KYRGYZ EXPRESS CONCERN OVER DPRK NUCLEAR TEST

C O N F I D E N T I A L BISHKEK 001431 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN AND EAP E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/11/2016 TAGS: PHUM PGOV KWMN KCRM SUBJECT: KYRGYZ EXPRESS CONCERN OVER DPRK NUCLEAR TEST REF: STATE 166404 Classified By: CDA LEE LITZENBERGER, Reason 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On October 6, Charge delivered reftel demarche to Deputy FM Sarbayev. Charge underscored the need for Kyrgyzstan to issue a public statement of concern regarding North Korea,s intention to conduct a nuclear test, especially in light of Kyrgyzstan's support for a Central Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone, and concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program. Sarbayev undertook to discuss this with FM Jekshenkulov, who was just returning from President Bakiyev's trip to Uzbekistan. ¶2. (C) On October 9, the Kyrgyz MFA issued the following statement, which draws in part from reftel talking points: "The MFA expresses deep concern regarding the statement of the Korean MFA about the intention to carry out nuclear tests. The MFA of the Kyrgyz Republic consistently supports the efforts of the international community aimed at creating a nuclear free zone on the Korean peninsula. The MFA of the Kyrgyz Republic considers that settlement of the problem should be carried out within the framework of the six-sided negotiations, that can ensure security in the region." ¶3. (C) Later on October 9, the MFA issued a second statement responding to press reports that North Korean had conducted a nuclear test. This statement reads, "The Krygyz Republic expresses deep concern regarding the nuclear weapons test, which was carried out by the DPRK despite calls of the international community. The Kyrgyz Republic urges DPRK authorities to return to the format of the six-sided talks and refrain from any actions that will further destabilize the situation not only on the Korean Peninsula but in the world as a whole." ¶4. (C) In a subsequent conversation on October 11, Sarbayev told Charge that the Kyrgyz tests were drafted to correspond to U.S. statements on the issue, and were a direct result of reftel demarche. LITZENBERGER