Currently released so far... 97115 / 251,287
Articles
Brazil
Sri Lanka
United Kingdom
Sweden
00. Editorial
United States
Latin America
Egypt
Jordan
Yemen
Thailand
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
2011/05/20
2011/05/21
2011/05/22
2011/05/23
2011/05/24
2011/05/25
2011/05/26
2011/05/27
2011/05/28
2011/05/29
2011/05/30
2011/05/31
2011/06/01
2011/06/02
2011/06/03
2011/06/04
2011/06/05
2011/06/06
2011/06/07
2011/06/08
2011/06/09
2011/06/10
2011/06/11
2011/06/12
2011/06/13
2011/06/14
2011/06/15
2011/06/16
2011/06/17
2011/06/18
2011/06/19
2011/06/20
2011/06/21
2011/06/22
2011/06/23
2011/06/24
2011/06/25
2011/06/26
2011/06/27
2011/06/28
2011/06/29
2011/06/30
2011/07/01
2011/07/02
2011/07/04
2011/07/05
2011/07/06
2011/07/07
2011/07/08
2011/07/10
2011/07/11
2011/07/12
2011/07/13
2011/07/14
2011/07/15
2011/07/16
2011/07/17
2011/07/18
2011/07/19
2011/07/20
2011/07/21
2011/07/22
2011/07/23
2011/07/25
2011/07/27
2011/07/28
2011/07/29
2011/07/31
2011/08/01
2011/08/02
2011/08/03
2011/08/05
2011/08/06
2011/08/07
2011/08/08
2011/08/10
2011/08/11
2011/08/12
2011/08/13
2011/08/15
2011/08/16
2011/08/17
2011/08/19
2011/08/21
2011/08/22
2011/08/23
2011/08/24
2011/08/25
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Antananarivo
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Alexandria
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embasy Bonn
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Brazzaville
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangui
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Belfast
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Cotonou
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chiang Mai
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Chengdu
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
DIR FSINFATC
Consulate Dusseldorf
Consulate Durban
Consulate Dubai
Consulate Dhahran
Embassy Guatemala
Embassy Grenada
Embassy Georgetown
Embassy Gaborone
Consulate Guayaquil
Consulate Guangzhou
Consulate Guadalajara
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Hong Kong
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kolonia
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Krakow
Consulate Kolkata
Consulate Karachi
Consulate Kaduna
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Lusaka
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Lome
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy Libreville
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Leipzig
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Mission Geneva
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Mogadishu
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maseru
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Merida
Consulate Melbourne
Consulate Matamoros
Consulate Marseille
Embassy Nouakchott
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Nuevo Laredo
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Consulate Nagoya
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Praia
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Moresby
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Podgorica
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Ponta Delgada
Consulate Peshawar
REO Mosul
REO Kirkuk
REO Hillah
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Surabaya
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy Tirana
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
Consulate Thessaloniki
USUN New York
USMISSION USTR GENEVA
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Mission CD Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
US Delegation FEST TWO
UNVIE
UN Rome
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vientiane
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ADANA
ASEC
AFIN
AMGT
AE
AORC
AID
AR
AO
AU
ASEAN
AGOA
AFGHANISTAN
AFFAIRS
AMED
APER
ASECARP
APEC
AEMR
AS
AA
ANET
AFLU
ABLD
AL
ASUP
AJ
APECO
AMER
ABUD
AODE
AM
AFSN
AESC
AND
AG
ALOW
AROC
AVIANFLU
ATRN
ACOA
AEGR
AMGMT
AADP
AFSI
ACABQ
APRM
AZ
AIDS
ASE
AGAO
ADCO
ABDALLAH
ARF
AIDAC
ACOTA
ASCH
AC
ASEG
AGR
ACS
AMCHAMS
AN
AMIA
ASIG
ADPM
ADB
ANARCHISTS
ALOWAR
ARM
AUC
AINF
AINT
AORG
AY
AVIAN
AMEDCASCKFLO
AK
ARSO
