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 08TOKYO3373, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 12/12/08
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. #08TOKYO3373.
| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08TOKYO3373 | 2008-12-12 06:22 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO4419
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #3373/01 3470622
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 120622Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9375
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 3742
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 1385
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 5176
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 9370
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 1952
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 6788
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 2781
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2893
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 003373
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 12/12/08
Index:
Defense and security affairs:
1) MSDF refueling mission bill to pass Diet today by a Lower House
override vote (Mainichi)
2) Although MSDF to continue refueling operations in the Indian
Ocean, anxieties remain about their mission (Asahi)
3) Yokosuka sailor charged with slaying cabbie to undergo mental
tests (Mainichi)
4) Japan, Australia to meet next week for strategic talks, agreement
to strengthen cooperation (Nikkei)
North Korea problem:
5) Six-Party Talks close without agreement; now it is the problem of
the incoming Obama administration (Mainichi)
6) Nothing happening also on the Japan-North Korea dialogue
(Nikkei)
7) Japan expects Six-Party Talks to restart in several months
(Mainichi)
8) North Korea's strategy failed in the Six-Party Talks as Japan,
U.S., ROK held together in common front (Mainichi)
Economy in dire straits:
9) Government plans a 40-trillion yen economic stimulus package
(Yomiuri)
10) Government plans to set aside 3 trillion yen to assist middle to
large scale companies suffering in the economic crisis (Asahi)
11) Prime Minister Aso tangled in political wrangling over
consumption tax hike issue (Asahi)
12) DPJ plans own economic stimulus package to shake up Aso
administration in the Diet (Nikkei)
13) LDP's Hidenao Nakagawa, now openly opposed to the prime
minister, has gathered a group of 57 for his new anti-Aso
parliamentary league (Mainichi)
Articles:
1) Refueling bill to clear Diet today
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full)
December 12, 2008
The House of Councillors Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense
yesterday voted down a bill amending the new Antiterrorism Special
Measures Law to extend Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean
by a majority of lawmakers from the main opposition Democratic Party
of Japan (DPJ), the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) and the Social
Democratic Party. The bill is expected to be voted down today in the
Upper House plenary session, as well.
With this, the ruling parties will readopt and enact the refueling
bill by a two-thirds overriding vote in the House of
Representatives' plenary session today.
The bill is designed to extend by one year the Maritime Self-Defense
Force's refueling operation, which will expire on Jan. 15. In a
debate ahead of taking a vote in the Upper House committee, DPJ's
Hisashi Tokunaga pointed out: "Since security in Afghanistan has
TOKYO 00003373 002 OF 009
been deteriorating year after year, the refueling mission will not
resolve the issue." Masayoshi Hamada, however, emphasized the
meaning of the refueling mission, saying: "Now is a critical time
for improving security (in Afghanistan)."
In an Upper House Financial Affairs Committee session yesterday, the
DPJ presented a revised bill to amending the Financial Functions
Strengthening Law, which suggests that ShinGinko Tokyo be excluded.
Since the number of pros and cons were the same, Committee Chairman
Naoki Minegishi, a DPJ member, decided that the bill was approved.
The DPJ voted for the bill, while the LDP, New Komeito, and the JCP
were against it.
2) Refueling assistance fraught with 3 concerns; Revised law to be
enacted today
ASAHI (Page 4) (Slightly abridged)
December 12, 2008
The House of Councillors Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee met
yesterday and voted down a government-introduced bill amending the
Refueling Assistance Special Measures Law for a one-year extension
of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the
Indian Ocean with a majority of votes from the Democratic Party of
Japan (Minshuto) and other opposition parties. The
government-proposed legislation will be voted down in a plenary
sitting of the opposition-controlled upper chamber today. However,
the House of Representatives-where the ruling coalition of the
Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito have a majority of the
seats-will take a second vote on the bill in its plenary sitting
today to override the upper chamber's decision. Prime Minister Aso
has now forgone dissolving the lower chamber in defiance of the
opposition bloc's calls for an early dissolution, and the upper
chamber's deliberations on the legislation have been drawn out.
However, there are now three points at issue.
Afghan dispatch may become a political issue again
In a Nov. 6 House of Councillors Foreign Affairs and Defense
Committee meeting, Satoshi Inoue, a House of Councillors member of
the Japanese Communist Party, asked why the government sent a
fact-finding team to Afghanistan. "Did the government send the team
there for the purpose of dispatching ground and heliborne troops?"
