Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06SEOUL2113
2006-06-26 09:28:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:  

BAN AND ASO DISCUSS MISSILE LAUNCH, EEZ, FUTURE

Tags:  PREL PBTS PHSA EFIS MOPS KS JA 
pdf how-to read a cable
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ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 260928Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8652
INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0858
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 7373
RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 0925
RUEHUM/AMEMBASSY ULAANBAATAR 1266
RUALSFJ/COMUSJAPAN YOKOTA AB JA
RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J5 SEOUL KOR
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA J2 SEOUL KOR
RHMFISS/COMUSKOREA SCJS SEOUL KOR
C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 002113 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/18/2015
TAGS: PREL PBTS PHSA EFIS MOPS KS JA
SUBJECT: BAN AND ASO DISCUSS MISSILE LAUNCH, EEZ, FUTURE
MEETING

REF: SEOUL 1433

Classified By: A/POL Sung Y. Kim. Reasons 1.4 (b),(d).

SUMMARY
-------

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 002113

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/18/2015
TAGS: PREL PBTS PHSA EFIS MOPS KS JA
SUBJECT: BAN AND ASO DISCUSS MISSILE LAUNCH, EEZ, FUTURE
MEETING

REF: SEOUL 1433

Classified By: A/POL Sung Y. Kim. Reasons 1.4 (b),(d).

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) In a June 20 telephone conversation, Japan Foreign
Minister Taro Aso and ROK Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon shared
concern over the possible DPRK missile test. Aso asserted
that Japan would work with the U.S. to take a tough response
in the event of a launch. Ban said that the ROK wanted to
control the situation in order to maintain peace and
stability. Turning to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),Aso
requested that the ROK not conduct maritime research in July
as planned because such activity could provoke a strong
reaction in Japan. Aso said it would be important for both
sides to exercise self-restraint. Finally, Aso invited Ban
to visit Tokyo in July. Ban replied that he would
"positively consider" the invitation. END SUMMARY.

RESPONDING TO A DPRK MISSILE LAUNCH
--------------


2. (C) According to Japan Embassy First Secretary Kenichi
Okada, Foreign Minister Aso and Foreign Minister Ban both
expressed concern regarding the continuing DPRK missile
situation in a June 20 telephone conversation. Aso said that
Japan had warned North Korea against launching the missile
and urged North Korea to return to the Six Party Talks
without preconditions. At that time DPRK could talk directly
to the U.S. about all related issues, Aso said. A missile
launch would threaten the stability of the region; violate
the 2002 Pyongyang Declaration; and conflict with the
September 19 Joint Statement. Japan would work with the U.S.
and would take a tough response, including a resolution at
the UN Security Council.


3. (C) Ban replied that the ROK was also concerned about the
missile situation and conveyed its concerns to North Korea on
the June 15 in Gwangju. Ban said that a missile launch would
affect inter-Korean relations to some extent. The ROK wanted
to control the situation in order to maintain peace and

stability on the Peninsula and to minimize the situation's
impact on the economy. It would be important to keep North
Korea on track with the Six Party Talks. Ban said the ROK
would continue its engagement policy with North Korea.
Meanwhile, Ban thanked Aso for sending a strong message to
the North Koreans through their Beijing channel.


4. (C) Kim Tae-jin, Deputy Director of North American
Division I, generally confirmed the portion of the
conversation regarding the possible DPRK missile launch,
though according to Kim's account, Ban said that a missile
launch would "greatly influence North-South relations." Kim
pointed out that Ban's conversation with Secretary Rice,
which took place one hour after the conversation with Aso,
was much more specific with regard to potential
countermeasures in the event of a missile launch.

ASO ASKS ROK TO REFRAIN FROM JULY EEZ RESEARCH
-------------- -


5. (C) Aso told Ban that he appreciated the last discussion
on the EEZ (reftel),which was "good, meaningful and
serious." Because the negotiations created a good chance to
follow up on all related aspects of the issue, it would be
important to continue along the current tide of dialogue.
Aso requested South Korea not to conduct maritime research in
the EEZ in July. If South Korea conducted the research, then
there would be a big reaction in Japan, and some Japanese
would argue that Japan should also conduct research
immediately. The situation could quickly become more serious
than April's situation. Aso expressed hope that the two
countries could enter consultations on a cooperative
framework for maritime research.


6. (C) Ban said that not much progress was made during the
last negotiation, but it was still a meaningful discussion
and he hoped there would be another round in September, as
agreed previously. Ban said he had nothing to add to what he
said in Qatar (NOTE: According to Okada, Ban told Aso in
Qatar that if Japan "made a fuss" over the maritime research,

it would only make it harder for MOFAT to defuse the
situation. END NOTE.). Ban said he was not in a position to
accept the tentative framework proposal. Ban said, however,
that he would make great efforts to maintain good and stable
bilateral relations. Aso said it would be important for both
sides to exercise self-restraint so as not to create a tense
situation. Ban said he understood. MOFAT appeared reluctant
to discuss the portion of the conversation regarding
Japan-ROK relations.

ASO INVITES BAN TO JAPAN
--------------


7. (C) Aso invited Ban to visit Japan in July. Ban
expressed appreciation and said he would "positively
consider" the invitation. The Ministers agreed that they
would work through diplomatic channels to schedule a date.
VERSHBOW