CZECH RESPONSE TO NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001257 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2016 TAGS: KNNP PREL PARM KN EZ SUBJECT: CZECH RESPONSE TO NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST ANNOUNCEMENT REF: SECSTATE 169418 Classified By: DCM Cameron Munter for reasons 1.4 b+d ¶1. (C) Embassy delivered reftel points to Czech MFA at OOB on October 10. In absence of more senior officials in Prague, DCM spoke October 10 with Director of UN Department Jan Kara. Kara referred us to the statement issued by the MFA on October 9 (text below) condemning the nuclear test. In terms of next steps, he said that EU officials would debate appropriate measures at a CONUN meeting planned for October 11, with the primary action item whether EU members would close their embassies in the DPRK or recall Ambassadors as a sign of protest. The Czech have an embassy in Pyongyang and Kara said the MFA had not yet decided its position on the issue. The Czechs are currently reviewing the planned EU statement on the test with a view to making it tougher. On financial flows and other possible sanctions, Kara said the Czechs would be guided by UNSC decisions. ¶2. (U) Text of Czech MFA Statement dated October 9, 2006: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemns the nuclear test in North Korea, announced by North Korea on Monday 9th October ¶2006. It is the belief of the MFA that the nuclear test is an irresponsible and regrettable step which will lead to a further spreading of nuclear weapons and endangering of international security and stability in the world. The MFA calls on North Korea to come back to diplomatic negotiations in the framework of the six party talks. End statement. GRABER