Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KUALALUMPUR1884
2006-10-10 09:29:00
SECRET
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Cable title:  

MALAYSIA "DEPLORES" NORTH KOREA NUCLEAR TEST,

Tags:  PREL PARM KNNP KN MY 
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O 100929Z OCT 06
FM AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7708
INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING IMMEDIATE 2206
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL IMMEDIATE 1497
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO IMMEDIATE 2272
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0985
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RHHMUNA/USCINCPAC HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
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
-------

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