NICARAGUA OPPOSES NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST,

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAGUA 002211 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR ISN, EAP, WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/05/2026 TAGS: PREL KN PARM KNNP NU SUBJECT: NICARAGUA OPPOSES NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST, OFFERS TO WEIGH IN VIA ITS AMBASSADOR IN TOKYO REF: STATE 166404 Classified By: Ambassador Paul A. Trivelli. Reasons 1.4 (B,D). ¶1. (U) This cable responds to reftel and contains an action request in para 2. ¶2. (C) On October 5, Ambassador delivered reftel points to Nicaraguan Foreign Minister Norman Caldera, suggesting that the fact the Nicaraguan government (GON) maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea could be helpful. The Foreign Minister replied that the GON shares our concerns regarding North Korea's plans to conduct a nuclear test and its efforts to become a nuclear power. He offered to seek the assistance of the Nicaraguan Ambassador to Japan, Harry Bodan, who also covers North Korea, to engage the North Koreans on the issue. We solicit the Department's view of whether such an approach could be helpful. Caldera suggested that U.S. Embassy Tokyo also approach Bodan, who serves as the dean of the diplomatic corps and is a long-time Asia hand, to follow up on the matter. Caldera explained that Nicaragua desires to take the lead in Central America on relations with Asia. Further, given the fact that Japan and Taiwan are major donors to Nicaragua, their concerns over North Korea's nuclear intentions are particularly relevant to Nicaraguan interests. Finally, GON will support its ally the United States on this initiative. TRIVELLI