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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 15 TOKYO 004474 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/27/07 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule 
 
Opinion polls: 
4) 57.8 PERCENT  support rate for the Fukuda Cabinet in a Kyodo 
poll, but only 28 PERCENT  see the new prime minister as a reformist 
 
5) Fukuda Cabinet receives a 59 PERCENT  support rate in the Nikkei 
poll; 47 PERCENT  approve, 37 oppose continuing MSDF refueling 
service in Indian Ocean 
6) 58 PERCENT  support rate for Fukuda Cabinet in Yomiuri poll, with 
respondents feeling sense of stability; 47 PERCENT  approve 
continuing MSDF refueling in Indian Ocean 
7) Asahi poll give Fukuda Cabinet a 53 PERCENT  support rate, but 56 
PERCENT  of public worried about the "old LDP returning" 
8) Mainichi poll: Fukuda Cabinet support rate at 57 PERCENT 
 
US-Japan agenda: 
9) Eleven countries' ambassadors, including US, to issue joint 
statement calling on Japan to continue MSDF refueling in the Indian 
Ocean 
10) Former US Ambassador to Japan in interview to Nikkei gives his 
outlook for the Fukuda administration 
11) Fukuda, President Bush talk by phone, agree to early visit to US 
by the prime minister 
12) Foreign Minister Komura off to the US today to give speech at 
United Nations 
13) Japan to side with US anti-global warming counterproposal at G-8 
 
 
Burma in revolt: 
14) Burmese demonstrators, military junta clash; US, Europe apply 
pressure on Burmese government; Japan calls for "construction 
resolution" of current crisis 
15) Japan's economic assistance to Burma is of concern to the US, 
Europe 
 
Foreign aid program: 
16) JBIC, Japan's ODA dispenser, to cooperate with Asia Development 
Bank in order to enhance Japan's aid image 
17) Japanese ODA-built bridge in Vietnam collapses, killing 60 
people 
 
Political scene: 
18) Prime Minister Fukuda adding his own policy "color" by revising 
approaches to educational reform, collective self-defense review 
19) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) hurrying to ready own bills for 
Diet presentation, resisting Fukuda's conciliatory stance 
20) DPJ is worried about its deteriorating image due its 
intransigence on issues, may soften some of its stances 
21) Defense Minister Ishiba found to have corrected his political 
contribution records to make them conform to the law 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Fukuda cabinet support rating stands at 53 PERCENT , but 56 PERCENT 
 
TOKYO 00004474  002 OF 015 
 
 
think old LDP is returning 
 
Mainichi: 
Fukuda cabinet support rate at 57 PERCENT , with a sense of 
stability appreciated 
 
Yomiuri: 
Three monks killed in clashes in Burma 
 
Nikkei: 
Fukuda cabinet support rate at 59 PERCENT ; 47 PERCENT  support 
extension of MSDF refueling mission, while 37 PERCENT  express 
opposition 
 
Sankei: 
More than 100 killed or injured in anti-junta protests in Burma 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Four killed in crackdown in Burma 
 
Akahata: 
90 PERCENT  call for abolishing benefit principle under the law to 
help disabled people become independent 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Countries must step up efforts to prevent expansion of 
bloodshed 
(2) NHK reform: Chairman Hashimoto should reform himself 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Fukuda cabinet support rating: Carry out policies to respond to 
public expectations 
(2) Doubt cast over Hatoyama's competence as justice minister for 
remark on "death sentence without signature" 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Postal reform to start in earnest 
(2) What impact will French diplomacy have on international 
politics? 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Promotion of decentralization needed to revitalize local 
communities 
(2) Burmese junta at standstill 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Steady progress on both denuclearization and abduction issues 
urged for in six-party talks 
(2) Don't forget spirit of "Invitation to Cool Earth 50" in efforts 
against global warming 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Freeze of plan to raise amount paid by elderly patients is mixed 
news 
(2) Give priority to public confidence in privatizing postal 
services 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Impossible for ruling camp to regain public trust unreliable, 
with new cabinet reappointing suspicious ministers 
 
TOKYO 00004474  003 OF 015 
 
 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, September 26 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
08:20 
Attended a ceremony of investiture and an attestation ceremony at 
Imperial Palace. 
 
11:18 
Issued an appointment letter to each cabinet member at Kantei. 
 
11:32 
Attended the first cabinet meeting. Afterwards, had a photo session 
with the cabinet members and then issued an appointment letter to 
Special Advisors Nakayama and Yamatani. 
 
12:58 
Met with Secretary General Ibuki, joined by Chief Cabinet Secretary 
Machimura. 
 
14:08 
Gave an inaugural address to the Crown Prince at Imperial Palace. 
Later, signed his name in a book at each house of the prince. 
 
