Cablegate: Media Reaction - Lebanon Ceasefire - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 004567

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 - LEBANON CEASEFIRE - TOKYO

LEAD STORIES: There were no papers published Monday
morning because of a press holiday. Top stories on
quasi-governmental NHK-TV include the UN ceasefire
agreement, which will take effect today in Lebanon, with
the broadcaster expressing doubt about its
effectiveness.

1. "UNSC Resolution on Lebanon: Seeking a Breakthrough"
The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized
(8/13): "A measure has finally been taken to put an end
to the month-long crisis in Lebanon. The parties
involved must not only immediately suspend hostilities
but also search for a lasting ceasefire. The UN Security
Council adopted a resolution calling for the complete
cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
Once the ceasefire goes into effect, Lebanese government
troops and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon
(UNIFIL) are expected to deploy in southern Lebanon as
observers. In line with this, Israel is called upon to
withdraw all its troops....

2. "Lebanon faces the possibility of becoming a failed
state if the present situation is left as it is. This
would have an immeasurably negative impact on an already
unstable Middle East.... It is imperative that Israel
and Hezbollah lay down their arms. Both sides have
continued fighting even after the adoption of the UNSC
resolution.... Hezbollah should cease launching missiles
at Israel and comply with calls to disarm. Israel must
suspend its military operations, including air strikes,
and hasten its withdrawal from Lebanon.... We believe
that placing confidence in UNIFIL and seeking a lasting
ceasefire through diplomacy is a realistic approach."

SCHIEFFER

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