-South Korea relationship together with you.
President Lee Myung Bak: Taking our relationship a step further, I
want to build a relationship of mutual trust and an extremely close
relationship.
(North Korean issue)
Two leaders: We will continue working closely among Japan, the
United States, and South Korea. We can never condone the development
of nuclear and ballistic missiles by North Korea. For the time
being, we will steadily implement sanction measures in line with
United Nations Security Council resolutions and urge North Korea to
swiftly return to the Six-Party Talks.
(Climate change)
President: I highly praise Japan's role in the international
community.
Prime Minister: I will make efforts so that the 15th session of the
Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention
on Climate Change (COP15) can reach a certain conclusion.
7) Gist of PM Hatoyama's speech at the UNSC high-level meeting on
nuclear disarmament
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Three non-nuclear principles
Japan is the only country that has suffered from an attack by
nuclear weapons. It has chosen the path to prevent the vicious cycle
of nuclear arms expansion despite its potential ability to develop
nuclear arms because it feels that this is the moral responsibility
of the only atomic-bombed nation. Those who have suspicions about
Japan's possession of nuclear weapons in light of the development of
nuclear arms by its neighbors are ignorant of Japan's strong
determination. I reiterate our commitment to upholding the three
non-nuclear principles. It is the responsibility of all countries on
earth, whether they possess nuclear arms or not, to take action for
nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
Japan's response
Japan will call on the nuclear powers to work toward disarmament. It
will push vigorously for the early effectuation of the Comprehensive
Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the launch of negotiations for the
Fissile Material Cut-Off Treaty at an early date. Japan will play a
leading role in nuclear disarmament and make efforts to reinforce
the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
North Korea's nuclear issue
North Korea's development of nuclear weapons is a threat to peace
and security. Japan will take further necessary measures to enhance
TOKYO 00002240 005 OF 009
the effectiveness of UN resolutions. Japan is also concerned about
the Iranian nuclear issue.
8) Hatoyama advocates an East Asian Community in UNGA speech
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
September 25, 2009
Yusuke Nakajima, New York
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered a speech at a United Nations
General Assembly session at noon on Sept. 24 (after midnight on
Sept. 25, Japan time). In the speech, he advocated creating an East
Asian Community. He said that he will make efforts in pursuit of
"open regionalism" to strengthen cooperation among East Asian
countries in order to reduce security risks and revitalize the
economy. With regard to Japan's position on reforming the UN
Security Council, he said that Japan aims to become a permanent UNSC
member.
9) Hatoyama, Lee confirm Japan-U.S.-ROK cooperation on North Korea
issue
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Morimichi Imabori, New York
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama met with South Korean President Lee
Myung Bak on the afternoon of Sept. 23 (early on the morning of
Sept. 24) at a hotel in New York. The two leaders agreed that the
three countries, including the United States, should continue to
cooperate in dealing with the North Korea issue. Hatoyama and Lee
also reaffirmed that they will swiftly implement sanction measures
in UN Security Council resolutions and urge North Korea to return to
the Six-Party Talks.
During the meeting, Hatoyama told Lee: "The new government has the
courage to keep a firm eye on history. Based on this, we would like
to jointly develop a forward-looking bilateral relationship."
10) Prime Minister Hatoyama in UNSC speech vows to uphold three
nonnuclear principles
SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
September 25, 2009
Morimichi Imabori, New York
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who is now visiting the U.S.,
delivered a speech on the morning of Sept. 24 (after midnight of
Sept. 25, Japan time) at the UN Security Council meeting on
disarmament and nonproliferation held at the UN Headquarters. In the
speech he announced his resolution to proactively lead nuclear
disarmament and nonproliferation by reaffirming Japan's commitment
to uphold its three nonnuclear principles.
The Prime Minister said, "As the only country that has suffered from
atomic bombs, Japan vows to uphold its three nonnuclear principles.
It must spearhead efforts for the elimination of nuclear arms."
Hatoyama highly praised the U.S. President's Prague speech. Calling
TOKYO 00002240 006 OF 009
for nuclear disarmament from nuclear powers, he urged an early
effectuation of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the
launch of negotiations on the Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty.
Hatoyama strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear development, "It
is a threat to the peace and security of the international
community. We cannot possibly allow such development." He also
expressed concern about Iran's nuclear issue and called for the UNSC
to play a stronger role.
The Prime Minister will also deliver a speech at the UN General
Assembly on the afternoon of the 24th (after midnight on Sept. 25,
Japan time). He is expected to announce his resolve to tackle five
challenges - the global economic crisis, the climate change issue,
nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, peace building,
development and poverty, and the East Asian Community Initiative.
11) Prime Minister Hatoyama to announce in UN Assembly speech his
resolution to bring Japanese economy around with new policies
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
September 25, 2009
Kohei Kobayashi, New York
Prime Minister Hatoyama will deliver a speech at the UN Assembly at
noon on Sept. 24 (after midnight on Sept. 25, Japan time). He is
expected to announce his resolution to turn the Japanese economy
around with new economic policies in order to lead the global
economy. He will note in the speech that Japan will do its utmost to
become a bridge across the world, between East and West, between
developed and developing countries, and between diverse
civilizations. To be specific, he will present Japan's policy of
tackling issues focusing on the following challenges: (1) measures
to address the global economic crisis; (2) climate change; (3)
nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation; (4) peace building,
development, and poverty; and (5) building an East Asian Community.