15:47 
Met with Vice Cabinet Office Minister Uchida at Kantei, and later 
Vice Foreign Minister Yachi. 
 
16:30 
Met with Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director-General Sasae of 
the Foreign Ministry. 
 
17:02 
Met with Minister of Internal Affairs & Communications Masuda. 
Afterwards, met with former Prime Minister Mori. 
 
18:51 
Met with Machimura. 
 
20:45 
Received a telephone from President Bush. 
 
21:37 
Arrived at his private residence in Nozawa. 
 
4) Approval rating for Fukuda cabinet at 57.8 PERCENT  in nationwide 
Tokyo Shimbun poll; 28 PERCENT  say, they see no image of it being a 
reformist cabinet" 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Slightly abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Following the inauguration of the Fukuda cabinet, Kyodo News Agency 
conducted a nationwide spot telephone opinion poll from the evening 
of Sept. 25 through the 26th. The survey found that a 57.8 PERCENT 
support rate for the new cabinet. This is the fifth highest rate in 
initial polls out after the inaugurations of cabinets since 
Miyazawa's in 1991, The first four highest were the Koizumi, 
 
TOKYO 00004474  004 OF 015 
 
 
Hosokawa, Abe and Hashimoto cabinets. The non-support rate for the 
Fukuda Cabinet was only 25.6 PERCENT . Social security issues, such 
as pensions, were found to be an issue with highest popular 
interest, commanding 43.3 PERCENT  among issues to which respondents 
thought priority should be given. 
 
The law that serves as the basis for dispatching MSDF Force vessels 
for refueling operation in the Indian Ocean expires on Nov. 1. 
Nearly half the respondents or 49.6 PERCENT  replied, "The operation 
should be extended," while 39.5 PERCENT  replied, "It should not be 
extended." The number of pollees who support an extension increased 
1.7 points, while the rate of those against an extension dropped 3.0 
points. 
 
As reasons for supporting the cabinet, the largest rate -- 34.5 
PERCENT  -- was, "There are no other suitable persons," followed by 
28.1 PERCENT , who replied, "The prime minister is trustworthy." 
 
In connection with the selection of many faction leaders for the 
posts of Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) executives and cabinet 
ministers, 39.8 PERCENT  replied, "Nothing can be expected," while 
39.4 PERCENT  said, "Something can be expected of them." On the 
lineup of new ministers, 17.9 PERCENT  praised it, noting, "The new 
lineup is solid and has a sense of stability." However, a larger 
portion, 28.9 PERCENT , said, "It has no image of being a 
reform-oriented cabinet, because ministers have been picked based on 
factional pressure," followed by 27.7 PERCENT , who said, "No real 
change has been made." As the cabinet's priority issues, the second 
largest ratio of 12.3 PERCENT  cited politics and money scandals and 
11.0 PERCENT  noted social disparities. 
 
5) Poll: Fukuda cabinet's support rate at 59 PERCENT ; Approval for 
MSDF refueling at 47 PERCENT , tops negative opinions 
 
NIKKEI (Top play) (Abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Following up the inauguration of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's 
cabinet, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun conducted a spot public opinion 
survey on Sept. 25-26. In the survey, the Fukuda cabinet's inaugural 
support rate scored 59 PERCENT , showing a rise of 18 percentage 
points from the last survey conducted in late August for the cabinet 
of his predecessor, former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Fukuda 
cabinet marked the fourth highest level of popularity upon its 
debut, following the Koizumi cabinet at 80 PERCENT , the Abe cabinet 
at 71 PERCENT , and the Hosokawa cabinet at 70 PERCENT . The Fukuda 
cabinet's nonsupport rate was 27 PERCENT , down 13 points from the 
last survey for the Abe cabinet. With the Diet resuming 
deliberations next week, the survey results will likely help Fukuda 
and his government to a certain extent. 
 
The Fukuda cabinet's support rate among men was 54 PERCENT  and 62 
PERCENT  among women. Broken down into age brackets, more than 50 
PERCENT  of all respondents supported the Fukuda cabinet. Among 
those aged 70 and over in particular, the Fukuda cabinet's support 
rate was as high as 71 PERCENT . Among those who support the ruling 
coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, the 
cabinet support rate was over 70 PERCENT . Among those who support 
the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) as well, 
the Fukuda cabinet is comparatively popular, with its support rate 
at 42 PERCENT  and its nonsupport rate at 47 PERCENT . 
 
 
TOKYO 00004474  005 OF 015 
 
 
The Diet will now focus on the advisability of continuing the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian 
Ocean beyond the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law's Nov. 1 expiry. 
In the survey, respondents were asked if they thought the MSDF's 
current refueling mission in the Indian Ocean should be continued. 
In response to this question, 47 PERCENT  answered "yes," with 37 
PERCENT  saying "no." In the last survey, "yes" accounted for 30 
PERCENT , with "no" at 53 PERCENT . 
 