ARABBL
ASO
ANTITERRORISM
ARABL
AOWC
AGRICULTURE
ALJAZEERA
AMTC
AFINM
AOCR
ABER
ARR
AFPK
ASSEMBLY
ASSK
AZE
AORCYM
AINR
AGMT
AEC
ACKM
APRC
AIN
ASCC
AFPREL
ASED
APERTH
ASFC
ASECTH
AFSA
AOMS
AORCO
ANTXON
ARC
AFAF
ADIP
AIAG
AFARI
AEMED
AORL
AX
ASECAF
AOPC
ASECAFIN
AFZAL
APCS
AMB
AGUIRRE
AEMRASECCASCKFLOMARRPRELPINRAMGTJMXL
AIT
ARCH
AMEX
ALI
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AORCD
AVIATION
ARAS
AINFCY
ACBAQ
AOPR
AREP
ALEXANDER
ATRD
AEIR
AOIC
ABLDG
ASEX
AFR
ASCE
ATRA
ASEK
AER
ALOUNI
AMCT
AVERY
APR
AMAT
AEMRS
ASPA
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ALL
AECL
ACAO
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORD
AFL
AME
ADM
ASECPHUM
AGIT
ABT
ASECVE
AGUILAR
AT
ABMC
ALZUGUREN
ANGEL
ASR
ANTONIO
BMGT
BEXP
BM
BG
BL
BA
BR
BTA
BO
BY
BBSR
BLUE
BK
BF
BTIO
BELLVIEW
BE
BU
BN
BH
BD
BC
BTC
BILAT
BT
BX
BRUSSELS
BP
BB
BRPA
BUSH
BURMA
BMENA
BESP
BIT
BBG
BGD
BMEAID
BAGHDAD
BEN
BIO
BMOT
BWC
BLUNT
BURNS
BUT
BGMT
BAIO
BCW
BOEHNER
BFIF
BOL
BASHAR
BIMSTEC
BOU
BIDEN
BZ
BFIN
BTRA
BI
BHUM
BOIKO
BERARDUCCI
BOUCHAIB
BORDER
BEXPC
BTIU
BTT
BIOS
BEXB
BGPGOV
BOND
BLR
CE
CG
CH
CVR
CASC
CU
CI
CD
CO
CDG
CB
CJAN
CPAS
COM
CVIS
CMGT
CT
CENTCOM
CNARC
CTERR
COUNTER
CHIEF
CDC
CTR
CBW
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CY
CA
CM
CS
CWC
CN
CITES
CF
CWG
CIVS
CFIS
CASCC
CROATIA
CONS
COUNTERTERRORISM
CASA
COE
CJ
CHR
CODEL
CR
CBC
CACS
CHERTOFF
CAS
CONTROL
CONDITIONS
CONDOLEEZZA
CITEL
CV
CLINTON
CHG
CZ
CON
CTBT
CEN
CRIMES
COMMERCE
CLOK
CRISTINA
CFED
CARC
CND
CTM
CARICOM
COUNTRYCLEARANCE
CBTH
CHINA
CSW
CICTE
CJUS
CYPRUS
CW
CAMBODIA
CENSUS
CIDA
CRIME
CBG
CBE
CMGMT
CAIO
CEC
CARSON
CPCTC
CEDAW
COMESA
CVIA
CWCM
CEA
COSI
CAPC
CGEN
COPUOS
CGOPRC
COETRD
CKGR
CFE
CQ
CITT
CIC
CARIB
CVIC
CLO
CAFTA
CVISU
CHRISTOPHER
CACM
CIAT
CDB
CIS
CUL
CHAO
CNC
CL
CSEP
COMMAND
CENTER
COL
CAN
CAJC
CUIS
CONSULAR
CLMT
CIA
CBSA
CEUDA
CAC
CROS
CIO
CPUOS
CKOR
CVPR
CONG
CONTROLS
CEPTER
CVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGKIRF
CDCE
DPOL
DEMARCHE
DHS
DR
DA
DISENGAGEMENT
DEMOCRATIC
DEFENSE
DJ
DY
DARFUR
DHRF
DEA
DTRO
DPRK
DO
DARFR
DOC
DRL
DK
DOJ
DTRA
DOMESTIC
DAC
DOD
DEAX
DIEZ
DEOC
DELTAVIOLENCE
DCOM
DMINE
DRC
DCG
DPKO
DOMESTICPOLITICS
DE
DB
DOT
DEPT
DOE
DHLAKAMA
DHSX
DS
DKEM
DAO
DCM
DANIEL
DEM
DAVID
DCRM
ETRD
EAGR
ETTC
EAID
ECON
EFIN
ECIN
EINV
ELAB
EAIR
ENRG
EPET
EWWT
ECPS
EIND
EMIN
ELTN
EC
ETMIN
EUC
EZ
ET
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EU
EUN
EG
EINT
ER
ECONOMICS
ES
EMS
ENIV
EEB
EN
ECE
ECOSOC
EK
ENVIRONMENT
EFIS
EI
EWT
ENGRD
ECPSN
EXIM
EIAD
ERIN
ECPC
EDEV
ENGY
ECTRD
EPA
ESTH
ECCT
EINVECON
ENGR
ERTD
EUR
EAP
EWWC
ELTD
EL
EXIMOPIC
EXTERNAL
ETRDEC
ESCAP
ECO
EGAD
ELNT
ECONOMIC
ENV
ETRN
EIAR
EUMEM
ENRGPARMOTRASENVKGHGPGOVECONTSPLEAID
EREL
ECOM
ECONETRDEAGRJA
ETCC
ETRG
ECONOMY
EMED
ETR
ENERG
EITC
EFINOECD
EURM
EENG
ERA
EXPORT
ENRD
ECONEINVETRDEFINELABETRDKTDBPGOVOPIC
EGEN
EBRD
EVIN
ETRAD
ECOWAS
EFTA
ECONETRDBESPAR
EGOVSY
EPIN
EID
ECONENRG
EDRC
ESENV
ETT
EB
ENER
ELTNSNAR
ECHEVARRIA
ETRC
EPIT
EDUC
ESA
EFI
ENRGY
ESCI
EE
EAIDXMXAXBXFFR
EETC
ECIP
EIAID
EIVN
EBEXP
ESTN
EING
EGOV
ETRA
EPETEIND
ELAN
ETRDGK
EAIDRW
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
EPEC
ENVI
ELN
EAG
EPCS
EPRT
EPTED
ETRB
EUM
EAIDS
EFIC
EFINECONEAIDUNGAGM
EAIDAR
ESF
EIDN
ELAM
EDU
EV
EAIDAF
ECN
EDA
EXBS
EINTECPS
ENRGTRGYETRDBEXPBTIOSZ
EPREL
EAC
EINVEFIN
ETA
EAGER
EINDIR
ECA
ECLAC
ELAP
EITI
EUCOM
ECONEFINETRDPGOVEAGRPTERKTFNKCRMEAID
EARG
ELDIN
EINVKSCA
ENNP
EFINECONCS
EFINTS
ECCP
ETC
EAIRASECCASCID
EINN
ETRP
EAIDNI
EFQ
ECOQKPKO
EGPHUM
EBUD
ECONEINVEFINPGOVIZ
ENERGY
ELB
EINDETRD
EMI
ECONEFIN
EIB
EURN
ETRDEINVTINTCS
EIN
EFIM
ETIO
ELAINE
EMN
EATO
EWTR
EIPR
EINVETC
ETTD
ETDR
EIQ
ECONCS
EPPD
ENRGIZ
EISL
ESPINOSA
ELEC
EAIG
ESLCO
EUREM
ENTG
ERD
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
ECINECONCS
ETRO
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECUN
EFND
EPECO
EAIRECONRP
ERGR
ETRDPGOV
ECPN
ENRGMO
EPWR
EET
EAIS
EAGRE
EDUARDO
EAGRRP
EAIDPHUMPRELUG
EICN
ECONQH
EVN
EGHG
ELBR
EINF
EAIDHO
EENV
ETEX
ERNG
ED
FR
FREEDOM
FINREF
FJ
FI
FRELIMO
FOREIGN
FAA
FETHI
FAS
FTAA
FRB
FAO
FCS
FINANCE
FWS
FTA
FEMA
FDA
FLU
FRANCISCO
FBI
FORCE
FO
FARC
FK
FT
FCSC
FAC
FM
FMGT
FINV
FCSCEG
FARM
FERNANDO
FINR
FIN
FINE
FIR
FDIC
FOR
FOI
FCUL
FKLU
FMLN
