Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Hamas-Fatah Clashes

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UNCLAS TOKYO 002883

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 Tuesday morning papers
front-paged the growing likelihood that the Tokyo
headquarters of the pro-Pyongyang General Association
of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) will be
auctioned off by the GOJ-backed Resolution and
Collection Corporation (RCC).

2. "Palestinian Chaos: Risk of Divided Rule" An
editorial in the top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri
commented (6/26): "We cannot help but describe the
situation in the Palestinian areas as pitiful. Divided
rule by the rival Hamas and Fatah groups appears to be
taking root, making the ultimate goal of Middle East
peace through Palestinian co-existence with Israel far
more distant.... Palestinian President Abbas fired pro-
Hamas Prime Minister Haniya and launched a crisis
cabinet.... The US and EU not only clarified support
for Abbas but also pledged a resumption of financial
assistance to the Palestinian Authority (PA). Israel,
meanwhile, decided to return to the PA some of the
taxes it had collected in its place. This is good news
for the Palestinian people, most of whom face dire
economic circumstances. As things stand, however, this
financial support will only help people in the West
Bank and will not ease the plight of those in the Gaza
Strip, where a sense of desperation could provide a
breeding ground for radicals.... Efforts should be made
to head off divided rule and mediate between Hamas and
Fatah. Expectations are riding on assistance from major
Arab nations like Saudi Arabia and Egypt, both of which
played key roles in the formation of a Palestinian
unity government in March."

SCHIEFFER

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