Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Hamas-Fatah Clashes

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UNCLAS TOKYO 002795

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: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - HAMAS-FATAH CLASHES

1. LEAD STORIES: Most Thursday morning papers gave top
play to the Diet's enactment on Wednesdday of
legislation extending by two years the Iraq Assistance
Special Measures Law.

2. "Palestinian Split: Restructuring of Peace Diplomacy
Should be Hastened" Business-oriented Nihon Keizai
editorialized (6/21): "... The unified Palestinian
government has collapsed as a result of the armed
conflict between Hamas and Fatah. Although Palestinian
President Abbas created an emergency cabinet in the
West Bank, Fatah's split with Hamas, which effectively
controls the Gaza strip, is likely to become
protracted.... President Bush and Israeli Prime
Minister Olmert agreed to provide full support to
Abbas, with the USG resuming direct assistance,
suspended since the spring of 2006, for the Palestinian
government. It is not certain, however, whether the US
assistance for Fatah will contribute to isolating the
Gaza strip and weakening Hamas.... While exploring a
resumption of peace talks with President Abbas, Israel
is likely to face off militarily with Hamas in the Gaza
strip, forcing a strategic review of relations with
Syria. The successful resumption of peace talks between
Israel and Syria will be crucial to the future of the
Middle East peace process. The international community
should try harder to create a diplomatic environment in
which Prime Minister Olmert can launch a new peace
offensive."

DONOVAN

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