Cablegate: Media Reaction Q North Korea - Tokyo

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UNCLAS TOKYO 006032

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 Tuesday morning papers front-paged a
statement Monday by Director of National Intelligence
Negroponte saying that analysis of air samples collected
on October 11 detected radioactive debris that confirms
North Korea conducted an underground nuclear explosion on
October 9.

1. "Maritime Inspections: Japan's Role Questioned" The
liberal Mainichi editorialized (10/17): "The UN Security
Council (UNSC) resolution on sanctions against North
Korea includes maritime inspections of ships entering or
leaving that country.... Although the implementation of
inspections is left for each country to decide, Japan,
which faces a direct threat from North Korea's nuclear
and missile programs, must be aware of its position and
study what it can do to deal with the situation. Plans
are afoot within the GOJ to recognize the North Korean
moves as a 'contingency in areas surrounding Japan' and
to give rear-area support by supplying fuel and water to
the US military in the event of maritime inspections....
Of course, some are concerned that recognizing the
situation as a contingency could invite a North Korean
attack, and this opinion has emerged even within the
ruling parties and the Japan Defense Agency (JDA)....
Secretary of State Rice will visit Japan Wednesday with a

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trilateral foreign ministerial meeting among the US,
Japan, and South Korea in Seoul set for Thursday. With
maritime inspections high on the agenda, the ministerial
will further clarify the US position. The GOJ should
reach a conclusion after carefully reviewing the
situation, with rear-area support in mind."

SCHIEFFER

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