CZECH VIEWS ON NORTH KOREA

C O N F I D E N T I A L PRAGUE 001319

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP PHUM KN EZ
SUBJECT: CZECH VIEWS ON NORTH KOREA

REF: STATE 172816

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mike Dodman for reasons 1.4
b+d


1. (C) Summary: The Czechs support a tough stance on North
Korea following the nuclear test. The Foreign Minister this
week published a strongly worded op-ed stating that the DPRK
has confirmed its position within the axis of evil. The MFA
confirms that all elements of UNSCR 1718 will be adopted and
enforced by the Czechs, working together with other EU
partners when possible. The Czechs canceled a planned visit
to Prague by the North Korean Deputy Foreign Minister and are
reviewing all existing humanitarian assistance programs. At
present, the GOCR is not contemplating any changes in the
controversial employment contracts with North Korea. End
summary.


2. (U) The Czech position on North Korea following the
nuclear test was summarized in an editorial published by
Foreign Minister Vondra on October 16. Vondra said the DPRK
had solidified its position as a member of the "axis of evil"
with the test, and also asserted that there is a risk that
the regime would cooperate with terrorists, specifically
mentioning Al-Qaeda. He said the nuclear test, together with
the July 4 missile tests, are proof that Europe needs the
safety umbrella that would be provided by the U.S. missile
defense system (currently being discussed for placement in
the Czech Republic and/or Poland).


3. (C) In a meeting October 17, Ivana Grollova, Deputy
Director of the MFA Asia Department, discussed some of the
steps the GOCR had taken in response to the test. Grollova
said the Czechs had considered withdrawing their Ambassador
in Pyongyang, but accepted the consensus reached within the
EU that it made more sense for EU missions to keep their
chiefs in place in Pyongyang to act as mediators and also out
of fear that they might not have been permitted to return to
the country if recalled. Grollova said the MFA immediately
canceled an upcoming visit to Prague by the DPRK Deputy
Foreign Minister. Czech humanitarian aid to North Korea has
been put on hold to be evaluated, but Grollova expected that
it would continue. This includes food aid and water pumps
that would assist with future flooding. In addition, the
Czech embassy in Pyongyang has scaled back its planned
national day reception (October 28),and will only hold a
small event for other diplomats. Grollova said that the
tests have not prompted the MFA to consider eliminating the
program that has approximately 400 North Koreans working in
the Czech Republic, but explained that the controversial
program is already under intense review within the government
and that no new work permits or visas are currently being
issued (details septel).


4. (C) In a meeting on October 20, Jan Kara, Director of the
MFA UN Department, confirmed that the Czechs would be fully
complying with all elements of UNSCR 1718. Kara noted that
the Czechs will work within the EU where possible, and
expected that a planned October 23 meeting of the EU
sanctions committee would focus on UNSCR 1718. Kara said the
Czechs are still reviewing what steps need to be taken to
implement the requirements of 1718, but do not expect any
legislation will be required. Kara noted that they are still
waiting for additional details from the UN, for example what
constitutes a luxury item. Kara said the GOCR is not
currently planning any bilateral sanctions.


5. (C) Both the UN and Asian Departments expressed interest
in closer cooperation with the USG on North Korea, noting the
presence of the Czech Embassy in Pyongyang and the small
niche the Czechs have established with the North Koreans on
humanitarian programs.
GRABER