TIMOR-LESTE "DEEPLY CONCERNED" BY NORTH KOREAN MISSILE

UNCLAS DILI 000104 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MTS AND EAP/K E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KS KN JA TT SUBJECT: TIMOR-LESTE "DEEPLY CONCERNED" BY NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH REF: STATE 33031 ¶1. (SBU) Following up on an April 8 diplomatic note to Timor-Leste's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Charge, together with his Japanese counterpart, met April 9 with MFA Acting Secretary General Constancio Pinto to convey our concern over North Korea's April 5 missile launch. Drawing on reftel, we stressed that the launch was a clear violation of UNSCR 1718. We stressed that over the past years, the U.S., Japan, and other countries in Northeast Asia had demonstrated commitment to a diplomatic approach to the North Korean nuclear issue through the Six-Party talks. A clear, firm response from other Asian countries such as Timor-Leste would reinforce this approach, we noted. Japanese Charge Kimura stressed that the North Korean launch, although characterized by the DPRK as a satellite launch, used technology that was interoperable with weapons delivery, and had passed over Japanese territory. ¶2. (SBU) Pinto responded that the Timor-Leste government was seized with the issue and would likely issue a statement today. The GOTL, he said, was consulting with regional neighbors Indonesia and Malaysia. He added that, as President Ramos-Horta has pointed out, Asia is the most "nuclearized" continent on earth, and Timor-Leste does not want a regional arms race. Pinto also emphasized that Timor-Leste supported the Six-Party Talks and opposed any actions disruptive to that process. ¶3. (U) Later on April 9, the Foreign Ministry issued the following statement: "The Government of Timor-Leste is deeply concerned by the launching of a Long Range Rocket at 11:30 a.m. on April 5, 2009 at Musudan-ri North Hamyong Province of North Korea. As a member of the United Nations and a signatory to the Treaty of Non-Proliferation, Timor-Leste (belives) action taken by the DPRK constitutes a threat to the regional and international security." End GOTL statement. RECTOR