UNSYG CAMPAIGN: FM BAN ASKS FOR USG SUPPORT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 002442 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2016 TAGS: PREL UN KS SUBJECT: UNSYG CAMPAIGN: FM BAN ASKS FOR USG SUPPORT REF: A. SEOUL 2398 ¶B. SEOUL 2399 Classified By: Joseph Y. Yun, A/DCM. Reasons 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (C) Summary. In a July 18 meeting with the Ambassador, ROK Foreign Minister Ban assessed tQt his candidacy had won broad support, however Q was concernQ that Washington, along with other P5 members of the UNSC, might not participate in the upcoming straw poll. That would be seen as a vote of no confidence on the declared candidates. Ban hoped that P5 would participate in the straw poll and especially hoped that Washington would consider his candidacy favorably. Discussions on North Korea, alliance issues and FTA in septels (see refs). End Summary. Straw Poll -------------- ¶2. (C) Foreign Minister Ban told the Ambassador on July 18 that there would be a straw poll among UNSC members in about tens days or so. Acknowledging that he was worried and anxious, Ban said that the straw poll was like waiting for the finals during his university days. True, he had received positive indications from many capitals, but he was deeply concerned that the P5 may decide to stay away by ticking the "no view" box instead of the "encourage" or "discourage" boxes. ¶3. (C) The selection process would be much more difficult, Ban continued, if P5 members stayed away. More than this, such passivity would be very unfair for the declared candidate, because everyone would interpret it as lack of interest on their candidacies, a virtual vote of no confidence. Needs USG Support -------------- ¶4. (C) Ban said he was probably the most favored candidate among those who have already declared. His meetings at the African Union and Arab League showed substantial support. Ban was also comfortable with support from the Latin American members of the Security Council. In Asia, China would probably "encourage" all Asian candidates, while Japan's position was more difficult discern, especially in the wake of the North Korean missile launches. The key, Ban underlined, was the United States. Many capitals were looking for U.S. leadership, especially China and Japan. Ban said he was very hopeful that Washington would support his candidacy. ¶5. (C) The Ambassador acknowledged that Washington, like other capitals, would soon have to come to a decision. The Ambassador assured FM Ban he was well and favorably known in Washington. VERSHBOW