PHILIPPINE STANCE ON NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004263 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2016 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINE STANCE ON NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST REF: A. STATE 166404 ¶B. MANILA 4261 Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) In a discussion with Ambassador on October 6, Foreign Secretary Romulo indicated full support and agreement for the U.S. position on a possible North Korean nuclear test (ref a). Romulo noted that his much publicized comments earlier this week on North Korea fully echoed and supported the U.S. position as well as statements from other international partners. Romulo also noted that it was important to be "strong" and united in the face of North Korean "threats." He said that, as ASEAN chair, the Philippines would welcome having the 5 5 talks "resumed and revived." In response to Ambassador's query on a possible ASEAN statement, Romulo said a joint statement was unlikely but he welcomed the prospect of a UNSC statement. ¶2. (C) Pol/C provided the U.S. position to Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Asia and the Pacific Romeo SIPDIS Manalo on October 5. Manalo's office immediately began working on a new draft statement, which the Department of Foreign Affairs had not issued formally as of COB October 6, however. ¶3. (C) Comment: As ref b discusses more fully, President Arroyo will participate in the ASEAN-China Commemorative Summit in Nanning on October 30-31. This would provide a unique opportunity for a joint statement on the situation in North Korea, if we wish to encourage all ASEAN capitals and Beijing to consider this option ahead of time. KENNEY