MALAYSIA "DEPLORES" NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST,

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 KUALA LUMPUR 001884 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR EAP E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2026 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA "DEPLORES" NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST, FALLS SHORT OF ENDORSING UNSC ACTION REF: STATE 169418 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires a.i. David B. Shear, reasons 1.4 (b an d d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (S) Malaysian Foreign Minister Hamid reacted initially to the October 9 North Korean nuclear test announcement by calling for North Korea to halt its tests and return to the Six-Party Talks. Kuala Lumpur toughened its rhetoric somewhat on October 10 with the release of a Foreign Ministry statement in which Malaysia "deplores" North Korea's action, but which fell short of endorsing or mentioning tough UNSC measures. Charge and Polcouns delivered reftel demarche in separate discussions with the Foreign Ministry and urged Malaysia to take defensive measures against any North Korean proliferation activities. A senior Foreign Ministry official told us Malaysia would not endorse calls for sanctions, but it would abide by any UNSC sanctions resolution. The official implied that Malaysia needed convincing evidence in order to take action against suspected North Korean proliferation. The Foreign Minister met with the North Korean ambassador October 10, reportedly delivering a "clear and strong view" opposing Pyongyang's actions. Malaysia has cleared on an ASEAN statement due out October 10. End Summary. Press Reports Foreign Minister's Initial Reaction -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar, reacting on October 9 to news of the North Korean nuclear test, told reporters that, "I hope North Korea will stop its nuclear tests and will not take action that can jeopardize the long-term interest for a peaceful and stable region." According to the state news agency Bernama, Hamid described financial sanctions as North Korea's rationale for the nuclear test, as North Korea felt the need to protect itself. However, "If everyone talks about self-preservation through nuclear means, the world will be destroyed in no time. That is why Malaysia feels the urgent need to resuscitate the Six-Party Talks." Asked whether Malaysia would back sanctions against North Korea, Hamid replied that sanctions would not help North Koreans who have suffered for lack of food, medicine and energy. Hamid's comments came after he met with visiting EC Commissioner for External Relations Benita Ferrero-Waldner, but their meeting did not address North Korea, a according to a participant whom we contacted. Official Statement Stronger -------------- ¶3. (U) Malaysia toughened its rhetoric somewhat on October 10 with the Foreign Ministry's issuance of a press release in which Malaysia "deplores" North Korea's nuclear test and calls for North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks. The statement fell short of referencing or endorsing UNSC discussions or Chapter VII options. The full text of Malaysia's statement is repeated below: "Malaysia deplores the nuclear test which the DPRK claimed it had conducted on 9 October 2006. Malaysia believes that the test is a serious setback to efforts aimed at keeping the region and the world free from nuclear weapons. It could also trigger an arms race in the region. Therefore, Malaysia calls on the DPRK to cease developing its capability to produce nuclear weapons and return to the moratorium on nuclear testing. "Malaysia strongly believes that the continued existence of nuclear weapons presents a grave threat to humanity, particularly by increasing the risk of proliferation. Malaysia, therefore, reiterates the importance of achieving the universal goal of complete and general disarmament. "Malaysia urges all countries in the region to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from actions that could further heighten tension in the region. In this context, Malaysia further urges all parties concerned to return to the Six-Party Talks and resume negotiations with a view to resolve all outstanding issues amicably." KUALA LUMP 00001884 002 OF 002 Demarche on Foreign Ministry -------------- ¶4. (C) On October 10, Charge called on Foreign Ministry Acting Under Secretary for the Americas Azlan Man, delivered reftel points, and urged Malaysia to take a stand in support of firm UNSC action. Noting Malaysia's October 9-10 public stance, Charge called for Kuala Lumpur to continue to denounce North Korea's actions in subsequent statements. He also called on Malaysia to freeze any assets and transactions involving North Korean proliferation activities. Azlan agreed on the danger posed by North Korea's actions and pointed out that the statement released by the Ministry was stronger than the way in which the press reported the Foreign Minister's initial remarks. Azlan added that Malaysia was seeking further scientific verification of the nuclear test from the CTBT center in Vienna. ¶5. (S) Polcouns spoke October 10 with Under Secretary for Multilateral Political Affairs Shahrul Ikram, conveyed reftel points, and asked for Malaysia's support for a Chapter VII UNSC resolution and defensive measures against Korean proliferation activities. Shahrul referred to the Foreign Minister's statements and said Malaysia looked in particular to China to lead efforts to get Pyongyang back to the negotiating table. He added that that Malaysia had long supported universal nuclear disarmament, not just on the Korean peninsula. Shahrul said Malaysia as a matter of principle generally opposed sanctions and viewed such measures as a "very last resort." Malaysia would not call for sanctions against North Korea, but would abide by any UNSC sanctions resolution. Malaysia would take measures against any North Korean proliferation moves that fell within its jurisdiction in line with Malaysia's international commitments, Shahrul explained, but that in some past cases the GOM had not been convinced by U.S. in formation regarding North Korean activities. Foreign Minister Meets North Korean Ambassador -------------- - ¶6. (S) Shahrul informed Polcouns that Foreign Minister Hamid had met with the North Korean ambassador earlier on October 10 and "expressed Malaysia's clear and strong view" that North Korea must stop its nuclear tests and return to negotiations. (Note: The Foreign Minister did not summon the North Korean ambassador, but had responded to the ambassador's outstanding request for a meeting. End Note.) Hamid reportedly told the North Korean ambassador that Pyongyang's actions had put Malaysia in a difficult diplomatic position. Shahrul, who joined the meeting, described the North Korean ambassador's attitude as defiant, unconcerned by international reaction, and unafraid of further isolation. Shahrul commented that Malaysia anticipates North Korea in the end will not yield to international pressure. ASEAN Statement In Process -------------- ¶7. (C) Shahrul informed Polcouns that ASEAN members had coordinated on a statement, drafted by Manila, which the Philippines would release possibly later on October 10 in New York. Malaysia already had cleared on the draft. Comment -------------- ¶8. (S) Malaysia recognizes the serious nature of North Korea's actions and the Foreign Ministry has issued an uncharacteristically strong condemnation of a fellow Asian country. It seems clear that Malaysia will not join the sanctions bandwagon, but will follow a UNSC decision. Future calls for specific Malaysian actions against North Korean proliferation activities will benefit from compelling evidence that we can share with the GOM. SHEAR