DELIVERY OF DEMARCHE OF ASEAN IMPLEMENTATION OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000141 SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN, EAP, IO, USUN, T, E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2019 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC KNNP BX SUBJECT: DELIVERY OF DEMARCHE OF ASEAN IMPLEMENTATION OF UNSCR 1874 AND TRANSPARENCY IN NORTH KOREA TRANSACTIONS REF: SECSTATE 64133 Classified By: DCM John W. McIntyre for reasons 1.4 (b)(d) ¶1. (C) Ambassador Todd met with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Permanent Secretary, Datin Maimunah, to deliver reftel demarche. Ambassador Todd stressed the important role both Brunei and ASEAN play in support of UNSCR ¶1874. While highlighting the need to avoid unnecessary confrontation, Ambassador Todd emphasized that ASEAN can and should take the lead in promulgating a code of conduct and transparency in dealings with North Korea. Burma's ongoing and opaque transactions with North Korea were noted as an area of specific concern. Ambassador Todd urged the MFAT to press the Burmese government to adhere to their obligations under UNSCRs 1718 and 1874. ¶2. (C) Datin Maimunah noted that both the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Mohamed, and the Deputy Minster of Foreign Affairs, Pehin Lim Jock Seng, have been requesting more information from MFAT staff regarding the ongoing North Korean issue. Datin was especially appreciative of the non-paper Ambassador Todd provided. While noting Government of Brunei's (GoB) concerns with recent North Korean actions, she said the MFAT would need to consult with their ASEAN partners before determining next steps. Se noted that the MFAT believes these consultatios would occur in July during Ministerial meeting in Thailand. Datin did emphasize that Prince Mhamed is engaged on this issue. ¶3. (C) Datin noed the concerns about shipments to and from Burma She was non-committal on the GoB's response on bth a bilateral basis or within ASEAN. Datin note the GoB is concerned about the large number of uspect shipments, especially thse believed to be carrying arms that are transiting the region. She noted again that Brunei would need to consult with ASEAN partners before taking an action regarding Burma. ¶4. (C) Datin acknowledged the need for transparency in dealings with the North Korea. On more than one occasion she noted that senior MFAT and GoB officials have been surprised at North Korean actions. She stated these actions are well outside the norm, even for North Korea. Datin said that the North Koreans have taken "brinkmanship too far." Datin concluded by emphasizing that Brunei remains concerned about the actions North Korea is taking both within the region and globally. TODD