DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES: FRANCE LOOKING TO AVOID PRC

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 004745 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/11/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR PARM KNNP KN FR UNSC SUBJECT: DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES: FRANCE LOOKING TO AVOID PRC VETO REF: A. STATE 113389 ¶B. PARIS 4716 Classified By: Acting DCM Josiah Rosenblatt for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) . ¶1. (C) Acting DCM spoke on July 11 with MFA Director for IO and UN Sylvie Bermann, briefing her on U.S. views per ref A. Bermann underlined that France shares the U.S. viewpoint on the gravity of the North Korean missile launches. Bermann, however, underscored the GoF concern about the importance of avoiding a Chinese UNSC veto. Bermann suggested that a strong presidential statement (PRST) could send a firm message to the DPRK while avoiding the risk of a Chinese veto. A/DCM noted the oxymoronic quality of a "strong PRST" in this case, given the need for consensus in its formulation (and the probable resultant watering-down of any language therein); Bermann conceded the point. She said that the outcome of the ongoing Chinese efforts with the DPRK will have to be factored into the New York equation and noted that the July 12 P5 1 ministerial meeting on Iran would probably have a bearing as well. Please visit Paris' Classified Website at: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm STAPLETON