FISO
FIXED
GM
GMUS
GG
GR
GE
GAZA
GT
GH
GZ
GJ
GLOBAL
GV
GABY
GOI
GA
GCC
GB
GY
GATT
GC
GUAM
GEORGE
GTIP
GOV
GOMEZ
GUTIERREZ
GL
GKGIC
GF
GU
GWI
GARCIA
GTMO
GN
GANGS
GIPNC
GAERC
GREGG
GUILLERMO
GASPAR
GERARD
GI
HK
HR
HUMANR
HUMAN
HO
HA
HUMANRIGHTS
HU
HHS
HIV
HUM
HRKAWC
HILLEN
HILLARY
HDP
HUMRIT
HSTC
HUMANITARIAN
HCOPIL
HADLEY
HURI
HL
HRETRD
HOURANI
HG
HARRIET
HESHAM
HI
HNCHR
HARRY
HRECON
HRC
HOSTAGES
HEBRON
HUMOR
HSWG
HYMPSK
HECTOR
HN
HYDE
HUD
HRPGOV
HIGHLIGHTS
ID
ILC
IS
IZ
ICAO
IMO
ITU
IR
IAEA
ICRC
IPROP
IT
IBRD
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ISSUES
ITRA
IV
IO
IGAD
IRAQ
IN
IMF
ICTR
ISCON
IADB
IDB
IEA
INR
IWC
ICCAT
ILO
INMARSAT
IOM
ICJ
IQ
ISPA
ITRD
IPR
INTELSAT
ISN
IAHRC
INTERNAL
IFAD
IICA
IHO
IRAN
IL
IRCE
IC
INTELLECTUAL
IRM
IE
ICTY
IDLI
IFO
ISCA
INF
INL
ISRAEL
INV
IBB
INFLUENZA
ISPL
ITER
ITIA
INRA
ISAF
IACHR
INTERPOL
IFR
IRS
INRB
IEF
ISAAC
ICC
INDO
IIP
IATTC
INAUGURATION
IND
INS
IZPREL
IACI
IEFIN
INNP
ILAB
IA
IMTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
IFIN
IRAJ
IX
ICG
IF
ITPHUM
ITA
IP
IACW
IK
IUCN
IZEAID
IRPE
IDA
ISLAMISTS
ITF
INRO
IBET
IDP
IRC
ISO
ICES
IRMO
ITPGOV
IQNV
IMSO
IRDB
IMET
INCB
IFRC
JA
JO
JP
JM
JCIC
JOHN
JE
JEFFERY
JS
JUS
JN
JOHNNIE
JAMES
JKUS
JOSEPH
JML
JAWAD
JSRP
JIMENEZ
JOSE
JKJUS
JK
JAPAN
KMDR
KPAO
KPKO
KJUS
KCRM
KGHG
KFRD
KWMN
KDEM
KTFN
KHIV
KGIC
KIDE
KSCA
KNNP
KHUM
KIPR
KSUM
KISL
KIRF
KCOR
KRCM
KPAL
KWBG
KN
KS
KOMC
KSEP
KFLU
KPWR
KTIA
KSEO
KMPI
KHLS
KICC
KSTH
KMCA
KVPR
KPRM
KE
KU
KZ
KFLO
KSAF
KTIP
KTEX
KBCT
KOCI
KOLY
KOR
KAWC
KACT
KUNR
KTDB
KSTC
KLIG
KSKN
KNN
KCFE
KCIP
KGHA
KHDP
KPOW
KUNC
KDRL
KV
KPREL
KCRS
KPOL
KRVC
KRIM
KGIT
KWIR
KT
KIRC
KOMO
KRFD
KUWAIT
KG
KFIN
KSCI
KTFIN
KFTN
KGOV
KPRV
KSAC
KGIV
KCRIM
KPIR
KSOC
KBIO
KW
KGLB
KMWN
KPO
KFSC
KSEAO
KSTCPL
KSI
KPRP
KREC
KFPC
KUNH
KCSA
KMRS
KNDP
KR
KICCPUR
KPPAO
KCSY
KTBT
KCIS
KNEP
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KNNB
KGCC
KINR
KPOP
KMFO
KENV
KNAR
KVIR
KDRG
KDMR
KFCE
KNAO
KDEN
KGCN
KICA
KIMMITT
KMCC
KLFU
KMSG
KSEC
KUM
KCUL
KMNP
KSMT
KCOM
KOMCSG
KSPR
KPMI
KRAD
KIND
KCRP
KAUST
KWAWC
KTER
KCHG
KRDP
KPAS
KITA
KTSC
KPAOPREL
KWGB
KIRP
KJUST
KMIG
KLAB
KTFR
KSEI
KSTT
KAPO
KSTS
KLSO
KWNN
KPOA
KHSA
KNPP
KPAONZ
KBTS
KWWW
KY
KJRE
KPAOKMDRKE
KCRCM
KSCS
KWMNCI
KESO
KWUN
KPLS
KIIP
KEDEM
KPAOY
KRIF
KGICKS
KREF
KTRD
KFRDSOCIRO
KTAO
KJU
KWMNPHUMPRELKPAOZW
KEN
KO
KNEI
KEMR
KKIV
KEAI
KWAC
KRCIM
KWCI
KFIU
KWIC
KCORR
KOMS
KNNO
KPAI
KBWG
KTTB
KTBD
KTIALG
KILS
KFEM
KTDM
KESS
KNUC
KPA
KOMCCO
KCEM
KRCS
KWBGSY
KNPPIS
KNNPMNUC
KWN
KERG
KLTN
KALM
KCCP
KSUMPHUM
KREL
KGH
KLIP
KTLA
KAWK
KWMM
KVRP
KVRC
KAID
KSLG
KDEMK
KX
KIF
KNPR
KCFC
KFTFN
KTFM
KPDD
KCERS
KMOC
KDEMAF
KMEPI
KEMS
KDRM
KEPREL
KBTR
KEDU
KNP
KIRL
KNNR
KMPT
KISLPINR
KTPN
KA
KJUSTH
KPIN
KDEV
KTDD
KAKA
KFRP
KWNM
KTSD
KINL
KJUSKUNR
KWWMN
KECF
KWBC
KPRO
KVBL
KOM
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KEDM
KFLD
KLPM
KRGY
KNNF
KICR
KIFR
KM
KWMNCS
KAWS
KLAP
KPAK
KDDG
KCGC
KID
KNSD
KMPF
KPFO
KDP
KCMR
KRMS
KNPT
KNNNP
KTIAPARM
KDTB
KNUP
KPGOV
KNAP
KNNC
KUK
KSRE
KREISLER
KIVP
KQ
KTIAEUN
KPALAOIS
KRM
KISLAO
KWM
KFLOA
LE
LU
LH
LA
LG
LO
LY
LANTERN
LI
LABOR
LORAN
LTTE
LT
LAS
LAB
LAW
LVPR
LARREA
LEBIK
LAURA
LS
LOTT
LOVE
LR
LEON
LAVIN
LGAT
LV
LAOS
LOG
LN
LB
MOPS
MO
MARR
ML
MASS
MZ
MR
MNUC
MX
MV
MCC
MY
MEDIA
MTCRE
MG
MCAP
MOPPS
MP
MI
MK
MC
MD
MA
MU
MASC
MW
MT
MEPP
MN
MTCR
MH
MEPI
MIL
MNUCPTEREZ
MMAR
MICHAEL
MUNC
MDC
MPOS
MONUC
MAR
MGMT
MAS
MEPN
MENDIETA
MARIA
MONTENEGRO
MOOPS
MSG
MARITIME
MURRAY
MUKASEY
MOTO
MCA
MFO
MEX
MRSEC
MMED
MACP
MAAR
MINUSTAH
MCCONNELL
MAPP
MGT
MARQUEZ
MANUEL
MNUR
MCCAIN
MF
MOHAMMAD
MOHAMED
MNU
MFA
MILITANTS
MINORITIES
MTS
MLS
MILI
MIAH
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MED
MARAD
MNVC
MINURSO
MNUCUN
MIK
MARK
MBM
MPP
MILITARY
MAPS
MNUK
MILA
MTRRE
MACEDONIA
MICHEL
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
MPS
MARRGH
MRCRE
MTRE
MORALES
MAP
MCTRE
MHUC
MOPSGRPARM
MOROCCO
MCAPS
NL
NU
NS
NI
NPT
NATO
NO
NG
NATEU
NSF
NZ
NAS
NP
NDP
NLD
NGO
NEPAD
NAFTA
NASA
NEA
NGUYEN
NIH
NK
NIPP
NONE
NR
NANCY
NEGROPONTE
NRR
NERG
NSSP
NSG
NSFO
NE
NATSIOS
NFSO
NATIONAL
NTDB
NT
NCD
NTSB
NRC
NELSON
NAM
NH
NPG
NEC
NSC
NFATC
NMFS
NATOIRAQ
NAR
NZUS
NARC
NCCC
NA
NC
NEW
NRG
NUIN
NOVO
NATOPREL
NEY
NV
NICHOLAS
NPA
NW
NARCOTICS
NORAD
NOAA
NON
