Obama To Outline Asia Approach In Tokyo Speech

President Barack Obama pauses during his joint news conference with Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in Tokyo, 13 Nov 2009U.S. President Barack Obama is set to deliver a speech in Tokyo that aides say will lay out his approach to American relationswith Asia.

White House officials say the speech will cover a wide range of issues including nuclear proliferation and climate change.

BenRhodes, the Deputy National Security Advisor for StrategicCommunications says the president will also talk about human rights -particularly in places like Burma.

But Rhodes indicates the speech will not include a direct reference to the fate of Tibet.

Criticshave already charged the president with downplaying human rightsconditions in Tibet to appease the Chinese government. They cite asproof his decision not to meet with the Dalai Lama during the Tibetanspiritual leader's recent visit in Washington.

Rhodes stressesthe president will meet with the Dalai Lama after his Asia trip. Andhe says President Obama will bring up the issue when he meets withChinese leaders next Tuesday and Wednesday in Beijing.

"Thepresident looks forward to the opportunity to meet with the Dalai Lamato discuss this and will raise it as well in attempting to makeprogress on this with the Chinese and the Tibetans," said Rhodes.

Rhodes has helped craft many of the President's major speeches abroad - including an address to the Muslim world in Cairo.

Hesays Mr. Obama will speak to a fairly broad audience in Tokyo, withinvited guests from many backgrounds and regions traveling to theJapanese capital for the address.

Rhodes makes clear thepresident will focus on common concerns and common threats - fromspurring the development of new, cleaner, energy technology, to theongoing effort to deal with North Korea's nuclear ambitions.

"Hewill have an opportunity to speak about North Korea and our effortswith our partners in the region to press North Korean to live up to itsobligations," said Rhodes.

Rhodes says that while PresidentObama will bring up the global economy in his address, he will holdmost of his comments on trade and related matters until Sunday.  Thatis when he meets with the leaders of 20 other Pacific Rim economies atthe Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Singapore.