Cablegate: Media Reaction Q North Korea - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 005925

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 NORTH KOREA - TOKYO

LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers front-paged
the GOJ decision Wednesday to sever trade ties with North
Korea.

1. "US and China Should Join Hands to Deal With North
Korea's Nuclear Ambitions" An editorial in the liberal
Asahi commented (10/12): "It is likely that the UN
Security Council (UNSC) will adopt a resolution by the
end of this week calling for punitive measures against
North Korea, which has announced it conducted a nuclear
test. The expected resolution is a manifestation of the
anger and protest of the international community. As long
as Pyongyang clings to its nuclear ambitions, it remains
isolated from the world community, unable to get its
tattered economy back on track. The UNSC resolution
should bring this home to North Korea. It is noteworthy
that China is showing a flexible stance.... Acting in
concert to deal with this nuclear crisis is a major
achievement for the international community. The
solidarity between the US and China will serve as strong
pressure on North Korea.... Every measure possible must
be taken to avoid the use of force against North Korea
and Pyongyang's resort to arms. We propose that China
come up with a way to persuade the DPRK to abandon its
nuclear ambitions without using force."

SCHIEFFER

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