NTTC
NKNNP
NMNUC
NUMBERING
ODIP
OIIP
OPRC
OSCE
OREP
OTRA
OPET
OSCI
OVIP
OECD
OCII
OUALI
OPDC
OEXC
OFPD
OPIC
OFDP
OPCW
OECV
OAS
OM
OMIG
ODAG
OPREP
ORA
OIC
OEXCSCULKPAO
OIG
OASS
OFFICIALS
ORTA
OSAC
OIL
OIE
OEXP
OPEC
OPDAT
OMS
OES
OHI
OMAR
OCRA
OFSO
OCBD
OSTA
OAO
ONA
OTP
ORC
OAU
OXEC
OA
ODPC
OPDP
OVIPPRELUNGANU
OASC
OSHA
OPCD
OTR
OPPI
OPCR
OF
OFDPQIS
OSIC
OHUM
OSTRA
OASCC
OBSP
OFDA
OPICEAGR
OIM
OGAC
OTA
OTRAORP
OPPC
OESC
OCEA
OVP
ON
OPAD
OTAR
OCS
ODC
OTRD
OCED
OSD
ORUE
OREG
PHUM
PINR
PTER
PGOV
PREL
PREF
PL
PM
PHSA
PE
PARM
PINS
PK
PUNE
PO
PALESTINIAN
PU
PBTS
PROP
PTBS
POL
POLI
PA
PGOVZI
POLMIL
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLM
PD
POLITICS
POLICY
PAS
PMIL
PINT
PNAT
PV
PKO
PPOL
PERSONS
PING
PBIO
PH
PETR
PARMS
PRES
PCON
PETERS
PRELBR
PT
PLAB
PP
PAK
PDEM
PKPA
PSOCI
PF
PLO
PTERM
PJUS
PSOE
PELOSI
PROPERTY
PGOVPREL
PARP
PRL
PNIR
PHUMKPAL
PG
PREZ
PGIC
PBOV
PAO
PKK
PROV
PHSAK
PHUMPREL
PROTECTION
PGOVBL
PSI
PRELPK
PGOVENRG
PUM
PRELKPKO
PATTY
PSOC
PRIVATIZATION
PRELSP
PGOVEAIDUKNOSWGMHUCANLLHFRSPITNZ
PMIG
PREC
PAIGH
PROG
PSHA
PARK
PETER
POG
PHUS
PPREL
PS
PTERPREL
PRELPGOV
POV
PKPO
PGOVECON
POUS
PGOVPRELPHUMPREFSMIGELABEAIDKCRMKWMN
PWBG
PMAR
PREM
PAR
PNR
PRELPGOVEAIDECONEINVBEXPSCULOIIPBTIO
PARMIR
PGOVGM
PHUH
PARTM
PN
PRE
PTE
PY
POLUN
PPEL
PDOV
PGOVSOCI
PIRF
PGOVPM
PBST
PRELEVU
PGOR
PBTSRU
PRM
PRELKPAOIZ
PGVO
PERL
PGOC
PAGR
PMIN
PHUMR
PVIP
PPD
PGV
PRAM
PINL
PKPAL
PTERE
PGOF
PINO
PHAS
PODC
PRHUM
PHUMA
PREO
PPA
PEPFAR
PGO
PRGOV
PAC
PRESL
PORG
PKFK
PEPR
PRELP
PREFA
PNG
PGOVPHUMKPAO
PRELECON
PINOCHET
PFOR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PRELC
PREK
PHUME
PHJM
POLINT
PGOVPZ
PGOVKCRM
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PECON
PEACE
PROCESS
PLN
PRELSW
PAHO
PEDRO
PRELA
PASS
PPAO
PGPV
PNUM
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGIV
PRFE
POGOV
PEL
PBT
PAMQ
PINF
PSEPC
POSTS
PHUMPGOV
PVOV
PHSAPREL
PROLIFERATION
PENA
PRELTBIOBA
PIN
PRELL
PGOVPTER
PHAM
PHYTRP
PTEL
PTERPGOV
PHARM
PROTESTS
PRELAF
PKBL
PRELKPAO
PKNP
PARMP
PHUML
PFOV
PERM
PUOS
PRELGOV
PHUMPTER
PARAGRAPH
PERURENA
PBTSEWWT
PCI
PETROL
PINSO
PINSCE
PQL
PEREZ
PBS
RS
REFUGEES
RW
RP
RELFREE
RO
REGIONAL
RIGHTS
REACTION
REPORT
RU
RENAMO
RIGHTSPOLMIL
REFORM
RM
REFUGEE
REL
RELATIONS
ROW
RREL
REGION
RATIFICATION
RBI
RICE
ROOD
RODENAS
RUIZ
RODHAM
ROBERT
RGY
ROY
REUBEN
RELIGIOUS
RUEHZO
RODRIGUEZ
RUEUN
RELAM
RSP
RF
RSO
RCMP
REO
ROSS
RPTS
RENE
REID
RUPREL
RMA
RI
REMON
RPEL
RFE
RFIN
RA
RAFAEL
RAY
RUS
RPREL
ROBERTG
RECIN
RAMONTEIJELO
SNAR
SP
SN
SMIG
SL
SOCI
SU
SG
SF
SENV
SZ
SOE
SCUL
SY
SO
SR
SYR
SE
SA
SW
SIPDIS
SCIENCE
SADC
SI
SCI
SOCIETY
SC
SAARC
STR
SECRETARY
SANC
SSH
ST
SNA
SGWI
SEP
SOCIS
SETTLEMENTS
SPECIALIST
SK
SHUM
START
STET
SCVL
SREF
SCHUL
SCUIL
SYRIA
SECURITY
SPCE
SYAI
SMIL
SOWGC
STEPHEN
SNRV
SKCA
SENSITIVE
SECI
SNAP
SPP
SCUD
SOM
SPECI
SMIGBG
SENC
SCRM
SGNV
SECTOR
SENVEAGREAIDTBIOECONSOCIXR
SENVSXE
SASIAIN
SACU
SENVSPL
SWMN
STEINBERG
SOPN
SOCR
SCOI
SCRS
SILVASANDE
SWE
SARS
SNARIZ
SUDAN
SENVQGR
SM
SNARKTFN
SAAD
SD
SAN
SIPRNET
STATE
SENS
SUBJECT
SFNV
SECSTATE
SSA
SPCVIS
SOI
SOFA
SCULKPAOECONTU
SPTER
SKSAF
SENVKGHG
SHI
SEVN
SANR
SPSTATE
SMITH
SCOM
SH
SNARCS
SNARN
SIPRS
SNARM
SIPDI
SCPR
SNIG
SELAB
SULLIVAN
SENVENV
SECDEF
SOLIC
SOIC
SPAS
SASC
SOSI
SEC
SEN
SENVCASCEAIDID
TU
TH
TW
TSPA
TRGY
TPHY
TBIO
TIFA
TS
TZ
TX
TSPL
TT
TK
TC
TINT
TERFIN
TERRORISM
TIP
TURKEY
TI
TECHNOLOGY
TNGD
TRSY
TRAFFICKING
TOPEC
TPSL
TP
TD
TR
TA
TIO
TREATY
TO
THPY
TECH
TRADE
TPSA
TG
TAGS
TF
TRAD
THKSJA
TVBIO
TNDG
TN
TBIOZK
TWI
TV
TWL
TRT
TWRO
TSRY
TTPGOV
TAUSCHER
TRBY
TRBIO
TL
TPKO
TIA
TGRY
TSPAM
TREL
TNAR
TBI
TFIN
TPHYPA
TWCH
THOMMA
THOMAS
TERROR
TRY
TBID
TPP
TE
THANH
TJ
TBKIO
UNGA
USUN
UN
UG
UNSC
UK
UP
US
UNCTAD
UNVIE
UNHRC
USTR
UNAMA
UNCRIME
UNESCO
UV
UNDP
UNHCR
UNCSD
UNCHR
UZ
USAID
UNEP
UNO
UNPUOS
UY
UNDC
UNCITRAL
UNAUS
UNCND
UA
UNMIK
USTDA
USEU
USDA
UNICEF
UR
UNFICYP
USNC
USTRRP
UNODC
UNRWA
UNOMIG
USTRPS
USAU
USCC
UNEF
UNGAPL
UNFPA
UNSCE
USSC
UGA
UEU
UNMIC
UNTAC
UNION
UNCLASSIFIED
USPS
UNA
UMIK
USOAS
UNMOVIC
UNFA
UNAIDS
UNCHC
USGS
UNSE
UNRCR
UNTERR
USG
UE
UAE
UNWRA
UNCSW
UNSCR
UNCHS
UNDESCO
UNPAR
UNC
UB
UNSCS
UKXG
UNGACG
UNREST
UNHR
USPTO
UNFCYP
USCG
UNIDROIT
UNSCD
UPU
UNBRO
UNECE
USTRUWR
UNCC
UNESCOSCULPRELPHUMKPALCUIRXFVEKV
VM
VE
VT
VETTING
