Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - General Election in Japan

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PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #2009 2440554
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 010554Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
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UNCLAS TOKYO 002009

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 - GENERAL ELECTION IN JAPAN

1. LEAD STORIES: Most Tuesday morning papers gave top or front-page
play to the DPJ's preparations for forming a ruling coalition with
the Social Democratic Party and People's New Party.

2. "Foundation of Foreign Policy Should Be U.S.-Japan Relations" The
moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/1): "It is important to let world
leaders know that there will be no change in the foundation of
Japan's relations with foreign countries even after a change of
government. Building a relationship of trust [with those leaders] is
also vital. DPJ President Hatoyama should confirm that the
U.S.-Japan alliance will be maintained when he holds his first
summit meeting with President Obama in the U.S. Regarding the
relocation of the functions of Marine Corps Air Station Futenma
within Okinawa, which has been agreed upon between the U.S. and
Japan, the DPJ is insisting that the airfield functions be relocated
outside the prefecture or outside Japan. However, reviewing the
agreed relocation plan is tantamount to breaching the U.S.-Japan
agreement and it will inevitably damage the alliance.... Although
the DPJ insists on an 'equal U.S.-Japan relationship,' the party is
simply clinging to an abstract idea that lacks specific policies.
The party should avoid words and actions that could weaken the
alliance."

ROOS

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