Inoue asked. Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura replied: "It was not
premised on a dispatch. It was for general study."
In June this year, the government sent a fact-finding team to
Afghanistan and its neighbors. That was because the United States
and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had sounded out
Japan on dispatching the Self-Defense Forces to Afghanistan. The
team is said to have explored the possibility of sending Air
Self-Defense Force C-130 transport planes and Ground Self-Defense
Force heavy-lift helicopters for airlift activities.
At the House of Councillors Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee's
request, the government came up with an outline of the fact-finding
team's report. However, the government did not reveal anything
specific about the team's findings. "Disclosing specific information
could affect the safety of personnel and would seriously mar the
international community's trust," Kawamura stated before the
committee.
TOKYO 00003373 003 OF 009
However, an SDF dispatch to Afghanistan will likely become a
political issue again when the new U.S. administration is
inaugurated under President-elect Obama in January. There is growing
frustration among the opposition parties. "The government did not
show even the fundamental information that is a premise for
deliberations," said Hisashi Tokunaga, a House of Councillors member
from the DPJ.
Antipiracy legislation in the pipeline
The LDP and the DPJ are at odds over the issue of continuing the
MSDF's refueling mission. However, the two parties moved closer to
agreement.
Akihisa Nagashima (DPJ): "They (commercial ships) are being exposed
to the threat of pirates. It's vitally important to secure the sea
lanes."
Prime Minister Aso: "We would like to study what we have under the
law."
In an Oct. 17 House of Representatives Antiterrorism Special
Committee meeting, Nagashima, who knows well about security policy,
suggested the need for the government to take measures (for tankers
and other Japanese commercial ships) against pirates that are
rampant in waters off the coast of Somalia. In response, the
government began a full-fledged study to create a new law against
pirates, giving heed to the option of sending MSDF vessels.
"In the Indian Ocean, there is drug trafficking and there are
pirates. There is also the issue of shipping safety." With this,
Foreign Minister Nakasone made an appeal on the MSDF's refueling
activities in the Indian Ocean, meaning to say the MSDF's presence
there for refueling activities contributes to antipiracy measures.
However, the Refueling Assistance Special Measures Law stipulates
nothing about antipiracy measures. "You said that as foreign
minister. That is a problem, isn't it? You're stretching the law.
That's strange." With this, Shinkun Haku, a House of Councillors
member from the DPJ, made a countercharge to Nakasone.
The Air Self-Defense Force will withdraw its airlift detachment from
Iraq at the end of the year. In the meantime, the Diet will open its
ordinary session early next year. Its security debate will likely
focus on antipiracy legislation.
Overly optimistic thinking about civilian control
Another issue in the Diet debate has been civilian control. ASDF
Chief of Staff Toshio Tamogami was sacked for his release of an
essay that justified Japan's wartime aggression. However, the
government had little awareness of the problem. The prime minister
said, "Civilian control was exactly in place, so immediate dismissal
was possible."
The opposition bench pursued Tamogami's view of history. However,
the government reiterated that it would not comment on the essay's
descriptions. Defense Minister Hamada noted yesterday: "The essay
has inappropriate portions regarding the government's view and the
Constitution, but this does not come under the heading of a
political act."
3) U.S. sailor on trial for taxi driver slaying to under go mental
TOKYO 00003373 004 OF 009
tests ordered by the court
MAINICHI (Page 27) (Excerpt)
December 12, 2008
In the second hearing of U.S. Navy Seaman Apprentice Olatunbosun
Ugobogu, a 22 year-old Nigerian attached to the U.S. Navy base at
Yokosuka who is on trial for robbery and murder of a taxi driver in
Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture, the Yokohama District Court
yesterday ordered that he undergo mental tests that have been
requested by the defendant's lawyer.
Head judge Masaaki Kawaguchi gave as the reason: "The facts are
critical, so I wish to proceed cautiously." The testing will be
carried out in tandem with the trial and should take three months.
4) Japan-Australia security talks set for next week; Foreign and
defense ministers to agree on increased bilateral cooperation
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
December 12, 2008
The governments of Japan and Australia decided yesterday to hold a
Japan-Australia Security Committee meeting of the foreign and
defense ministers (2 plus 2) late next week in Tokyo. The two
countries are expected to reach an agreement to strengthen bilateral
cooperation on the security front to deal with major disasters and
the threat of terrorism.
With Australia reportedly willing to provide energy aid to North
Korea in place of Japan, in line with the six-party agreement, the
two countries are also expected to look for ways to coordinate their
North Korea policies.