VN
VZ
VIS
VC
VTPREL
VIP
VTEAID
VTEG
VOA
VA
VTIZ
VANG
VISIT
VO
VENZ
VAT
VI
VEPREL
VEN
WFP
WTO
WHO
WTRO
WBG
WMO
WIPO
WA
WI
WSIS
WHA
WCL
WE
WMN
WEBZ
WS
WAR
WZ
WMD
WW
WILLIAM
WEET
WAEMU
WM
WWBG
WWT
WWARD
WITH
WMDT
WTRQ
WCO
WEU
WALTER
WRTO
WB
WHTI
WBEG
WCI
WEF
WAKI
WHOA
WGC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 08TOKYO495, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 02/26/08
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08TOKYO495.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08TOKYO495 | 2008-02-26 01:00 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO6858
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #0495/01 0570100
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 260100Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1987
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5//
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA//
RHMFIUU/USFJ //J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/CTF 72
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 8674
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 6279
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 9946
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 4841
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 6884
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1848
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 7915
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 8502
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 TOKYO 000495
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 02/26/08
Index:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)
4) Severe public eye on Fukuda Cabinet, whose support rate plummets
7.9 points to 28.7 PERCENT ; Over 70 PERCENT dissatisfied with
handling of Aegis accident (Sankei)
Defense issues:
5) Defense Minister Ishiba knew the night of Aegis collision that
fishing boat was spotted 12 minutes before and not two minutes but
held back announcement (Asahi)
6) Iwakuni mayor announces acceptance of relocation of Atsugi jets
to Iwakuni base (Yomiuri)
Fukuda-Lee summit meeting:
7) Prime Minister Fukuda, ROK President Lee agree to repair strained
bilateral ties, work toward signing an EPA (Nikkei)
8) Preparation to sign an EPA now made possible by Fukuda-Lee
meeting (Mainichi)
9) Gist of meeting between Prime Minister Fukuda, South Korean
President Lee (Yomiuri)
Diet affairs:
10) Struggle now in Diet over setting date for adopting national
budget with ruling camp wanting vote in February and opposition
wanting to keep deliberating (Yomiuri)
11) Ruling parties ready to work with opposition to accept some
revisions in controversial tax bill (Tokyo Shimbun)
12) Government and ruling camp moving in direction of allowing now
dedicated gasoline tax revenue to be absorbed into general tax
revenues (Mainichi)
13) DPJ President Ozawa rebuffs Fukuda's suggestion for another set
of talks (Mainichi)
14) Japan's national debt now at a record 838 trillion yen (about 8
trillion dollars) (Mainichi)
Articles:
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi:
With Defense minister being informed that Aegis destroyer crew
spotted fishing boat "12 minutes before collision," he may face
question of whether to stay or resign
Mainichi:
Greenhouse gas emission reduction targets likely to be set for
offices, convenience stores, schools
Yomiuri:
Japan, ROK will reopen shuttle diplomacy with emergence of new South
Korean President Lee
Nikkei:
Sharp, Daiwa House to tie up for joint development of storage cells
for housing in effort to make best use of solar energy generation
Sankei:
TOKYO 00000495 002 OF 010
FNN poll: Cabinet approval rating falls to below 30 PERCENT with
more than 70 PERCENT "do not appreciate" MSDF's response to Aegis
destroyer collision
Tokyo Shimbun:
Defense minister was informed on the day of collision that the Aegis
destroyer Atago spotted a fishing boat 12 minutes before collision
Akahata:
One week has passed since the Aegis destroyer collided with a
fishing boat: Questioning of Aegis captain not conducted yet
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Murder case in LA: What is the "new evidence"?
