UNCLAS MANILA 000751

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/MTS
STATE ALSO FOR DRL/MLGA (PAZ)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL RP DPRK
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR FOR THE DPRK

REF: A. STATE 27281


B. MANILA 716

C. 2007 MANILA 3710


1. (SBU) Following on poloff's March 17 discussions with
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) contacts (reftel B),
Polcouns on March 26 reemphasized to DFA UN and International
Organizations (UNIO) Executive Director Grace Princesa the
importance the U.S. places on extending the mandate of the
Special UN Rapporteur for Human Rights in North Korea (reftel
A). While acknowledging the Philippine's general stance of
not supporting country-specific UN resolutions, polcouns
noted that the Philippine government made exceptions to this
general rule in certain important cases. For instance, the
Philippines maintained a proactive -- and widely lauded --
stance in pressing for democratization in Burma, and had
demonstrated strong support for UN Special Envoy Ibrahim
Gambari's efforts. Similarly, top Philippine officials like
Foreign Secretary Romulo had been actively involved in
engaging North Korea on a variety of issues of concern,
including human rights, and a vote in favor of renewing the
mandate of the UN's DPRK special rapporteur would reaffirm
the Philippines' commitment to encouraging the DPRK to begin
meeting international norms of behavior.


2. (SBU) Executive Director Princesa was receptive to U.S.
views, and said she would engage immediately with senior DFA
counterparts involved in developing the Philippines' position
on the DPRK special rapporteurs. She went on to promise that
the U.S. position would be widely disseminated within DFA and
receive careful consideration.
EBERT-GRAY