From Japan, Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone and Defense Minister
Yasukazu Hamada will attend the meeting. The two countries will
upgrade bilateral security cooperation by revising a memorandum on
the development of defense exchanges, inked in 2003, for the first
time in five years.
Envisaging cooperation in nuclear and arms nonproliferation and UN
peacekeeping operations, the meeting will also discuss joint
exercises between the Australian military and Japan's Self-Defense
Forces.
The upcoming meeting will be the second following the previous one,
held in June 2007 during the then Abe administration. In the
previous meeting, then Foreign Minister Taro Aso promoted
cooperation between Japan, the United States and Australia by
advocating the arc of freedom and prosperity initiative promoting
the democratization of Asia. Prime Minister Aso just agreed in
October on expanded security cooperation with India through
Japan-India summit. Planned coordination with Australia follows such
developments.
5) Six-party talks fails to reach agreement on verification
protocol
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
December 12, 2008
Mayumi Otani, Beijing
TOKYO 00003373 005 OF 009
The fourth day of the six-party head-of-delegation meeting on North
Korea's nuclear program ended yesterday without producing any
agreement stipulating a verification protocol for the North's
nuclear declaration, nor setting a date for a next meeting. The
chief negotiators were unable to fill the gaps between the three
countries -- Japan, the United States and South Korea, which
insisted that nuclear sampling should be codified -- and North
Korea, which refused to comply.
According to sources close to the six-party talks, the chief U.S.
envoy, Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill explained to
the participants the White House's official instruction that the
Bush administration would not allow bilateral talks between the U.S.
and North Korea before its term ends. The next round of the
six-party talks is now certain to be held after the administration
of President-elect Barack Obama is inaugurated in January.
The statement announced by China's chief envoy Wu Dawei, vice
foreign minister of China, host of the six-party talks, confirmed
only one thing, namely, that the next meeting would be held as soon
as possible. Japan's chief negotiator, Foreign Ministry Asian and
Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director General Akitaka Saiki said: "Nobody
thinks that the meeting was satisfactory."
With the failure in reaching an agreement on the codifying of a
verification protocol, South Korean chief envoy Kim Sook stated: "We
will consider whether to continue energy support." Meanwhile, North
Korean chief negotiator Kim Kye Gwan reported rebutted in the
meeting, arguing: "We will adjust the speed of disablement in
accordance with the aid we receive."
6) Japan-DPRK dialogue not realized
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
December 12, 2008
Takeshi Nagasawa, Beijing
In the latest six-party talks held in Beijing to discuss the
denuclearization of North Korea, Japan tried to find ways to have a
dialogue with the North to seek progress on the issue of Japanese
nationals abducted by the North. But Japan's efforts did not pay
off. Foreign Ministry Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau
Director-General Akitaka Saiki emphatically said on the night of
Dec. 11: "I want to continue to search for opportunities for a
dialogue." As is the case with the talks on the nuclear issue that
broke off, there are no prospects to break the deadlock regarding
the abduction issue.
A chairman's statement, released on the same day, simply urges Japan
and North Korea to make sincere efforts for resolving outstanding
bilateral issues and the normalization of bilateral relations. In
the six-party talks, the North held separate talks with the United
States, China, South Korea and Russia, but it declined Japan's call
for dialogue.
Dialogue between Japan and North Korea has not occurred since
bilateral working-level talks in August. Chief Cabinet Secretary
Takeo Kawamura said in a press briefing: "Channels have not been
closed, but it is a fact that we have not been able to have direct
talks (with the North)."
TOKYO 00003373 006 OF 009
7) Japan thinks next round of six-party talks will not take place
for several months
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly)
December 12, 2008
Mayumi Otani, Beijing
Through the latest six-party talks, the Japanese government has
concluded that the North has shifted its attention to the incoming
Obama administration of the United States, with a senior government
official saying: "The possibility has vanished that the next round
of talks will take place anytime soon." The government thinks it
will be several months before the Obama administration firms up its
diplomatic strategy and sets a clear policy (toward North Korea).
How to coordinate policy approaches with the Obama administration,
including the abduction issue, will be a challenge for the
government.
"We have agreed to meet again at an early date, but that will not be
easy," Japan's chief delegate and Foreign Ministry Asian and
Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director-General Akitaka Saiki told the
press corps in Beijing on the night of Dec. 11.