(2) We hope new ROK president will live up to expectations
Mainichi:
(1) Japan-ROK summit: Japan, ROK need to look to the future
(2) Disclosure of Microsoft basic code: We want software development
to attract young talent
Yomiuri:
(1) ROK President Lee: Best opportunity for Japan, U.S., ROK to
rebuild trilateral ties
(2) ShinGinkyo Tokyo should withdraw from market
Nikkei:
(1) We expect ROK President Lee to do his part on DPRK, EPA
(2) Destruction of satellite by missile leaves us with concern about
space arms race
Sankei:
(1) New ROK president: Japan, ROK should look to the future instead
of the past
(2) Murder case in LA: Time to debate statute of limitations on
murder
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Japan, ROK need to work to stabilize Asia
(2) Microsoft: Now is time to open everything
Akahata:
(1) One week has passed since collision of Aegis destroyer and
fishing boat: Intensive discussion essential to shed light on truth
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)
Prime Minister's schedule, February 25
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2008
Morning
Attended the inauguration of Lee Myung Bak as president of South
Korea at the National Assembly plaza in Seoul.
Afternoon
Held a meeting with President Lee at the Blue House.
Night
TOKYO 00000495 003 OF 010
Departed from Seoul Air Base.
20:52
Arrived at Haneda Airport.
21:25
Arrived at his official residence.
4) Poll: Cabinet support falls below 30 PERCENT
SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged)
February 26, 2008
The Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN) conducted a joint
public opinion survey on Feb. 23-24, in which the rate of public
support for Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's cabinet dropped 7.9
percentage points from the last survey (taken Jan. 13-14 this year)
to 28.7 PERCENT . The Fukuda cabinet's support rate fell below 30
PERCENT for the first time. Meanwhile, its nonsupport rate rose 4.9
points to 52.2 PERCENT , also topping 50 PERCENT for the first
time. In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the
ruling Liberal Democratic Party stood at 27.8 PERCENT , down 4.3
points. The leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto)
was at 25.3 PERCENT .
On a gender basis, the Fukuda cabinet's support rate among women was
higher than that among men, scoring 31.1 PERCENT from women and
26.1 PERCENT from men. However, the Fukuda cabinet's popularity
rating among women was down 9.3 points from the last survey. In
addition, the Fukuda cabinet's approval rating among men also
dropped 6.4 PERCENT . This can be taken as a factor that caused the
support rate to fall below 30 PERCENT in the survey this time.
In the survey, respondents were asked what they thought about the
Fukuda cabinet's response to the recent collision of a Maritime
Self-Defense Force Aegis destroyer with a fishing boat. To this
question, positive answers came from 11.6 PERCENT , with negative
answers accounting for 76.1 PERCENT . As seen from these figures,
many were concerned about the Fukuda administration's crisis
management capability. Respondents were also asked about the Fukuda
cabinet's handling of a series of recent incidents caused by U.S.
service members in Japan. To this question, negative answers
accounted for 70 PERCENT . Respondents were further asked about the
Fukuda cabinet's economic policy and its way of dealing with the
government's pension record-keeping flaws. In response, negative
answers accounted for over 60 PERCENT .
In addition, the survey also asked respondents if they would support
a "grand coalition" of the LDP and the DPJ. In response, 30.5
PERCENT answered "yes," with 50.8 PERCENT saying "no." Meanwhile,
they were asked if they would like to see political realignment. To
this question, "yes" accounted for 58.9 PERCENT . As is evident from
these figures, the public is critical of the idea of the LDP and DPJ
joining hands. On the other hand, the public is dissatisfied with
the present-day framework of government.
Respondents were next asked how long they thought the Fukuda cabinet
would continue. To this question, "until around the next election
for the House of Representatives" topped all other answers at 49.1
PERCENT , followed by "until around the fall of next year" at 33.6
PERCENT . Respondents were also asked when they would like the next
House of Representatives election to take place. To this question,
TOKYO 00000495 004 OF 010
however, "after this July's G-8 summit in Japan and during the
latter half of this year" accounted for 45.3 PERCENT , topping all
other answers. "Upon the current term's expiry or early next year"
was at 34 PERCENT .
5) Defense minister informed that night that Aegis destroyer crew
spotted fishing boat "12 minutes before"; Could affect whether he
will resign or not
ASAHI (Top play) (Excerpts)
February 26, 2008
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) initially announced that the Maritime
Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) Aegis destroyer Atago crew had spotted
the fishing boat Seitokumaru "two minutes before the collision," but
afterwards MOD corrected that time and said it was "12 minutes
before." In this connection, it was learned that Defense Minister
Ishiba on the night of the 19th was informed that it was "12 minutes
before," but that at a press briefing held later by the Maritime
Staff Office (MSO), MOD did not give correct information and instead
it said it was "two minutes before." As the reason why it did so,
MOD explained that because it did not fully confirm the time before
the collision, it refrained from saying it was '12 minutes before.'
But if this was done to intentionally conceal the fact, the question
of whether Ishiba will stay or resign in office could be affected.
According to MOD, the MSO told the Aegis destroyer's chief navigator
to come to the MSO by a helicopter at 10:00 a.m. of Feb. 19 before
the start of the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) questioning. In the MSO,
the chief navigator told the MSO staff that it was two minutes
before he had spotted the fishing boat. This information was
conveyed by the MSO staff to Ishiba around noon of that day. Based
on the information, Ishiba said at a ruling Liberal Democratic
Party's (LDP) division meeting that started at 5:00 p.m. of that
day: "The Aegis destroyer spotted the fishing boat two minutes
before colliding with it."
