DPRK: COUNCIL RESPONDS TO JULY 4 MISSILE LAUNCHES

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000654 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM ETTC MCAP KN UNSC SUBJECT: DPRK: COUNCIL RESPONDS TO JULY 4 MISSILE LAUNCHES ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On July 6, the Security Council discussed how best to respond to the July 4 launch of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Most Council members supported a Japanese proposal that the Council President (currently Ugandan Perm Rep Rugunda) summarize the Council discussion for the press, including members' condemnation of the launches as violations of resolutions 1718 and 1874. China initially opposed this approach, arguing that simply convening the meeting was a sufficient response and that the Council should not "react to each and every move by the DPRK." All Council members expressed concern about the launches, with most members characterizing them as clear violations of Security Council resolutions. Council members also generally agreed that the focus should be on implementing resolution 1874, with many members mentioning explicitly the tasking to the DPRK Sanctions Committee to make new sanctions designations by July 12. After lengthy discussions, China agreed "not to oppose" the Council President making remarks to the press. The Council President read the agreed points to the press (see para 9). END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) On July 6, the Security Council discussed in closed consultations how best to respond to the July 4 launch of a series of short- and medium-range ballistic missiles by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). Japanese Perm Rep Takasu characterized the launches as clear violations of Security Council resolutions 1695, 1718 and 1874. While emphasizing that the Council's focus should now be on implementing fully resolution 1874, he proposed that the Council President (currently Ugandan Perm Rep Rugunda) make remarks to the press condemning the launches and urging implementation of relevant resolutions. ¶3. (SBU) Chinese Deputy Perm Rep Liu advocated against the Council reacting to "each and every move" by the DPRK, saying that it would disrupt the regular work of the Council and that any reaction should be conducive to diplomatic efforts. China, he said, was not opposed to convening meetings of the Security Council to discuss missile launches, but the Council should not respond in any written manner. ¶4. (SBU) France Perm Rep Ripert supported the Japanese proposal. Ambassador Rice called the launches clear and unequivocal violations of resolutions 1718 and 1874, both resolutions that broadly demanded the DPRK not conduct any further launches. Noting that the Council had shown restraint and not called for consultations when the DPRK launched a different (non-ballistic) type of missile the previous week, she asserted that "it is now incumbent on us to defend the integrity of the Council's resolutions." She said that resolution 1874 provides a framework for responding to this violation, as well as mitigating the threat posed by the DPRK's proliferation activities. Rice also emphasized the need for the 1718 Committee to make new designations by July 12, i.e., the deadline established in resolution 1874. ¶5. (SBU) Russia Perm Rep Churkin noted that Moscow had characterized the launches as a violation of resolution 1874. UK charge Parham supported the idea of press remarks from the Council President, adding that not reacting would jeopardize the authority of the Council. Vietnam Deputy Perm Rep Hoang said the launches aggravated tension and called on the DPRK not to conduct any further launches. Mexico Perm Rep Heller expressed concern over the increase in regional tension resulting as a "clear act of provocation." ¶6. (SBU) Austria Perm Rep Mayr-Harting asserted that the launches were in violation of 1874 and proposed press remarks to condemn the launches, call for a return to the political process and support full implementation of relevant resolutions. Turkey charge Corman called for a "firm and measured response" from the Council. Croatia charge Skracic expressed support for press remarks. Libya Deputy Perm Rep Dabbashi said that it was not appropriate for the Security Council to meet every time the DPRK launched a missile, but added that the DPRK must abide by resolution 1874. Costa Rica Perm Rep Urbina characterized the launches a clear violation and that once the Council met it would be impossible not to say something about the launches. Burkina Faso counselor also called the launches a violation of resolution 1718 and 1874 and supported the idea of press remarks. Uganda Perm Rep Rugunda (in his national capacity) also supported press remarks. ¶7. (SBU) The Council president shared with the Council some points he had distilled from the discussion for his possible use with the press. Liu again raised concerns with this approach, saying that there was no value in the Council discussing whether the launches violated Security Council resolutions. Amb. Rice asserted that the Council would not succeed in giving diplomacy a chance if it chose to sweep under the rug such violations. She urged the Council to "call a spade a spade" and to do so in a "calm, non-hyperbolic manner." ¶8. (SBU) After a twenty minute break for consultations, Liu said China would not oppose the proposal to have the President offer oral remarks. He said, however, that China had serious concern with some elements of the President's remarks and hoped that the President could reflect in his remarks the different opinions of Council members. Other Council members subsequently proposed minor changes to the President remarks. ¶9. (SBU) After the meeting adjourned, the Council President read out the following remarks to the press (checked against delivery): -- The members of the Security Council discussed and exchanged views following the launch of ballistic missiles by the DPRK on the Fourth of July this year. -- The members of the Security Council condemn and express grave concerns at the launches which constitute a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and pose a threat to regional and international security. -- The members of the Security Council reiterated that he DPRK must comply fully with its obligations and relevant resolutions, including Security Council resolutions 1718 and ¶1874. -- The members of the Security Council appeal to all parties to refrain from any action that could aggravate the security situation in the region. -- The members of the Security Council emphasize the importance of concluding the work of the 1718 Committee provided for in resolution 1874. -- The members of the Security Council expressed their commitment to a peaceful, diplomatic and political solution to the situation. -- The members of the Security Council agreed that the Council will continue to closely monitor the situation and act as appropriate in accordance with the UN Charter. RICE