PHILIPPINES SEEKING ASEAN STATEMENT ON NORTH KOREA

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 004312 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN, EAP, AND IO PACOM ALSO FOR FPA HUSO E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/11/2016 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN RP SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES SEEKING ASEAN STATEMENT ON NORTH KOREA REF: A. MANILA 4281 ¶B. MANILA 4263 Classified By: Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) In a meeting with Ambassador and DCM on October 11, Foreign Minister Romulo and National Security Adviser Gonzales reiterated President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's strong condemnation of the NORTH Korean nuclear test (ref a). Secretary Romulo noted that, at the President's instruction, he was circulating the text of her statement to ASEAN capitals with a suggestion that it form the basis for a joint statement by ASEAN or for a statement by him as the ASEAN Chair. Gonzales noted that President Arroyo had also given instructions at the October 10 Cabinet meeting for relevant agencies to examine possible preparations regarding the safety of more than 40,000 Philippine workers in Japan and another 10-20,000 in South Korea. ¶2. (C) Secretary Romulo underscored the importance of a speedy return to the Six Party Talks as well as Philippine willingness to participate constructively in the 5 5 process. Ambassador noted that President Arroyo's visit to China later this month would offer a timely opportunity both for bilateral talks with the Chinese and for a possible joint ASEAN/Chinese statement. Romulo and Gonzales enthusiastically promised to look into this option. Romulo commented that, ultimately, the ability of the UN Security Council to impose meaningful sanctions depended on China, and to a lesser degree, Russia. KENNEY