The survey was taken by Nikkei Research Inc. over the telephone on a 
random digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, samples were 
chosen from among men and women aged 20 and over across the nation. 
A total of 1,260 households with one or more voters were sampled, 
and answers were obtained from 660 persons (52.4 PERCENT ). 
 
6) Poll: Fukuda cabinet's support rate at 58 PERCENT 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
In the wake of the Fukuda cabinet's inauguration, the Yomiuri 
Shimbun conducted a telephone-based spot nationwide public opinion 
survey from the evening of Sept. 25 through yesterday. The new 
cabinet's support rate was 57.5 PERCENT , with its nonsupport rate 
at 27.3 PERCENT . Among those who support the Fukuda cabinet, the 
most common reason was "stability." The new cabinet will now be 
faced with the issue of continuing the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 
current refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. Respondents were 
asked if they would support the MSDF's refueling mission there. In 
response to this question, 47 PERCENT  answered "yes," with 40 
PERCENT  saying "no." In the House of Councillors, the leading 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto), which is opposed to 
extending the MSDF mission, is now the biggest of all political 
parties as a result of this summer's election. The survey results 
this time will likely affect the ruling and opposition parties in 
their parliamentary debate. 
 
The Fukuda cabinet reached the fourth highest level of popularity 
upon its inauguration among its predecessors since the Ohira cabinet 
that came into office in 1978, following the Koizumi cabinet (at 
87.1 PERCENT , telephone-based), the Hosokawa cabinet (71.9 PERCENT 
, face-to-face), and the Abe cabinet (70.3 PERCENT , 
telephone-based). 
 
In the survey, those affirmative (47 PERCENT ) of 
continuing the MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean 
outnumbered those negative. The results of previous polls and the 
one taken this time cannot be simply compared due to different 
polling methodologies. In a face-to-face nationwide public opinion 
survey taken Sept. 8-9, however, negative opinions (39 PERCENT ) 
outnumbered affirmative ones (29 PERCENT ). The survey results this 
time show that an increasing number of people recognize the 
necessity of continuing the MSDF's refueling activities. 
 
On this issue, the United Nations Security Council has adopted a 
resolution expressing its "appreciation" for cooperation in 
antiterror operations. However, the DPJ stands against continuing 
the MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, saying that the 
UNSC resolution cannot justify the MSDF's refueling activities 
there. In the survey, respondents were asked if they could 
understand the DPJ's stance. To this question, negative answers 
accounted for 47 PERCENT , with affirmative ones at 38 PERCENT . 
 
TOKYO 00004474  006 OF 015 
 
 
 
7) Poll: Fukuda cabinet's support rate at 53 PERCENT 
 
ASAHI (Top play) (Abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
In the wake of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's debut with his cabinet, 
the Asahi Shimbun conducted a telephone-based spot nationwide public 
opinion survey from the evening of Sept. 25 through yesterday 
evening. In the survey, the Fukuda cabinet marked 53 PERCENT  in 
public support, with its nonsupport rate at 27 PERCENT . The Fukuda 
cabinet's support rate upon its inauguration was lower than those 
for the Koizumi cabinet (78 PERCENT ) and the Abe cabinet (63 
PERCENT ). However, the Fukuda cabinet's inaugural approval rating 
topped those for the Mori and Obuchi cabinets. Respondents were also 
asked if they thought the ruling Liberal Democratic Party would be 
returning to its old self as they saw how the Fukuda cabinet was 
formed. In this response to this question, 56 PERCENT  answered 
"yes," with 29 PERCENT  saying "no." In the recent LDP race for 
party presidency, Fukuda was backed by most of his party's factions. 
Fukuda also awarded party and cabinet posts to the leaders of 
factions that stood behind him. 
 
The final support rate for the Abe cabinet was 33 PERCENT  in a 
survey taken Aug. 27-28 right after its shuffle. In the survey this 
time, the Fukuda cabinet's inaugural support rate was considerably 
boosted. The Fukuda cabinet's approval rating topped its disapproval 
rating in all age brackets. Its support rate among women was higher 
than that among men, respectively at 57 PERCENT  and 49 PERCENT . 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the LDP 
stood at 33 PERCENT , with the leading opposition Democratic Party 
of Japan (Minshuto) at 25 PERCENT . New Komeito, the LDP's coalition 
partner, was at 4 PERCENT . Among other parties, the Japanese 
Communist Party was at 3 PERCENT  and the Social Democratic Party 
(Shaminto) at 1 PERCENT . 
 
