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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 003931 
 
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: MEDIA REACTION Q G-8 SUMMIT/MIDDLE EAST 
SITUATION - TOKYO 
 
 
LEAD STORIES: Most Friday morning papers front-paged 
reports from Jerusalem concerning Israel's bombing of the 
Beirut International Airport and its blockade of Lebanon. 
 
¶1. "Nuclear and Missile Threats Will Test Unity at G-8 
Summit" The business-oriented Nihon Keizai editorialized 
(7/14): "The G-8 summit that begins this weekend in St. 
Petersburg, Russia, will be a major test of the Group's 
unity. In addition to the Iranian nuclear issue, North 
Korea's missile launches last week have given rise to a 
new crisis. The G-8 summit has an important role to play 
in containing these threats to global stability. The G-8 
leaders should speak with one voice and take a firm 
stance toward North Korea and Iran. 
 
¶2. "Russia will host the summit for the first time. With 
petroleum prices on the rise, Russia as an oil producer 
has seen its international influence grow. We hope that 
Russia will use its say in a fair manner and from the 
lofty perspective of addressing such difficult subjects 
as nuclear proliferation, the missile crisis, and energy 
for the benefit not only of itself but for the entire 
world. Russian President Putin's leadership will be 
tested.... Iranian and North Korean development of WMD 
represents an emerging threat, so the G-8 leaders have a 
responsibility to issue a strong message for maintaining 
the global order.... There continues to be a tug of war 
between the US and Japan on one side and Russia and China 
on the other over a UNSC resolution on North Korea. 
Success at the G-8 summit hinges on whether Putin can 
play an active role in presenting G-8 unity to the 
world." 
 
¶3. "Tension in the Middle East: Japan Can Make Unique 
Contribution to Peace" An editorial in the conservative 
Sankei commented (7/14): "In the midst of Prime Minister 
Koizumi's visit to Israel and the Palestinian 
territories, Israeli troops advanced into Lebanon for the 
first time in six years in a bid to rescue two soldiers 
who had been abducted. With an ongoing operation in the 
Gaza Strip to rescue another Israeli soldier, the Israeli 
military has opened a two-front battle. Israeli Prime 
Minister Olmert criticized the Lebanese government for 
the abduction of the soldiers by the Shiite group 
Hezbollah, saying it was not terrorism but an act of war, 
and he launched a large-scale military operation that 
included bombing Beirut International Airport. As a 
result, Syria, Iran, and other Arab and Islamic nations 
with close ties to Hezbollah have all reacted strongly, 
and tensions in the region are again on the rise. 
 
¶4. "What in the world can Japan do in such a situation? 
There is no choice but to urge all parties concerned to 
exercise self-restraint to prevent an expansion of the 
military conflict. However, it is possible to create an 
environment for long-term peace. While cooperating with 
the US and Europe, it is important for Japan to play a 
role befitting itself. During his talks with Olmert, 
Koizumi presented the outline of a regional development 
project dubbed the 'Corridor to Peace and Prosperity,' 
and he proposed that Japan, Israel, the Palestinians, and 
Jordan set up a committee to study the idea. Olmert 
welcomed the project as an example of Japan's 
assistance.... Koizumi promised Japan's continued support 
for the Palestinians during talks with President Abbas 
and said prior to the meeting at a press conference in 
Israel that Japan provides assistance differently than 
 
TOKYO 00003931  002 OF 002 
 
 
the US and Europe. Middle East peace is crucial for 
regional stability and world peace. It also contributes 
to energy security for Japan. Terrorism will intensify if 
the situation in the region becomes unstable." 
 
SCHIEFFER