ROKG SUPPORTIVE OF ASIA DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP

UNCLAS SEOUL 001263 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KS SUBJECT: ROKG SUPPORTIVE OF ASIA DEMOCRACY PARTNERSHIP REF: A. SECSTATE 56424 ¶B. SEOUL 222 ¶1. (SBU) Political External Chief delivered Ref A talking points to MOFAT Director of Human Rights and Social Affairs Kim Moon-hwan on May 1. Consistent with his initial reaction to the Asia Democracy Partnership ADP, Kim was personally supportive of the proposal (Ref B). The ROK, as one of the leading Asian democracies, had an obligation to spread the ideals of democracy in the region. However, Kim noted that the ADP was still in its infancy and said he would appreciate additional information about the project and feedback from other potential participants, including any outcome from President Bush's summit conversation with Japan Prime Minister Abe. He would also like to tell his superiors whether the ADP would have financial implications. This information would help Kim advocate for the project within the ROKG, he said. STANTON