SLOVAK RESPONSE TO DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES:

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRATISLAVA 000555 SIPDIS SIPDIS IO/UNP EAP/K E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR PARM UNSC KN LO SUBJECT: SLOVAK RESPONSE TO DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES: UNANIMITY TRUMPS UNSC RESOLUTION REF: STATE 111132 Classified By: CDA Lawrence R. Silverman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) New Slovak Foreign Minister Jan Kubis, who took office less than a week ago, has received calls from the Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, and South Korea regarding North Korea's recent missile launches (reftel). As expected, the Chinese and Russians argued against a UNSC resolution and for a UNSC Presidential Statement (PRST). The South Koreans told Kubis that, while a tough message must be sent to North Korea, unanimity is more important than the form of the message. ¶2. (C) Though the Slovaks are co-sponsors and would prefer the UNSC resolution, Kubis told Charge on July 10 that he agreed with the South Korean sentiment that unanimity outweighs form. The Slovaks believe, based on the Chinese FM's call, that Beijing would use its veto to scuttle a UNSC resolution containing Chapter 7 language. Kubis has instructed the Slovak delegation to the UNSC to work closely with its allies. Because of concerns about the real possibility of a Chinese veto, the Slovaks would agree to a PRST if it is necessary for unanimity. SILVERMAN