The Japanese government upheld the policy of seeking verification
methods, including the sampling of nuclear materials that would
leave no room for distortion or misunderstanding. The policy
approach reflected Japan's concern that the Bush administration in
its closing days might make compromises with the North. The results
have spread a sense of relief in Japan, with a senior Foreign
Ministry official commenting: "Although substantial fruits have not
been produced, that's better than an ambiguous agreement."
Nevertheless, Japan was not able to find a lead for making progress
on the abduction issue. Saiki said discouragingly: "The North did
not come with a policy intention of having a point of contact with
Japan."
8) North Korea's strategy fizzles in six-party talks; Japan, U.S.,
and South Korea remain firmly united
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
December 12, 2008
Shoji Nishioka, Beijing
In the six-party talks that took place in Beijing, North Korea
applied pressure on other countries that demanded nuclear
verification methods be put into writing. But because Japan, the
United States and South Korea that sought the sampling of nuclear
facilities remained firmly united, the North could not achieve its
objectives, including obtaining energy aid. Amidst a rumor that
North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is suffering from ill health, the
six-party talks have now been forced to readdress the North Korean
denuclearization issue with an eye on the Jan. 20 inauguration of
the Obama administration in the United States.
9) Government plans economic stimulus package worth 40 trillion yen
YOMIURI (Top Play) (Excerpts)
December 12, 2008
TOKYO 00003373 007 OF 009
In an effort to deal with the current economic downturn and the
deteriorating job market, the government decided yesterday to
significantly expand the additional package it had earlier
announced. It plans to boost measures related to the people's
livelihoods worth 27 trillion yen and job security measures worth 2
trillion yen. Since a bill amending the Law for Strengthening
Financial Functions authorizing the government to pour public funds
into financial institutions will clear the Diet today, the
government also plans to increase the amount of public funds to be
injected in domestic financial institutions from the current 2
trillion yen to 12 trillion yen. The size of projects in the
additional package is expected to reach 40 trillion yen. Prime
Minister Aso will hold a press conference today and spell out the
package.
The government intends to come up mainly with expanded employment,
monetary, and tax measures in the additional economic package.
Recently, there are many cases in which troubled companies cancel
job offers to new graduates and dismiss irregular part-timers. To
deal with this social problem, the package will include measures to
stabilize the job market and to assist companies in providing
dismissed workers with housing and daily necessities over the New
Year holidays.
In an effort to resolve financial institutions' credit crunch and
facilitate small businesses to raise funds, the government will
augment the amount of public funds to be used for financial
institutions under the new legislation from the current 2 trillion
yen to 12 trillion yen and will also take satisfactory measures to
secure the soundness of local financial institutions and to
stabilize the financial system.
On the Law for Strengthening Financial Functions, the Democratic
Party of Japan's revision bill was adopted in a meeting of the House
of Councillors' Fiscal and Financial Committee yesterday. The bill
will be sent to the House of Representatives today, but the ruling
parties will reject it and bring the government's bill back into the
Lower House for a revote.
10) Government to assist medium and large firms by disbursing 3
trillion yen
ASAHI (Page 1) (Full)
December 12, 2008
The government decided yesterday to map out 3 trillion yen worth of
assistance measures for medium and large companies as emergency
economic stimulus measures. The Development Bank of Japan will
purchase commercial paper (CP), a kind of debenture issued by
companies to procure short-term funds, at the scale of 2 trillion
yen. In addition, low-interest loans worth 1 trillion yen will be
offered. It will be the first time for the Development Bank of Japan
to buy CP.
The measure to purchase CP is aimed to help medium and large firms
raise funds. The government has already come up with a set of
assistance measures for small businesses, but it is also becoming
difficult for larger businesses to procure funds, given the ongoing
serious financial crisis. Specifically, Japan Financial Corporation
will lend money accrued by issuing investment-and-loan bonds to the
TOKYO 00003373 008 OF 009
Development Bank of Japan, and the bank will buy CP on the market
with the money. The total amount of purchase is estimated at 2
trillion yen. The government will insert necessary provisions in the
second supplementary budget bill for fiscal 2008 and next fiscal
year's budget bill, both of which will be submitted to the next
ordinary Diet session.
Growing financial instability has decreased the underwriters of CP.
The amount of CP newly issued in October was about 9 trillion yen,
down about 30 PERCENT from the same month a year ago. It has been
said that with few buyers, the market has been in a state of
collapse. Given this, market players have placed high expectations
on the government for assistance.
