GOLDBERG-SAIKI LUNCH

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 001991 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/26/2019 TAGS: PREL KNSD PARM KN JA SUBJECT: GOLDBERG-SAIKI LUNCH Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission James P. Zumwalt for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: During an August 25 lunch hosted by MOFA Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director General Akitaka Saiki, Ambassador Philip Goldberg described UNSCR 1874 as having a positive impact on North Korean behavior. Both Ambassador Goldberg and DG Saiki noted the apparent easing of tensions between North and South Korea. MOFA officials reported that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak is stressing the importance of U.S.-Japan-South Korean coordination and the need to approach the North's current "smile diplomacy" carefully. On Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei's recent visit to North Korea, Saiki reported that North Korean officials told Wu that Pyongyang wants bilateral discussions with the United States and has no interest in returning to Six-Party talks. END SUMMARY ¶2. (C) Ambassador Philip Goldberg and DG Saiki exchanged views on North Korea and on implementation of UNSC Resolution 1874 during lunch on August 25. The Ambassador described the sanctions resolution as having a positive impact on North Korean behavior. UN members are working well to enforce the resolution. Saiki said that a proposed trip to the Middle East by Ambassador Goldberg was a good idea, citing the challenges posed by countries, such as Syria and Iran, that maintain military relations with the North. ¶3. (C) Ambassador Goldberg and DG Saiki noted the apparent easing of tensions between North and South Korea through developments such as the possible resumption of family reunions and the DPRK delegation's attendance at Kim Dae Jung's funeral. Seoul is currently debating how far to pursue engagement without undermining resolution 1874, while at the same time taking into account political demands for improved ties, Ambassador Goldberg and DG Saiki observed. Seoul and Pyongyang continue to undergo a "feeling out" process, the Ambassador added. ¶4. (C) Reflecting on his trip with former Japanese Speaker of the Lower House Yohei Kono to Kim's funeral, MOFA Northeast Asia Division Director Junji Shimada mentioned that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak was "cautious" in his comments on the North during his meeting with Kono and that Lee did not elaborate on the content of meetings with North Korean envoys. Lee did stress the importance of U.S.-Japan-South Korean cooperation and underscored the importance of approaching the North's current "smile diplomacy" carefully. On rumors of a North-South Summit, Goldberg and Saiki agreed that the idea seems to be speculation for now. ¶5. (C) Saiki also offered his views on Chinese Vice Foreign Minister and Six-Party Talks Chairman Wu Dawei's recent visit to North Korea. North Korean officials told Wu that Pyongyang wants bilateral talks with Washington and has no interest in returning to Six-Party talks. Saiki emphasized the importance of coordinating and sharing information on Wu's trip, considering that Chinese officials insist on briefing concerned parties separately and not together. ROOS