At a press briefing held at 11:00 p.m. of that day, the MSO's
Operations and Plans Department director-general declared: "The
Aegis destroyer spotted the light of the fishing boat two minutes
before colliding with it." MOD's explanation about this announcement
was that at that point in time, MOD did not fully confirm the time,
so it announced the same as it did at an LDP division meeting.
At a Lower House Security Committee session on Feb. 22, Ishiba said,
"It is only natural for me to take responsibility if there is any
covering up. I have always cut off my retreat when I serve in the
ministerial post." This remark implied that he would resign if a
concealment of information comes to light.
6) Iwakuni mayor to accept U.S. jet relocation
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2008
Yoshihiko Fukuda, the newly elected mayor of Iwakuni City in
Yamaguchi Prefecture has now made up his mind to accept a
government-proposed plan to relocate U.S. carrier-borne fighter jets
from the U.S. Navy's Atsugi base in Kanagawa Prefecture to the U.S.
Marine Corps' Iwakuni base in his city along with the realignment of
U.S. forces in Japan, city officials said yesterday. Fukuda will
clarify the decision before his city's municipal assembly in its
TOKYO 00000495 005 OF 010
opening session on Feb. 28. He will shortly come up to Tokyo and
formally convey his decision to the government. The relocation plan
has been at a standstill because his predecessor, Katsusuke Ihara,
had raised an objection. The plan, however, is now expected to make
progress.
Fukuda will address his city's assembly at the opening of its
regular session. In his policy speech there, the mayor will
appreciate the government for considering a plan to ease the city's
base-hosting burden, including noise abatement measures, officials
said. He will state before the assembly that he thinks he should
basically cooperate on the U.S. military's realignment if the
government takes specific measures, according to the officials.
7) Fukuda, Lee agree to repair Japan-ROK relations and hold EPA
preliminary talks
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
February 26, 2008
Hiroshi Minegishi, Seoul
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda held talks with new South Korean
President Lee Myung Bak at the Blue House presidential office
yesterday afternoon in which the two leaders agreed to rebuild
Japan-South Korea relations which were strained during the previous
Roh Moo Hyun administration over the historical and Yasukuni issues.
They also agreed to begin preliminary talks to resume the economic
partnership agreement (EPA) talks, which have been on hold for three
years. A decision was also made for President Lee's visit to Japan
in April as part of the reciprocal visits by top leaders of Japan
and South Korea.
Prime Minister Fukuda called for building a new Japan-South Korea
era, saying: "The two countries are most important to each other. I
would like to forge relations in which we can exchange views
frankly." President Lee agreed with Fukuda. They also agreed to
strengthen cooperative ties between Japan, the United States, and
South Korea in order to press North Korea to abandon its nuclear
programs.
The prime minister also invited South Korea to attend the G8 Lake
Toya Summit Outreach Meeting to be held in July. President Lee
expressed his gratitude in response.
The Japan-ROK EPA talks that started in December 2003 have not been
held since in November 2004 when South Korea, which sought 90
PERCENT of the agricultural market be opened up, expressed
displeasure with Japan's response.
The prime minister said: "(An EPA) is necessary in order to
strengthen economic relations between the two countries. I would
like see preliminary talks between the two countries in order to
determine a direction (of the EPA talks)." In response, the
president said, "I agree."
8) Fukuda, Lee agree to hold preliminary talks on resuming EPA
negotiations
MAINICHI (Page 9) (Full)
February 26, 2008
TOKYO 00000495 006 OF 010
In a meeting held between Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and new South
Korean President Lee Myung Bak yesterday, the two leaders decided to
hold preliminary talks on reopening negotiations talks on forming a
bilateral economic partnership agreement (EPA) after a hiatus of
about three years. Between the two countries, there are such
historical issues as Japan's colonial rule of South Korea. These
issues stand in the way of moves to strengthen bilateral economic
relations between the two neighbors. Japan-South Korea relations are
now set to grow stronger under the new president, who places
emphasis on rebuilding the economy.
"Talks (on concluding an EPA) have been suspended over many years,
so let's start with preliminary talks." Fukuda and Lee agreed to set
moves in motion to resume EPA negotiations. Both sides are expected
to discuss specifics when Lee visits to Japan in April. In the
summit, they also shared the need for the two countries to further
deepen bilateral economic ties. It is now expected that EPA
negotiations will rapidly make headway.
Japan and South Korea started EPA negotiations in December 2003.
South Korea called on Japan to open its agricultural market 90
PERCENT , but Japan responded to the request in a cautious manner,
upsetting its negotiator. Since November 2004, no negotiations have
been held. Japan has lagged behind other countries in competition
over EPAs. Based on the judgment that concluding an EPA with South
Korea is indispensable, Japan has been exploring ways to resume
negotiations.
With the inauguration of Lee, who places emphasis on revitalizing
the economy, is turning the situation around. Some observers
anticipate that the growing mood for building a new Japan-South
Korea era will prompt both sides to reach an agreement in EPA
negotiations. In the Korean automobile industry, however, many are
still calling for caution about concluding an EPA. Meanwhile, Japan
remains opposed to significantly opening its agricultural market.
The rift between the two countries is still wide.
9) Gist of Fukuda-Lee meeting
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
February 26, 2008
The following is a gist of the summit meeting held on February 25
between Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and South Korean President Lee
Myung Bak:
Japan-ROK relations
Prime Minister Fukuda: This is your first summit meeting as
president of South Korea. I am grateful for this opportunity,
believing it reflects your true feelings. South Korea is our most
important neighbor. I would like to build a new Japan-South Korea
era working with you, Mr. President.
President Lee: Cooperation between our two countries can wield great
influence in the international community. You, Mr. Prime Minister
are placing high priority on policy toward Asia. I totally agree
with you.
Prime minister: It is important to recognize what took place in the
past as facts and humbly face history. We must always consider what
the other party thinks. It is important to discuss the future from
TOKYO 00000495 007 OF 010
such a perspective.
President: I would like to realize cooperation while looking toward
the future.
North Korea
Prime minister: I would like to see cooperative ties between Japan
and South Korea and between Japan, the United States and South Korea
strengthened further in our efforts to denuclearize North Korea.
President: I also would like to see close cooperation between Japan,
the United States, and South Korea. I am fully aware of Japan's
positions (on the abduction issue and other matters).
Economic cooperation
Prime minister: I would like to see preliminary talks on a
Japan-South Korea Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
President: I will study ways to resume the talks.
Prime minister: I would like to see cooperation on energy policy and
policy toward small and medium-sized companies, as well. It is
important to strengthen the dialogue and cooperation of business
circles.
President: I totally agree with you.
