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UNCLAS TOKYO 000427 
 
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 - KOSOVO DECLARATION OF 
INDEPENDENCE 
 
 
¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Tuesday morning 
included an agreement between the ruling and opposition 
camps on procedures concerning Diet approval of 
nominees for key portfolios, such as Bank of Japan 
governor and Fair Trade Commission Chairman. 
 
¶2. "How to Avoid Confusion on the Balkan Peninsula" The 
top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (2/19): 
"What must be avoided for the time being is an 
accidental clash between Kosovo and Serbian forces. 
Self-restraint and due consideration on both sides are 
very important. It was a matter of course for NATO, 
tasked with ensuring security in Kosovo, to demonstrate 
its readiness to intervene in the event of a conflict. 
A rise in ethnic sentiment in Serbia is particularly 
concerning. Riots broke out across Serbia in protest of 
Kosovo's declaration of independence. The Serbian 
leadership's crisis-management capabilities are being 
tested. Negotiations over the final status of Kosovo 
broke down late last year, but a solution that will 
lead to regional peace and stability can only be 
attained through dialogue. Leaders on both sides need 
to search for a fundamental solution." 
 
¶3. "First Step toward Stability" The liberal Asahi 
argued (2/19): "The U.S. and EU have endorsed Kosovo's 
declaration of independence. Independence for Kosovo is 
the only way to stabilize the region, overcome ethnic 
hatred, and achieve reconciliation. It must have been 
an agonizing decision. The international community 
should patiently support Serbia and Kosovo so that they 
can open a new chapter in their history.... In order to 
keep the situation from being destabilized, Serbian 
concerns must be addressed, and the safety of Serbians 
in Kosovo must be ensured. It is also important to keep 
talking to Russia about the matter, as Moscow has 
opposed independence for Kosovo." 
 
¶4. "Careful Approach Needed to Avert Ethnic Conflict" 
The liberal Mainichi insisted (2/19): "When countries 
accept a declaration of independence without UN 
authorization, they may end up prompting other ethnic 
groups to unilaterally declare independence. Some 
nations are concerned that independence for Kosovo may 
have opened a Pandora's Box. Historically speaking, 
Kosovo's independence is a logical result. The EU, as a 
guardian of Kosovo, should join with the U.S. in 
persuading Russia and Serbia to coexist with Kosovo." 
 
SCHIEFFER