12) Defense chief confirms cooperation with Foreign Ministry
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Defense Minister Kitazawa yesterday held his first meeting with the
Defense Ministry's state secretary and parliamentary vice ministers
at his office. During the meeting, they confirmed that the ministry
would discuss such issues as reviewing the realignment of U.S.
forces in Japan and working out alternative plans for the Maritime
Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean while
cooperating closely with the Foreign Ministry's state secretary and
parliamentary vice ministers.
13) Defense minister announces review of National Defense Program
Guidelines before year's end, saying, "We will not put off the
revision of the guidelines"
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa during an interview with various
media organizations on Sept. 24 noted, "Putting off a review of the
National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) is not an option." He
TOKYO 00002240 007 OF 009
thus announced his intention to review the guidelines before year's
end, as planned by the previous Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
administration. Some Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) members had
been calling for postponing such a review until after the Upper
House election in July next year, because there are opposing views
on the security policy within the party and with the Social
Democratic Party (SDP).
14) Defense minister to make first visit to Okinawa, eager to seek
early solution to Futenma relocation issue
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Yasushi Sengoku
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa will visit Okinawa for the first
time since he took office on September 25. He will exchange views
with Governor Hirokazu Nakaima and other Okinawa officials on the
relocation of the Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City), a major
pending issue. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama had asserted before the
recent House of Representatives election that "at least, relocation
out of Okinawa is desirable," but the new administration has not
clarified its policy. There will be a great deal of attention
focused on the statement Kitazawa makes in Okinawa.
At an interview with the media on September 24, Kitazawa said: "The
agreement with the U.S. is of great importance. On the other hand,
the people of Okinawa are hoping for relocation out of Okinawa or
out of Japan. How do we reconcile these two aspects? I would like to
go to Okinawa as soon as possible to hear their views," thus
indicating his eagerness to resolve the relocation issue at an early
date.
Kitazawa will visit Futenma and Camp Schwab, the proposed relocation
site for the Futenma base, on September 26. He will meet with Mayor
Yoshikazu Shimabukuro and other officials of Nago City, where Camp
Schwab is located. He also plans to visit the Okinawa International
University, the site of a U.S. military helicopter crash in 2004.
In connection with this visit, seven Diet members of the Democratic
Party of Japan, the Social Democratic Party, and the People's New
Party elected from Okinawa called on Kitazawa at the Ministry of
Defense on September 24 and demanded a review of the current plans
for Futenma relocation. Kitazawa did not give a clear answer but
agreed to hold regular meetings with them from now on.
15) Defense minister discloses he has no intention to deploy GSDF
troops on Yonaguni Island
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full)
September 25, 2009
In an interview with the press yesterday, Defense Minister Toshimi
Kitazawa indicated that he would not approve a plan to deploy Ground
Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops on Yonaguni Island, one of the
Southwest Islands. "I wonder if it is proper to introduce a plan
that would provoke our neighbors while we are promoting
collaboration with Asian countries," he said. The government is
considering the deployment plan as it drafts the National Defense
Program Outline due out at the year end.
TOKYO 00002240 008 OF 009
Asked if the government should propose revising the Japan-U.S.
Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), Kitazawa stressed he would seek
to improve procedures such that suspects can be handed over to the
Japanese side prior to indictment. "I think the custody issue can be
resolved through discussion," he said.
Regarding a plan to add (to the SOFA) an environment provision
designed to require the U.S. military to remove contaminated soil
and other materials from American bases, he remarked: "That is
perhaps a good proposal."
16) Okada at G8 foreign ministerial: Sending SDF troops to
Afghanistan would be difficult
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly)
September 25, 2009
Yusuke Nakajima, New York
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada attended the Group of Eight (G8)
foreign ministerial meeting held at the United Nations headquarters
on the evening of Sept. 23 (on the morning of Sept. 24, Japan time).
Okada said at the meeting that it would be difficult to send
Self-Defense Force (SDF) troops to Afghanistan, citing a variety of
restrictions. Okada also announced that the Japanese government is
considering new comprehensive civilian support measures, such as
providing anti-government Taliban elements with vocational training
and job creation.
The meeting agreed that it is important for the international
community to assist in Afghanistan's efforts (to rebuild itself).
The members also recognized the need for the Afghan military forces
to train security forces. They also confirmed the need for
international unity in dealing with the Iranian nuclear issue.
17) Japan-China-South Korea meeting set for Oct. 10
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
September 25, 2009
A three-way meeting among Chinese, Japanese, and Korean leaders will
be held in Beijing on Oct. 10, the Chinese Foreign Ministry
announced yesterday. The meeting will be attended by Prime Minister
Yukio Hatoyama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and South Korean
President Lee Myung-Bak. The leaders are expected to discuss North
Korea's nuclear development problem, an East Asia Community, and
other issues.
18) Okinawa lawmakers call for SOFA revisions
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
September 25, 2009
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa met yesterday with Shokichi Kina,
a House of Councillors member of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)
and representative of the DPJ's Okinawa prefectural chapter, and
other lawmakers elected from Okinawa Prefecture. During the meeting,
Kitazawa agreed to meet periodically with them from now on to
discuss issues relating to the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan
and measures intended to promote the development of local
communities. Kina and his group also met with State Secretary for
Foreign Affairs Koichi Takemasa and requested that the Japan-U.S.
TOKYO 00002240 009 OF 009
Status of Forces Agreement be revised.
ROOS