Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Pakistan

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UNCLAS TOKYO 005105

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 - PAKISTAN

LEAD STORIES: All Monday papers gave top play to the
main opposition party Democratic Party of Japan
President Ozawa's expression of his intention to resign
as party leader.

"Concern about Tension in Pakistan" The
economic-oriented Nikkei editorialized (11/5):
"Pakistani President Musharraf announced the emergency
decree on Saturday. Although he explained that the move
is aimed at maintaining the unity of the state, the
move appears, in effect, to be a declaration of martial
law and could further destabilize the nation. Concern
is growing about the rising tension in Pakistan in view
of the fact that the nation stands at the frontline of
the war on terrorism and possesses nuclear arms...
Motives to prolong his hold on power appear to lay
behind Musharraf's announcement of emergency rule...
The US has been calling on Musharraf to carry out a
general election as scheduled and resign as the Army
Chief of Staff by saying that Washington will not
support an undemocratic approach. However, the USG,
while criticizing the emergency decree, will likely
continue to cooperate with Musharraf, given that
Pakistan is an important partner for the US in the war
on terror."

SCHIEFFER

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