PHILIPPINE OFFICIALS CONDEMN NORTH KOREAN MISSILE

UNCLAS MANILA 002824 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE OFFICIALS CONDEMN NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCHES REF: STATE 111144 ¶1. (U) In a statement issued on July 6, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo commented that "In solidarity with the international community, The Philippines condemns the missile tests of North Korea and urges that nation to refrain from further compromising the peace and security of the region and of the world. The world has had enough of weapons of mass destruction; and it is high time to walk away from armed confrontation and lend more focus in addressing the welfare of every human being and the growing economic disparity among nations. As a peace-loving nation and a member of the UN Security Council (sic),we shall continue (to) be at the forefront of supporting moves to ensure world security and peaceful co-existence among all nations." ¶2. (U) Other senior Philippine officials were quick to criticize the July 4 North Korean missile launches as the news emerged early on July 5. Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita called them a "threat to world peace" and "a concern of everyone, especially members of all peace-loving nations. Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo said that these "will have a negative impact on the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the Asia-Pacific region and run counter to the confidence-building efforts being undertaken at the ASEAN Regional Forum." He further noted that "The Philippines stresses the need for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution of the nuclear issue and therefore joins the international community in calling on North Korea to immediately cease such missile test firing activities and to resume the process of diplomatic negotiations." Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz urged a resumption of the six-party talks and highlighted security concerns for the entire Asia-Pacific region. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador on July 5 had taken advantage of an already scheduled meeting at Malacanang Palace with Presidential spokesman Bunye to provide the White House statement and to urge a similar statement by President Arroyo. Separately, Pol/C shared reftel points and the White House statement with Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Asia and the Pacific Romeo Manalo on July 6. KENNEY