11) Time for consumption tax hike not specified in ruling camp's
mid-term program, due to New Komeito's opposition
ASAHI (Top Play) (Excerpts)
December 12, 2008
The Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito decided early this
morning not to specify the timing for hiking the consumption tax in
their mid-term program, a roadmap for future tax reform. The New
Komeito is against mentioning the time, with an eye on the next
general election. The LDP accepted its ruling partner's intention.
Prime Minister Aso instructed State Minister in Charge of Economic
and Fiscal Policy Kaoru Yosano last evening to put down "three years
later" as the timing for increasing the tax, but this instruction
was turned down the same day. Aso's political strength will
inevitably be dampened further.
LDP Tax System Research Committee Chairman Yuji Tsushima and his New
Komeito counterpart Yoshihisa Inoue held consultations at a Tokyo
hotel until early morning today and agreed to use this expression in
the ruling camp's tax reform outline for fiscal 2009 to be
incorporated in its mid-term program: "Drastic tax reform, including
a consumption tax hike, should be implemented after the economy
turns around." As the time for the hike, the expression "by the
mid-2010s" will be used. LDP tax panel subcommittee chairman Hakuo
Yanagisawa told reporters: "Since the New Komeito put up strong
resistance to the inclusion of a specific figure, we had to give
in."
Aso told Yosano at the Prime Minister's Office last evening: "I have
so far declared that the government will hike the consumption tax
three years from now. I hope my pledge will be reflected in the
mid-term program." Later, Aso also told reporters: "The principle is
to increase the consumption tax three years from now."
Based on the prime minister's intention, the LDP specified in its
initial draft that "the government will work out necessary legal
measures in 2010, and implement tax reform measures, including a
consumption tax hike, starting in fiscal 2011 and completing them in
2015." Meanwhile, the program inserted a provision noting that "a
flexible response will be made in accordance with changes in
economic conditions," showing a flexible stance of not raising the
tax if the economy remains stagnant. But New Komeito strongly
reacted to the initial draft, claiming that even if a flexible
provision is included, "three years later" might take on a life of
its own. As a result, the LDP made a significant concession.
12) DPJ plans strategic moves for the regular session of the Diet,
TOKYO 00003373 009 OF 009
presenting bill with economic stimulus measures, tying up the
administration by continuing deliberations
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpt)
December 12, 2008
With the passage of two major bills, one extending refueling
operations in the Indian Ocean and the other recapitalizing banks,
the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has begun to work out its
strategy for pursuing the Aso administration in the regular Diet
session next year. The plan is to tie up the ruling camp in the
regular Diet session by greatly continuing deliberations on bills
related to economic stimulus measures that the DPJ presented to the
Upper House on Dec. 11. The DPJ also will hold in reserve its
argument for presenting a censure motion against Prime Minister Aso
and a no-confidence motion against the cabinet to the regular Diet
session.
13) Hidenao Nakagawa, 56 other LDP lawmakers meet
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Excerpts)
December 12, 2008
A group of 57 Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) lawmakers, led by
former Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa, held a meeting yesterday
at LDP headquarters. The group was formed by Nakagawa to plan relief
measures for the public. With the public's support for Prime
Minister Taro Aso's cabinet plummeting, junior and mid-level LDP
members such as former Administrative Reform Minister Yoshimi
Watanabe, who has stepped up criticism of Aso, and former Chief
Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki, flocked to the meeting.
Nakagawa also showed up in a study session yesterday of lawmakers
from the LDP, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), and New Komeito.
As seen in his activities, he is now in the forefront, with
political realignment in mind.
In the meeting held yesterday afternoon at LDP headquarters,
Nakagawa stated:
"I'm truly sorry for that our group is rumored to be a precursor to
a new party. I want you to discuss matters to create a social
security system under which the people can live with peace of
mind."
Nakagawa denied that his group was working on creating a new party.
He made an effort to play up that the group was formed only for the
purpose of discussing policy issues, by calling on former Prime
Minister Shinzo Abe and Election Strategy Council Deputy Chairman
Yoshihide Suga, who are close to Aso, to take part in the meeting.
In yesterday's meeting, Abe gave the group a warning, saying: "Now
is the time to pull together and support the Aso administration in
order to win back the trust of the people."
However, some LDP members are alarmed by Nakagawa's moves. Nakagawa
fielded former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike in the party leadership
race as a candidate to vie with Aso. He has repeatedly referred to
the possibility of political realignment, noting: "(The will of the
public) demands drastic change in politics." He also stated: "I will
make my decision the moment the election is over."
SCHIEFFER