Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08SEOUL2332
2008-12-05 07:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
ROK APPROACH TO ANTI-ISRAEL UNGA RESOLUTIONS
how-toVZCZCXYZ0010 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHUL #2332 3400700 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 050700Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2530
C O N F I D E N T I A L SEOUL 002332
SIPDIS
PASS TO ANDREW MORRISON AT IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KS IS PA LE SY
SUBJECT: ROK APPROACH TO ANTI-ISRAEL UNGA RESOLUTIONS
UNLIKELY TO CHANGE
REF: STATE 123081
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 002332
SIPDIS
PASS TO ANDREW MORRISON AT IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KS IS PA LE SY
SUBJECT: ROK APPROACH TO ANTI-ISRAEL UNGA RESOLUTIONS
UNLIKELY TO CHANGE
REF: STATE 123081
Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)
1. (C) In response to reftel talking points, ROK Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) United Nations Division
Deputy Director Na Sang-deok expressed understanding of some
of the USG concerns pertaining to UNGA resolutions with an
anti-Israel bias. He agreed that such resolutions demanded a
disproportionate amount of the UNGA's time and resources and
said that he found the language in them to indeed be
repetitive. He further noted that the resolutions did not
appear to have contributed to improving the situation in the
Middle East in spite of being introduced repeatedly.
2. (C) The ROK position, Na said, should not be interpreted
to be unfavorable to Israel; it reflected a balanced view of
the Middle East. Before taking a position on a resolution,
the ROK carefully considered its merits, the ROK's bilateral
relations with relevant countries, and discussion of the
resolutions between the United States, Israel, Europe, and
Arab states. While Na said he would bring USG concerns --
including those about the three resolutions highlighted in
the reftel -- to the attention of ROK officials directly
involved with UNGA matters, he noted that the ROK approach
was unlikely to change. During the 62nd UNGA, this approach
produced 16 "yes" votes and 4 abstentions on reftel
resolutions.
STEPHENS
SIPDIS
PASS TO ANDREW MORRISON AT IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA KS IS PA LE SY
SUBJECT: ROK APPROACH TO ANTI-ISRAEL UNGA RESOLUTIONS
UNLIKELY TO CHANGE
REF: STATE 123081
Classified By: POL M/C Joseph Y. Yun. Reasons 1.4(b/d)
1. (C) In response to reftel talking points, ROK Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Trade (MOFAT) United Nations Division
Deputy Director Na Sang-deok expressed understanding of some
of the USG concerns pertaining to UNGA resolutions with an
anti-Israel bias. He agreed that such resolutions demanded a
disproportionate amount of the UNGA's time and resources and
said that he found the language in them to indeed be
repetitive. He further noted that the resolutions did not
appear to have contributed to improving the situation in the
Middle East in spite of being introduced repeatedly.
2. (C) The ROK position, Na said, should not be interpreted
to be unfavorable to Israel; it reflected a balanced view of
the Middle East. Before taking a position on a resolution,
the ROK carefully considered its merits, the ROK's bilateral
relations with relevant countries, and discussion of the
resolutions between the United States, Israel, Europe, and
Arab states. While Na said he would bring USG concerns --
including those about the three resolutions highlighted in
the reftel -- to the attention of ROK officials directly
involved with UNGA matters, he noted that the ROK approach
was unlikely to change. During the 62nd UNGA, this approach
produced 16 "yes" votes and 4 abstentions on reftel
resolutions.
STEPHENS