Cablegate: Media Reaction Q Lebanon Crisis - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 004184

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 LEBANON CRISIS - TOKYO

LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers front-paged
the expected formal GOJ decision today to lift the ban on
US beef imports, with the arrival of the first shipment
expected as early as mid-August.

1. "Lebanon Crisis: Immediate Ceasefire Must Be Priority"
An editorial in the moderate Tokyo Shimbun commented
(7/27): "Israeli military attacks on Hezbollah
strongholds in Lebanon have been escalating, with
civilian casualties continuing to mount. Though an
immediate ceasefire is an urgent necessity, Washington
says otherwise, meaning that its efforts at mediation are
viewed as suspect by the international community. In
addition to its air strikes, the Israeli Defense Force
has mobilized ground units to attack Hezbollah
strongholds and social infrastructure, leaving several
Lebanese towns in ruins. UN Secretary General Annan
sharply criticized as 'deliberate' an Israeli attack
Tuesday that claimed the lives of four UN peacekeepers
deployed near the border....

2. "Criticism is rising over Israel's excessive use of
force, with the UN deputy secretary general calling the
the attacks a 'crime against humanity.'... With
international opinion turning against the US, Secretary
of State Rice flew to the Middle East and proposed that
Hezbollah be disarmed and eliminated before any
ceasefire, leaving the impression that the US approves of
Israel running amok.... The world hopes for calm and fair
involvement by Israel's close ally in a region racked by
conflict centered on the Palestinians.... In calling for
a lasting solution to the roots of the problem before a
ceasefire can be considered, Washington's stance is
overly rigid and unrealistic."

SCHIEFFER

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