ITALY CONDEMNS NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 000396 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/10/2019 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN IT SUBJECT: ITALY CONDEMNS NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCH REF: STATE 33031 Classified By: J.Liam Wasley, Acting Political Minister Counselor, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) On Sunday April 5, the Italian MFA issued a statement condemning the NORTH Korean Missile launch, calling it a violation of UNSCR 1718 and characterizing it as a threat to global nonproliferation efforts. The GOI, in its capacity as G8 President, calls on NORTH KOREA to cease all activities related to its missile program and comply with all relevant UNSC resolutions. ¶2. (C) Mario Bartoli, Deputy Office Director for East Asian Affairs, said that the Italian MFA was not sure what concrete action it would take, but his office would consult with the offices for G8, Nonproliferation and UN Affairs to determine the best course of action. He noted that Italy would like to be consulted as the U.S. develops a plan to respond to the launch. ¶3. (U) Unofficial Text of Italian MFA Statement on the NORTH Korean Missile Launch: Begin Text The Farnesina (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) condemns the launch of "an experimental communications satellite" undertaken today by NORTH KOREA due to its negative implications for the global nonproliferation regime. Pyongyang's action, in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1718, ultimately complicates the resolution of the North Korean nuclear issue and is an obstacle to the re-establishment of a climate of trust and reducing tensions that could foster regional stability. Italy, in its capacity of President of the G8 and in light of its commitment to promote nonproliferation and disarmament, asks NORTH KOREA to respect pertinent UN Security Council resolutions and to suspend all activities related to its missile program, and to renounce all of its nuclear weapons and programs. End Text. DIBBLE