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

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