8) Poll: Fukuda cabinet's support at 57 PERCENT 
 
MAINICHI (Top play) (Abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The Mainichi Shimbun conducted a telephone-based spot nationwide 
public opinion survey on Sept. 25-26 along with the inauguration of 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's cabinet. The approval rating for the 
Fukuda cabinet was 57 PERCENT  upon its debut, ranking fifth among 
its predecessors since the Mainichi Shimbun started a similar survey 
in 1949. Among those who support the Fukuda cabinet, the most common 
reason was the new premier's stability. Respondents were also asked 
about the prime minister's appointments to cabinet and party posts. 
In response to this question, affirmative opinions accounted for 49 
PERCENT , with negative opinions at 39 PERCENT . 
 
The Fukuda cabinet's disapproval rating was 25 PERCENT . Those "not 
interested" accounted for 16 PERCENT . The Fukuda cabinet's support 
rate was 59 PERCENT  among women and 52 PERCENT  among men. The 57 
PERCENT  rating for Fukuda and his cabinet is substantially higher 
than the 27 PERCENT  rating for the cabinet of his father, former 
Prime Minister Takeo Fukuda, in the first survey taken in June 1977 
after his father came into office. 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the ruling 
 
TOKYO 00004474  007 OF 015 
 
 
Liberal Democratic Party stood at 32 PERCENT , with the leading 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) at 26 PERCENT . The 
LDP topped the DPJ for the first time in three months (or five 
surveys) since a survey conducted in June this year. 
 
9) 11 countries call on Japan to continue MSDF's refueling mission 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The ambassadors from 11 countries, including the United States, 
which have deployed forces in the Indian Ocean, will meet today to 
discuss how to persuade Japan to continue its Maritime Self-Defense 
Force's (MSDF) refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. By appealing 
to Japan on a sense of international unity, they intend to urge 
Japan to continue the refueling mission and release a joint 
statement that will express appreciation for Japan's refueling 
mission. 
 
According to a diplomatic source in Tokyo, the purpose of the 
meeting is to emphasize that the war on terror is a common challenge 
for the international community. The host of the meeting, which was 
proposed by the US and Britain, is the Pakistani ambassador. Besides 
those countries, ambassadors or representatives from other 
countries, such as Germany, France, and Afghanistan, are to attend 
the meeting. After releasing a joint statement, those ambassadors or 
representatives will meet the press. 
 
On the question of whether to continue MSDF's refueling mission, the 
government is discussing whether to extend the Antiterrorism Special 
Measures Law, the legal basis for the refueling mission, which is to 
expire on Nov. 1, or whether to create a new law. The government 
intends to look for ways to resolve the situation though talks with 
the largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). But the DPJ 
has still remained opposed to continuing the refueling mission in 
the Indian Ocean, arguing that it cannot allow the MSDF to continue 
the mission in the Indian Ocean if there is no United Nations 
resolution that clearly backs the mission. 
 
10) Outlook for the Fukuda administration: Former US Ambassador to 
Japan Howard Baker says US-Japan alliance centers on foreign policy 
 
NIKKEI (Page 8) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
-- How do you see the foreign policy of Mr. Fukuda? 
 
"The basic policy course is likely to be upholding both aspects -- 
security and economic affairs -- of the special relationship between 
the United States and Japan, while making efforts to improve 
relations with Asian countries. The prime minister has experience as 
a lawmaker and as chief cabinet secretary, and he understands deeply 
the political situation in the US. His experience will be useful in 
his planning foreign policy. 
 
"For the US and Japan, the cornerstone of our foreign and security 
policies is the bilateral alliance. Mr. Fukuda has a strong belief 
in that principle. The US-Japan relationship is an important factor 
in setting our foreign policies toward other countries. The Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's refueling duties in the Indian Ocean is an 
important issue (for the US). We hope that Mr. Fukuda will continue 
to make efforts so that the responsibility undertaken by the Koizumi 
 
TOKYO 00004474  008 OF 015 
 
 
and Abe administrations can continue." 
 
-- It has been said that Mr. Fukuda tilts toward Asia. 
 
"Speaking of diplomacy as a whole, I don't think that Mr. Fukuda 
(even if he tilts toward Asia) will downplay the importance of the 
US-Japan relationship. I don't see any major change in foreign 
policy course from the Abe administration." 
 
-- Has there been a change in policy toward North Korea? 
 
"The previous prime minister, Mr. Abe, made the resolution of the 
abduction issue with North Korea the basis for his North Korea 
policy. The efforts of Mr. Abe to resolve the abduction issue are 
praiseworthy. Mr. Fukuda, too, likely has the same standpoint, but I 
think he will be forward looking about improving relations with 
North Korea. He probably will shift away from the Abe line toward a 
dialogue and negotiation line. 
 
