Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - Annapolis Meeting

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P 280524Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 005356

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 - ANNAPOLIS MEETING

LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers gave top
coverage to Tokyo prosecutors' plans to arrest a former
senior defense ministry official as early as today on
suspicion of accepting bribes in the form of wining and
dining from an arrested former defense hardware trading
firm executive.

"Resumption of U.S.-led Middle East Peace Talks
Welcomed" Liberal Asahi editorialized (11/28): "With
the aim of achieving a breakthrough in the stalemated
Middle East peace process, delegations from more than
40 nations, including Israel and the Palestinian
Authority, have gathered in the U.S. in response to
President Bush's invitation. President Bush, whose term
is nearing its end, initiated the conference in an
attempt to create a diplomatic achievement. Regardless
of his motives, the President's determination to face
up to a situation exacerbated by the war in Iraq and
other factors should be welcomed.... Prior to the
conference, the President said that the U.S. shares the
goal of two democratic nations coexisting in peace and
stability. This statement confirms Washington's support
for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
Fortunately, Syria and Saudi Arabia, which have direct
interests in the Israeli-Palestinian talks, are taking
part in the meeting. The U.S. should make a serious
effort to work on Israel."

SCHIEFFER

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