UNGA THIRD ASSEMBLY: JAPANESE SUPPORT LIKELY

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 002435 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2018 TAGS: PREL JA PHUM PREL UNGA SUBJECT: UNGA THIRD ASSEMBLY: JAPANESE SUPPORT LIKELY REF: A. STATE 093981 ¶B. STATE 61034 Classified By: Classified by CDA James P. Zumwalt for reasons 1.4 b, d. ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Japan anticipates it will be able to support U.S. priority human rights resolutions at the UNGA 3rd Assembly at levels "probably no lower than its level of support in the past." Regarding the DPRK, the Japan's focus on bilateral talks to reinvestigate abduction cases, may effect the "style, wording, and timing" of a resolution. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Embassy Tokyo delivered REF. A demarche to Yoko Tsuda, Deputy Director of MOFA's Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division on September 4. In response to our request of support for anticipated resolutions at the UNGA Third Assembly condemning the human rights situations in Iran, Burma, and the DPRK Tsuda said that "depending of course on the text, Japanese support will probably be no lower than its level of support in the past." (NOTE: Japan's voting record shows past support for these resolutions. END NOTE) ¶3. (C) Regarding the DPRK, the Tsuda stated that MOFA is spending a "great amount of energy" on bilateral talks aimed at reinvestigating abduction cases. As a result of the political uncertainty resulting from Prime Minister Fukuda's September 1 resignation, and the great importance Japan is placing on addressing the abduction issue, the "style, wording, and timing" of the resolution on human rights in the DPRK may be affected. ¶4. (C) The Deputy Director Tsuda reiterated Japan's "principled stance" against non-action motions. She listened to U.S. arguments regarding the "defamation of religions" resolution were without comment. (NOTE: Japan has abstained from voting on this in the past. END NOTE). Regarding Japan's own 3rd Committee priorities, its views on a possible solution for Zimbabwe, and possible participation in drafting a cross-regional resolution, MOFA will consult and respond at a later time. Tsuda noted that Japan was one of the signatories of the prisoners of conscience resolution. ZUMWALT