UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE: ROK WILL GIVE RESOLUTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 001768 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO IO/RHS REBECCA JOVIN AND DRL/MLGA LYNN SICADE. E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL KS KN SUBJECT: UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE: ROK WILL GIVE RESOLUTIONS FULL CONSIDERATION REF: A. STATE 093981 ¶B. STATE 61034 Classified By: Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: While officially taking a non-committal stance toward the reftel Third Committee resolutions, Korea is likely at least to oppose no-action motions and defamation of religion resolutions. Korea is not taking a position on country-specific actions until draft resolutions are circulated, but appears to be confident the DPRK resolution will pass "with European support." END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) In response to the reftel demarche, MOFAT Human Rights and Social Affairs Division Deputy Director Jo Joo-sung told PolOff the ROK would consider fully all Third Committee resolutions once it received drafts. He pointed out that Korea had a strong record of opposing no-action motions, however, stating it was Korea's position that such motions stifle open discussion. He further brought attention Korea's vote in opposition of last year's defamation of religion resolution. ¶3. (C) When pressed on country-specific resolutions, Deputy Director Jo stated opposition to no-action motions pertaining to the Iran resolution would be critical. Without stating how Korea would vote, he said he was confident the DPRK resolution would pass "with European support." Korea will not take a position on action on Zimbabwe until it sees a draft resolution. Not a signatory at this point, Korea needs more time to consider the Declaration on Prisoners of Conscience. VERSHBOW