"The improvement of relations between Japan and North Korea is in 
line with the basic foreign policy stance of the Bush 
administration. In meeting that challenge (of improving relations), 
there is the issue of North Korea's nuclear development problems, in 
addition to the abduction issue. There is no more dangerous issue in 
all of East Asia. Japan, too, should be concerned about a North 
Korea that is enhancing its nuclear capability. By continuing to 
work on North Korea in various ways, we are reducing the danger of a 
nuclear clash. I see no differences in the policies toward North 
Korea of the US and Japan." 
 
-- There is a view that the Fukuda administration will be 
short-lived. 
 
"Mr. Fukuda is a seasoned leader of the Liberal Democratic Party 
(LDP). I think he will restore support of the LDP. He can be highly 
evaluated in many areas: judgment in meeting challenges, decisions 
in making policy, and being easily approachable. Since I cannot 
predict what is coming up in US politics, I cannot comment any 
further on that." 
 
11) Fukuda, Bush agree on Fukuda's early visit to US 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held a teleconference with US President 
George W. Bush last night, and the two leaders agreed for Fukuda to 
visit the United States at an early date. President Bush expressed 
expectations for the continuation of the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force's refueling operations scheduled to expire on Nov. 1, saying 
that Japan's commitment is vital to the war on terror. In response, 
Fukuda indicated that he would make utmost efforts for continuing 
the MSDF mission, although the environment surrounding the Diet is 
severe. Indicating close cooperation on the North Korean issue 
through the six-party talks, President Bush is also reportedly said 
that he would never forsake the abduction issue. 
 
The telephone call was placed by President Bush to congratulate 
Prime Minister Fukuda for his assumption of office. 
 
12) Foreign Minister Komura leaves for US to deliver speech at UN 
 
 
TOKYO 00004474  009 OF 015 
 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura left last night for the United 
Stated from Narita Airport to deliver a speech at the United 
Nations. Final coordination is now being carried out on a schedule 
for Komura to give a speech on the afternoon of Sept. 28 (on the 
morning of Sept. 29, Japan time). 
 
Usually the head of a state or foreign minister gives a speech at 
the UN. Last year, however, Japan had the ambassador to the UN 
deliver a speech due to the presidential election of the Liberal 
Democratic Party. This year, too, there was a possibility that the 
Japanese prime minister or foreign minister would forgo a speech. 
 
Komura then determined to deliver a speech at the UN since Japan has 
asserted the need for UN reform, aiming at its bid for a permanent 
UN Security Council seat. 
 
Before delivering a speech at the UN, Komura will attend a 
ministerial on global warming sponsored by the US government on 
Sept. 27-28. He will also discuss with the US side a visit to 
Washington by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. 
 
Komura told reporters yesterday afternoon: "It is better for the 
Japanese foreign minister to go rather than not to go. If I can go, 
I want to go." 
 
13) Komura to announce at global warming meeting that Fukuda cabinet 
will maintain "Cool Earth 50" initiative 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura will attend a global warming 
meeting of major emitters to be held in Washington on Sept. 27-28 to 
announce that the new Fukuda cabinet will maintain the "Cool Earth 
50" initiative set forth by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 
Defining the issue of climate change as a top priority, the 
government also intends to announce that Japan will exhibit 
leadership toward the 2008 G-8 summit to be held in the Lake Toya 
resort area in Hokkaido. 
 
A UN high-level meeting on climate change took place in New York on 
Sept. 24, bringing together representatives of some 160 countries. 
The meeting exposed differences in standpoints among those countries 
over reduction targets and other matters. 
 
The meeting of major emitters will be held for the first time by the 
United States, which wants to take the initiative in creating a 
post-Kyoto framework. Besides the G-8, including Japan, a dozen or 
so major emitters, such as China, India, and Brazil, will discuss 
measures to prevent global warming for the period starting in 2013 
that will follow the Kyoto Protocol's reduction period (through 
2012). 
 
In the meeting, Foreign Minister Komura is expected to highlight the 
importance of international solidarity in addressing global warming. 
He is also expected to announce that the new Japanese cabinet will 
continue the "Cool Earth 50" initiative designed to halve the global 
emissions of greenhouse gases, such as CO2, by 2050 from present 
levels. Additionally, Komura will announce Japan's plan to study 
 
TOKYO 00004474  010 OF 015 
 
 
ways to extend aid through a new framework to developing countries 
aiming to achieve both reduced greenhouse gas emissions and economic 
growth. 
 
Coordination is underway for Komura to have a meeting with US 
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and address the UN General 
 
SIPDIS 
Assembly. 
 
14) World attention now on Japan's aid program to Burma; Tokyo now 
in a "delicate situation" amid growing criticism of Burma from US, 
Europe 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Tahara, Bangkok 
 
The military junta of Burma (Myanmar) began a violent crackdown on 
antigovernment demonstrators, coming under strong criticism 
particularly from the United States and other Western countries as 
the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) called a special meeting 
to discuss this crisis. The international community is also paying 
attention to the moves of Japan, which is Burma's largest aid 
donor. 
 
