Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08SEOUL1818
2008-09-12 05:35:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
ROK SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT KOSOVO ADVISORY OPINION
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHUL #1818 2560535 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 120535Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1615 INFO RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING PRIORITY 4728 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW PRIORITY 8957 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 4853 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0570
C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 001818
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UN UNGA KV KS
SUBJECT: ROK SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT KOSOVO ADVISORY OPINION
REQUEST
REF: STATE 91908
Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 001818
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UN UNGA KV KS
SUBJECT: ROK SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT KOSOVO ADVISORY OPINION
REQUEST
REF: STATE 91908
Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: Korea shares U.S. concerns about the
political implications of an Advisory Opinion (AO) from the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the matter of
Kosovo's declaration of independence, but is worried it will
be difficult to keep the Serbia-introduced resolution off the
UNGA agenda. While it needs more time to develop its
position on this issue, Korea intends to consult closely with
the U.S., EU countries, and countries elsewhere that
recognize Kosovo's independence. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) United
Nations Deputy Director Kweon Ki-hwan told POLOFF that Korea
understands and shares U.S. concerns that the request for the
ICJ opinion on Kosovo could create instability in the
Balkans, produce uncertainty in Kosovo's relations with other
countries, and bring about unpredictable consequences in the
region and elsewhere. Though the potential political
consequences are worrisome, Deputy Director Kweon noted, the
request itself may be viewed as a procedural matter and
therefore may not arouse much opposition. Serbia and Russia
appear to be determined and confident the request will make
the UNGA agenda. If it does, stopping it will be a "tough
fight" for Korea, the U.S., and other nations recognizing
Kosovo's independence.
3. (C) Korea needs more time, Deputy Director Kweon said, to
develop a position that addresses both its concerns about an
ICJ AO and the procedural difficulties of stopping a request
for one. It would, however, cooperate and consult with the
U.S. and others while formulating a response.
VERSHBOW
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UN UNGA KV KS
SUBJECT: ROK SHARES CONCERNS ABOUT KOSOVO ADVISORY OPINION
REQUEST
REF: STATE 91908
Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: Korea shares U.S. concerns about the
political implications of an Advisory Opinion (AO) from the
International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the matter of
Kosovo's declaration of independence, but is worried it will
be difficult to keep the Serbia-introduced resolution off the
UNGA agenda. While it needs more time to develop its
position on this issue, Korea intends to consult closely with
the U.S., EU countries, and countries elsewhere that
recognize Kosovo's independence. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) United
Nations Deputy Director Kweon Ki-hwan told POLOFF that Korea
understands and shares U.S. concerns that the request for the
ICJ opinion on Kosovo could create instability in the
Balkans, produce uncertainty in Kosovo's relations with other
countries, and bring about unpredictable consequences in the
region and elsewhere. Though the potential political
consequences are worrisome, Deputy Director Kweon noted, the
request itself may be viewed as a procedural matter and
therefore may not arouse much opposition. Serbia and Russia
appear to be determined and confident the request will make
the UNGA agenda. If it does, stopping it will be a "tough
fight" for Korea, the U.S., and other nations recognizing
Kosovo's independence.
3. (C) Korea needs more time, Deputy Director Kweon said, to
develop a position that addresses both its concerns about an
ICJ AO and the procedural difficulties of stopping a request
for one. It would, however, cooperate and consult with the
U.S. and others while formulating a response.
VERSHBOW