10) Fierce battle between ruling and opposition camps over when to
take vote on budget bill
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Excerpts)
February 26, 2008
The House of Representatives Budget Committee approved yesterday to
open an ad hoc subcommittee on Feb. 27 and 28 by a majority of the
ruling parties, paving the way for an environment for taking a vote
a bill on the budget for fiscal 2008 as early as the 28th. The
ruling coalition aims to pass taxation-related bills, including one
to amend the Special Taxation Measures Law, which would retain the
current provisional tax for gasoline, through the Lower House by the
end of this month. The opposition camp, however, intends to put up
do-or-die resistance, calling for concentrated deliberations on the
road-use revenue issue and the collision between a Self-Defense
Force Aegis ship and fishing boat. Intertwined with the Diet
approval of a new governor of the Bank of Japan, a tug-of-war has
now reached a crucial stage between the ruling and opposition camp
at the Lower House.
The Diet affairs chiefs of the two Diet chambers from the ruling
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner New
Komeito confirmed yesterday a policy of getting the FY2008 budget
and taxation-related bills through the Lower House before the end of
February. In yesterday's meeting of the Budget Committee directors,
the two ruling parties proposed putting the bills to a vote on the
28th.
11) Ruling parties to approve revision to provisional tax rate bill
subject to DPJ coming up with counterproposal
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full)
TOKYO 00000495 008 OF 010
February 26, 2008
The ruling parties yesterday decided to respond to the Democratic
Party of Japan's (DPJ or Minshuto) call for a revision to their bill
amending the Special Tax Measures Law, which includes the
maintaining of the special rate on the gas tax, if it presents a
counterproposal to the Upper House.
Ruling party members, especially road lobby members in the Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP), who have strong influence on road
administration, had been strongly opposing the idea of revising the
bill. However, the LDP leadership has judged that there is a strong
possibility that if the ruling parties do not lend an ear to the
DPJ, which controls the Upper House as the no. 1 party, it would
delay a roll call on the bill, causing the provisional rate to
expire.
Regarding the issue of whether to revise the bill amending the
Special Tax Measures Law, proposals, such as shortening the margin
of the extension of the provisional tax rate from the planned 10
years, taking a second look at the mid-term road construction
program, which includes 59 trillion yen as project expenses covering
10 years and turning part of special-purpose road construction
revenue sources, such as the gas tax, into an environment tax, have
been floated in the ruling camp.
However, the views of the DPJ, which is calling for scrapping the
provisional tax rate and reallocating special-purpose road
construction revenues for other uses, are far apart from the ruling
camp-sponsored bill amending the Special Tax Measures Law. So
revision talks will likely encounter difficulties.
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Feb. 24 expressed his intention to
positively respond to the opposition camp's call for a revision of
the bill. He told reporters in Seoul, which he was visiting then, "I
will deliberate on the bill with the possibility of revising it and
securing Diet passage within the current fiscal year into
consideration."
Election Committee Chairman Makoto Koga, a heavyweight in the LDP's
road policy clique in the Diet, on Feb. 23 indicated his intention
to approve a revision to the bill on condition that the DPJ submits
a counterproposal.
12) Surplus gas tax revenues: Government, ruling parties mulling
stricter enforcement of reallocation of road funds for other uses,
shifting stance to talks to revise amendment to special tax measures
law
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Excerpt)
February 26, 2008
The government and the ruling parties yesterday started
reconsidering the bill amending the Road Construction Revenues
Special Exemption Law aimed at reallocating revenues from the
gasoline tax that exceed road construction expenses in each fiscal
year for other uses. Specifically, they are looking into the
possibility of deleting a provision stipulating that the amount of
money equal to road funds reallocated for other uses should be
transferred to special-purpose road construction funds for the
following fiscal year and beyond. This proposal was intended to
enable the construction of roads as planned, while reallocating road
TOKYO 00000495 009 OF 010
funds for other uses as well. However, in an effort to enact the
bill amending the Special Tax Measures Law, which incorporates an
extension of the special rate on the gas tax, the government and the
ruling camp decided to use the scrapping of that proposal as a
trigger for revision talks with the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ
or Minshuto).
13) Ozawa reveals Prime Minister Fukuda sounded him out on another
direct meeting, but he declined
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2008
Ichiro Ozawa, president of the main opposition Democratic Party of
Japan (DPJ or Minshuto), revealed yesterday at a press conference in
Kumamoto City that Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's side had sounded
out him about a face-to-face meeting on the issue of selecting a new
Bank of Japan governor, but he had declined the offer, saying:
"Since there has been no progress since (the grand alliance uproar)
last year, I will not hold a direct meeting with the Prime
Minister."
Fukuda is believed to have a desire to form a grand alliance.
Therefore, he might have approached Ozawa to hold a meeting taking
advantage of the issue of selecting a new BOJ governor. Fukuda told
reporters about a possible meeting with Ozawa: "I cannot predict
whether there will be need for it or not."
It has been decided that the government will present its choice of
new BOJ governor to the steering committees of the two Diet
chambers. Despite that, if Fukuda considered a face-to-face meeting
with Ozawa, speculation would erupt in political circles.
Ozawa said in the press conference: "I was not directly sounded
out." Some in the DPJ are still worried and doubts that Ozawa may
rekindle the grand alliance notion in concert with Fukuda. The
reason for Ozawa having clarified Fukuda's secret approach seems to
a desire to sweep away such doubts in his party.
14) National debt hits record 838 trillion yen at end of 2007
MAINICHI (Page 9) (Full)
February 26, 2008
The balance of the nation's debt jumped to a record 838 trillion yen
as of the end of last year, up 4,306.8 billion yen from the level
posted Sept. 30, according to the Finance Ministry yesterday. This
figure is 5,741.9 billion yen larger than the level at the end of
December 2006. The balance of per-capita debt is calculated at 6.56
million yen, up about 50,000 yen from the year before.
The Finance Ministry announces the balance of the nation's debt,
calculated by adding the government's borrowings and financing bills
(FB), every three months. Of the total, government bonds increased
3,365.3 billion yen to 534,514.5 billion yen. Investment-and-loan
bonds climbed 845.5 billion yen to 141,043.4 billion yen.
Borrowing under the general and special accounts of the national
budget reached 57,036.6 billion yen, up 119.9 billion yen. FB, used
to make up for temporary funding shortages, stood at 102,326.9
billion yen, up 222.9 billion yen. The amount worked out by
deducting the total amount of investment-and-loan bonds and FB from
TOKYO 00000495 010 OF 010
the balance of debt is regarded as the balance of long-term debt.
The Finance Ministry estimates this amount at approximately 607
trillion yen as of the end of fiscal 2007. The total amount of the
central and local governments' long-term debt is expected to reach
about 772 trillion yen.
SCHIEFFER