The Japanese government provided Burma with a 1.717 billion yen 
grant in fiscal 2005, up 808 million yen from the previous fiscal 
year. Japan's policy toward Burma is not to isolate the military 
junta internationally, and to help it to promote a dialogue with 
democratic forces. But this approach has been criticized by Western 
countries, which have imposed tough economic sanctions on Burma on 
the grounds of human-rights violation and other issues. 
 
On the other hand, Japan has come under Burmese criticism, too, for 
its tilt toward the US and European countries when it agreed at a 
UNSC session in last September to put the Burmese issue on the 
official agenda. A diplomatic source in Yangon (Rangoon) is closely 
watching how the Japanese government will respond to the current 
situation, noting, "Japan is in a delicate situation because it 
needs to keep relations with Burma and the international community 
together. 
 
According to the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), 64 
Japanese firms made inroads in Burma as of November 2004. Some of 
them are said to have withdrawn from that country because of 
political uncertainties afterwards, but auto manufacturers and major 
trading houses are continuing businesses there even now. 
 
Suzuki Motor Corp. exports its parts from Japan to Burma and 
assembles them into the mini car "Wagon R" and two-wheel vehicles at 
its assembly factory in Yangon. The factory is managed by a Japanese 
president, under whom 30-40 locally-hired personnel are working. The 
factory's Public Relations Department official said, "We've 
confirmed safety. We've been informed that there is not much danger 
for the present," adding that the factory was in operation 
yesterday, as well. 
 
Mitsubishi Corp. has stationed two personnel in Burma, and Sumitomo 
Corp. also has stationed one personnel there. Reportedly, these 
trading houses are exporting construction machinery from Japan to 
Burma. 
 
 
TOKYO 00004474  011 OF 015 
 
 
15) Demonstrations in Burma: Western countries step up pressure on 
Myanmar, seeks cooperation from China 
 
ASAHI (Page 7) (Excerpts) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The tense situation in Burma (Myanmar) is drawing world attention. 
The United States and European countries, which give priority to 
human rights, are intensifying pressure on the military junta of 
Burma by hinting at taking more sanction measures. Meanwhile, China, 
which has a strong sway over Burma, is delicately shifting its 
previous "noninterference in another country's internal affairs" and 
giving advice to that country. Japan, distinguishing its approach 
from the pressure line, is urging Burma to change into a democracy. 
 
Japan: "Constructive solution desirable" 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura analyzed the impact of 
demonstrations at a press briefing yesterday, saying; "This is a 
considerably serious situation. I think demonstrations of monks have 
a considerable impact on the society." Machimura continued: "We hope 
the situation will be resolved constructively and in a cool-headed 
manner." 
 
On Sept. 25, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a 
statement in the name of a press officer, in which the ministry 
said: "We hope the government of Myanmar will make serious efforts, 
including holding dialogue, to bring about national reconciliation 
and democratization." This statement was conveyed from the Japanese 
Embassy in Rangoon to the vice foreign minister of Burma. 
 
Western countries are criticizing the military junta in Burma, but 
Machimura drew a line between them and Japan and indicated he would 
watch how the situation would develop in the days ahead, noting, 
"I've previously wondered whether it is a good foreign policy to 
simply join hands with Western countries to bash it." Machimura 
added, "(The government of Japan) is ready to work as hard as we can 
to help Myanmar to resolve the situation." Japan has strong bonds 
with Burma, for instance, in economic cooperation. Japan has not 
implemented new projects in Burma since Aung San Suu Kyi was 
detained in 2003, but it has implemented some humanitarian projects 
that are of high urgency. 
 
16) ODA: Cooperation with Asian Development Bank; 
 
ASAHI (Page 11) (Slightly abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) yesterday signed 
an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB, located in 
Manila) for extending official development assistance (ODA) in 
concert mainly to Central Asian and Oceanian nations.  The amount of 
the annual provision of ODA by Japan to those two regions on a 
bilateral basis totals several percent of its ODA as a whole. The 
JBIC's aim is to expand support for Japan in UN discussions on its 
entry into the UN Security Council, by focusing on regions that have 
been given less attention thus far, in concert with the ADB, which 
is rich in experience of giving aid. 
 
Finance Minister Koji Omi at the time during the ADB plenary session 
in May announced that Japan would extend yen loans totaling 2 
billion dollars over five years in order to help Asia, including 
 
TOKYO 00004474  012 OF 015 
 
 
those regions, combat climate change through the consolidation of 
infrastructure, including the construction of roads, ports and 
harbors, and energy conservation. Much of the pledged loans will be 
extended as concerted loans with the ADB as agreed on this time. 
Japan will search for projects eligible for loans using the ADB's 
network. 
 
