Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SEOUL559
2009-04-07 07:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Seoul
Cable title:
SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
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UNCLAS SEOUL 000559
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KMDR KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC: DPRK, MISSILE LAUNCH
--------------
"NORTH KOREA'S MISSILE TECHNOLOGY IS A THREAT TO THE SOUTH"
Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "To prevent further
provocations by North Korea, the international community must place
sanctions on the communist state. The UN Security Council discussed
the issue on April 5 but failed to reach agreement. ... Would CHINA
take this casual attitude if the ROK and Japan developed nuclear
weapons and missiles which targeted it? CHINA wants to become a
global power comparable to the U.S. If CHINA does nothing about
North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations that violate
international regulations, it only breeds doubt in the international
community about China's leadership."
"CHINA AND RUSSIA SHOULD ALSO BE IN STEP WITH INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
TO SANCTION NORTH KOREA"
Right-of-center JoongAng Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "We wonder if
China and Russia intend to bear responsibility for any future
dangers that could be triggered by their failure to punish North
Korea. ... Even if the North attempted to launch a satellite, the
same technology can clearly be used to launch a ballistic missile.
Despite this realization, CHINA and Russia (continue to) stress
taking a fair and cautious reaction based only on North Korea's
claims. ... It is incongruous to turn a blind eye to North Korea's
provocations while hoping for stability and peace in Northeast Asia.
If CHINA and Russia deeply consider what a balanced reaction is,
there is no way they could object to the proposed use of UN Security
Council sanctions on North Korea. "
"ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO AGREE
TO SANCTIONS ON NORTH KOREA..."
Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "What is important now
is not only to send a clear message that North Korea will be
punished for its provocative behavior, but also to maintain the
momentum of dialogue and negotiations such as the Six-Party Talks.
In particular, we should caution against a reemergence of a Cold-War
confrontational structure between the ROK, the U.S. and Japan on one
side and North Korea, CHINA and Russia on the other."
"NORTH KOREA WILL DEMAND BROADER NEGOTIATIONS WITH U.S."
Senior Columnist Kim Young-hie observed in right-of-center JoongAng
Ilbo (04/07): "North Korea, which flaunted its long-range ballistic
missile capabilities, will now demand from the U.S., high-level
nuclear and missile talks within a broader framework. The North may
demand over 1 billion dollars a year in return for a missile
moratorium. Should the Six-Party Talks resume, North Korea may try
to hold sway in the talks ... dragging its feet in the
denuclearization process. Furthermore, there is a possibility that
North Korea may conduct an additional nuclear test or develop
intercontinental ballistic missiles. A post- April 5 (missile
launch) North Korea will not be the same as before the launch. ...
In the end, the fundamental way to resolve the current situation is
by resuming the Six-Party Talks and dialogue between the two Koreas
and between North Korea and the U.S."
STEPHENS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR ECON KPAO KMDR KS US
SUBJECT: SEOUL - MEDIA REACTION
EAST ASIA AND PACIFIC: DPRK, MISSILE LAUNCH
--------------
"NORTH KOREA'S MISSILE TECHNOLOGY IS A THREAT TO THE SOUTH"
Conservative Chosun Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "To prevent further
provocations by North Korea, the international community must place
sanctions on the communist state. The UN Security Council discussed
the issue on April 5 but failed to reach agreement. ... Would CHINA
take this casual attitude if the ROK and Japan developed nuclear
weapons and missiles which targeted it? CHINA wants to become a
global power comparable to the U.S. If CHINA does nothing about
North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations that violate
international regulations, it only breeds doubt in the international
community about China's leadership."
"CHINA AND RUSSIA SHOULD ALSO BE IN STEP WITH INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS
TO SANCTION NORTH KOREA"
Right-of-center JoongAng Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "We wonder if
China and Russia intend to bear responsibility for any future
dangers that could be triggered by their failure to punish North
Korea. ... Even if the North attempted to launch a satellite, the
same technology can clearly be used to launch a ballistic missile.
Despite this realization, CHINA and Russia (continue to) stress
taking a fair and cautious reaction based only on North Korea's
claims. ... It is incongruous to turn a blind eye to North Korea's
provocations while hoping for stability and peace in Northeast Asia.
If CHINA and Russia deeply consider what a balanced reaction is,
there is no way they could object to the proposed use of UN Security
Council sanctions on North Korea. "
"ALTHOUGH IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT FOR THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL TO AGREE
TO SANCTIONS ON NORTH KOREA..."
Moderate Hankook Ilbo editorialized (04/07): "What is important now
is not only to send a clear message that North Korea will be
punished for its provocative behavior, but also to maintain the
momentum of dialogue and negotiations such as the Six-Party Talks.
In particular, we should caution against a reemergence of a Cold-War
confrontational structure between the ROK, the U.S. and Japan on one
side and North Korea, CHINA and Russia on the other."
"NORTH KOREA WILL DEMAND BROADER NEGOTIATIONS WITH U.S."
Senior Columnist Kim Young-hie observed in right-of-center JoongAng
Ilbo (04/07): "North Korea, which flaunted its long-range ballistic
missile capabilities, will now demand from the U.S., high-level
nuclear and missile talks within a broader framework. The North may
demand over 1 billion dollars a year in return for a missile
moratorium. Should the Six-Party Talks resume, North Korea may try
to hold sway in the talks ... dragging its feet in the
denuclearization process. Furthermore, there is a possibility that
North Korea may conduct an additional nuclear test or develop
intercontinental ballistic missiles. A post- April 5 (missile
launch) North Korea will not be the same as before the launch. ...
In the end, the fundamental way to resolve the current situation is
by resuming the Six-Party Talks and dialogue between the two Koreas
and between North Korea and the U.S."
STEPHENS