DPRK LAUNCH DEMARCHE: SINGAPORE URGES RESTRAINT

UNCLAS SINGAPORE 000321 SENSITIVE SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY REMOVING SECSTATE AS INFO ADDEE EPA/MTS - M. COPPOLA NEW DELHI - J. EHRENDREICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PREL PARM SN SUBJECT: DPRK LAUNCH DEMARCHE: SINGAPORE URGES RESTRAINT REF: SECSTATE 33031 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel points concerning the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea's (DPRK) launch of a TAEPO-DONG 2 missile to MFA Northeast Asia Assistant Director Tan Eng Tat, April 6. Tan agreed that the DPRK's decision to launch a missile was regrettable, and noted that the timing was unfortunate, especially given that the region is already facing instability due to the current economic crisis. ¶2. (SBU) Tan cited Singapore's official response by an MFA spokesperson (see para 3) on April 5, who noted that Singapore is deeply concerned about the DPRK's decision to launch and urges all parties to exercise restraint and reduce tensions through dialogue and the Six-Party talks. Tan said Singapore is primarily concerned with regional stability, and that the GOS regrets that the DPRK has taken this step. Tan recalled that Singapore took a similarly negative view when the DPRK exploded a nuclear device in 2006. Tan said Singapore will closely monitor developments in the situation. ¶3. (U) Begin Text: A spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said "We are deeply concerned by this development. We regret that the DPRK has seen fit to take this step." The Democratic Republic of Korea (DPRK) is the official title of North Korea. "We hope all parties involved will exercise restraint and reduce tensions through dialogue and the six-party talks," said the spokesman, referring to multilateral talks aimed at persuading Pyongyang to denuclearise. End Text. Visit Embassy Singapore's Classified website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/singapore/ind ex.cfm SHIELDS