The government will use ODA in order to increase support for Japan 
in its bid to secure a permanent seat in the UNSC and in 
multilateral trade liberalization talks at the World Trade 
Organization (WTO). There are 20 candidate nations eligible for ODA 
in the two regions. However, since Japan's economic ties with them 
are weak, compared with its ties with Southeast Asia, the Foreign 
Ministry and aid implementing organs have no sufficient system due 
also to labor shortage. The planned expansion of aid is also 
motivated by the desire to secure natural resources, such as uranium 
in Kazakhstan. 
 
Likewise, the government also plans to boost aid to Africa. The JBIC 
signed an agreement with the African Development Bank in 2005. The 
plan is to extend yen loans up to 1 billion yen by 2010. 
 
17) Bridge under construction financed with Japan's ODA collapses in 
Vietnam, killing 60 people: 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Slightly abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The Can Tho Bridge in Can Tho in southern Vietnam, now under 
construction financed with Japan's official development assistance 
(ODA), collapsed around 8:00 a.m. on Sept. 26 (Japan time 10:00 a.m. 
the same day). According to Reuters, about 60 Vietnamese workers 
died, trapped under the debris. Approximately 150 were injured. 
According to Taisei Corporation (located in Shinjuku, Tokyo), which 
is undertaking the construction, 16 Japanese workers, including the 
company's engineers, were at the site, but they were all safe. 
 
The cause of the collapse has yet to be determined. A local TV 
station reported that there was the possibility of rains having 
loosened the ground. The Kan Tho Bridge is a 2.75-kilometer-long 
cable-stayed bridge over Bassac River in the Mekong Delta. The 
construction of the bridge, part of a bypass of Route 1, was 
expected to contribute to the promotion of goods transportation by 
land and economic development.  The work was launched in Nov. 2004 
financed with 24.8 billion yen in yen loans. It was expected to be 
completed in Oct. 2008. 
 
The consortium formed by Taisei Corporation, Kajima Corporation and 
Nippon Steel Engineering received the order for its construction. 
Nippon Koei Co. was responsible for supervising the execution of the 
project. The project involved 800-900 local workers. The planned 
bridge with a 550-meter interval between the main towers was said to 
be one of the largest bridges of this type in the world. 
 
18) Fukuda government to revise Abe's reform drive, including 
education reform council, collective self-defense right 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The government of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, formally inaugurated 
yesterday, has begun revising the showcase policies that former 
 
TOKYO 00004474  013 OF 015 
 
 
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had started but did not finish. 
 
An education reform council set directly under Abe planned to come 
up with a third report later this year. Chief Cabinet Secretary 
Nobutaka Machimura, however, indicated yesterday at a press 
conference the possibility of the third report to be compiled next 
year. He stated: "Although the goal we are to strive to come up with 
the report is December, I don't think the council has to compile it 
by then." 
 
The third report may include such suggests as introducing the 
principle of competition into education, including an education 
voucher system, an issue on which the panel is divided pro and con. 
Asked about whether the panel would continue to exist after 
compiling the report, Machimura just responded: "There are various 
views. I want to discuss it further with all those involved." The 
growing view in the government is that the Fukuda cabinet has to 
reduce the panel's influence because it overly reflects Abe's 
political identity. 
 
The government's blue-ribbon panel on the legal foundation for 
national security, set up at Abe's suggestion to discuss scenarios 
on the right of collective self-defense since May, has suspended 
discussions. The panel initially intended to compile a set of 
recommendations in November calling for reinterpreting the 
Constitution that prohibits the exercise of the right of collective 
defense. Fukuda, however, took a cautious stance toward this during 
the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential campaign, saying, "I 
want to consider it, including also the question whether the 
scenarios are appropriate or not." Fukuda yesterday stopped short of 
telling reporters: "I have neither heard the content of and 
schedules for the discussions. I will hear from various persons and 
I will decide on what to do." 
 
A government official underscored the government would reduce the 
number of advisory panels, noting, "The former government set up too 
many panels in which the prime minister and chief cabinet secretary 
attended. We would like to slash them." 
 
19) DPJ to hastily make own bills 
 
SANKEI (Page 5) (Excerpts) 
September 27, 2007 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa, in a meeting 
yesterday of the "Next Cabinet," the party's policy-making organ, 
stated: 
 
"I want you to make efforts to draft a bill including three pledges 
and seven proposals, which were incorporated in our manifesto for 
the July Upper House so that the party will be able to submit the 
bill to the Diet. I want you to come up with the bill in 
mid-October." 
 
