GOK CONCERNED ABOUT NORTH KOREA TESTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000540 SIPDIS NEA/ARP, NEA/I E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2018 TAGS: PREL PARM KU KN SUBJECT: GOK CONCERNED ABOUT NORTH KOREA TESTS Classified By: Political Counselor Pete O'Donohue for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) During a May 28 call on MFA's International Organization's department (and pending receipt of formal demarche instructions),PolCouns queried acting department chief Rashed Al-Saleh about GOK reaction to NORTH Korea's May 24 nuclear test and its May 25-26 reported missile tests. Saleh confirmed that the GOK is appalled by NORTH Korea's apparent breach of its UNSC obligations and views the acts as a "threat to the whole world." Saleh noted that Kuwait, as a neighbor of another state with nuclear weapons ambitions -- Iran -- takes a dim view of violations by any country. Saleh said the GOK has also noted with alarm reports of technology sharing between NORTH KOREA and Iran. ¶2. (C) Notwithstanding its concerns, Saleh said the GOK does not at present contemplate raising the issue on a bilateral basis with the NORTH Koreans. It will, instead, work within the GCC to develop a consensus position and expects that that position will work its way up the chain through the Arab League and, eventually to the OIC where, the GOK hopes, a common Arab voice might have an impact. Saleh also indicated the GOK would be likely to support action at the UNSC aimed at reining in the NORTH Koreans but hopes no party will take any action that has the effect of escalating the present crisis. ********************************************* ********* For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: visit Kuwait's Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it ********************************************* ********* JONES