The Next Cabinet confirmed the drafting of a bill on income security 
for individual farmers, as well as of a bill to create a "child 
allowance" worth 26,000 yen per month. The meeting also approved 
submitting to the House of Councillors a bill abolishing the Special 
Measures Law on Support for Iraq's Reconstruction designed to 
withdraw the Air Self-Defense Force troops from Iraq. 
 
As to the government of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, which has taken 
 
TOKYO 00004474  014 OF 015 
 
 
a conciliatory stance toward the opposition camp in a policy front, 
Ozawa commented: "The (prime minister) has said that he will work 
with the DPJ, but it is impossible for him to do so. There are 
bureaucrats who are negative about reforms and on the other side." 
 
Ozawa intends to highlight an adversarial stance against the Fukuda 
government by submitting a bill that the government will not be able 
to accept. 
 
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its coalition partner 
New Komeito have launched discussions on a freeze on medical 
co-payments for the elderly and a review of the law on the disable's 
self-reliance support, which the opposition block has called for. 
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe and LDP Policy 
Research Council Chairman Sadakazu Tanigaki will discuss today how 
to obtain financial resources. The government will soon consult on 
the issue at the government-ruling coalition liaison conference and 
at a working group. DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama criticized 
the move, saying, "That's a rip-off cabinet." 
 
20) DPJ softening its stance possibly to rescue its image 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
September 27, 2007 
 
In reaction to Prime Minister Fukuda's policy of holding talks with 
the opposition camp, the Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto or DPJ) 
has softened its stance, saying it would not refuse such 
consultations. Although the DPJ does not intend to invite 
unnecessary misunderstanding by responding to the ruling coalition's 
call for behind-the-scenes negotiations, the party apparently wanted 
to avoid its negative image spreading further by continuing to 
reject calls for a dialogue. 
 
Since running in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential race, 
Fukuda has repeatedly underlined the need to have talks with the DPJ 
in order to extend the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling 
operations in the Indian Ocean and reform the pension system. 
 
But the DPJ has been reluctant to hold talks outside the Diet, with 
one senior DPJ lawmaker saying: "It is not good to generate a public 
impression that ruling and opposition parties are discussing matters 
behind the scenes." 
 
Although this policy course has not changed, the DPJ has begun 
sending out messages expressing its willingness to respond to calls 
for talks. 
 
Touching on a possible request from Fukuda for party heads talks, 
DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa said in a press conference on Sept. 25: 
"We can discuss matters at the Diet any number of times, but if 
there is a request for more besides that, I will respond to it at 
any time." Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama, too, reiterated in a 
speech in Tokyo yesterday that the DPJ would not refuse talks. 
 
A certain DPJ lawmaker ascribed the party's softened stance to 
former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who cited Ozawa's rejection of his 
request for party heads talks as his reason for stepping down. Ozawa 
denied such happened, and Abe, too, eventually attributed his 
resignation to the deterioration of his physical condition. The DPJ 
fears that unless it responds positively to calls for talks, it 
would be vulnerable to attack by the government and ruling parties. 
 
TOKYO 00004474  015 OF 015 
 
 
 
Nevertheless, chances are slim for the DPJ and LDP to actually sit 
down at the negotiating table behind the scenes. The prevalent view 
is that even if talks are held between Ozawa and Fukuda, they would 
only exchange personal greetings and state their respective 
standpoints. 
 
21) Defense Minister Ishiba's organization corrects contribution 
record 
 
YOMIURI (Page 38) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
It was found yesterday that a funds management organization for 
Defense Minister Ishiba in Tottori presided over by Ishiba notified 
the Tottori prefectural election administration commission on Sept. 
25, when Prime Minister Fukuda formed his cabinet, that he was 
correcting a contribution record in its political funds report for 
¶2004. 
 
The report had initially recorded that contributions from Ishiba to 
the organization totaled 10.5 million yen, exceeding the upper limit 
(10 million yen annually) set in the Political Funds Control Law, 
but the organization corrected the amount of money from Ishiba into 
8.5 million yen, with the remaining 2 million yen specified as 
contributions by the Liberal Democratic Party Tottori prefectural 
1st electoral district branch office to the said organization 
through Ishiba. 
 
The Political Funds Control Law sets the maximum amount of 
individual donations to a political organization at 10 million yen. 
But in a case where a politician gives the money provided by the 
political party to which the politician belongs to his or her funds 
management organization, the law allows the money to be treated 
outside the limit. 
 
According to an explanation by the prefectural election 
administration commission, the branch office also notified the 
commission it was adding a contribution of 2 million yen to Ishiba 
and the same amount of party membership fee income in its funds 
report. 
 
Replying to questions from the Yomiuri Shimbun last night, Ishiba 
commented: "I believe it was a simple clerical mistake, but I will 
ask the person who handled the job at that time about why such a 
mistake was made and explain the circumstances as soon as 
possible." 
 
SCHIEFFER