GOL TO CARRY OUT RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER UNSCR 1874

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENTIANE 000312 SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/28/2019 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC MTCRE PHUM KN BM LA SUBJECT: GOL TO CARRY OUT RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER UNSCR 1874 REF: A. STATE 66749 ¶B. STATE 66250 ¶C. STATE 64133 Classified By: AMBASSADOR RAVIC R. HUSO FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) On June 29, Assistant Foreign Minister (and ASEAN Senior Official for Laos) Alounkeo Kittikhoun told Ambassador that Laos will, of course, carry out its obligations under UNSCR 1874, including a report to the Security Council on what actions Laos has taken. Ambassador delivered the points provided in reftels and pressed AFM Alounkeo for Lao support of an ASEAN statement in support of UNSCR 1874. AFM Alounkeo responded that ASEAN Senior Officials had recently debated the merits of such a statement at the China-ASEAN consultative talks in Nanjing. Even Burma, said the AFM, had stated in Nanjing the intent to fully implement UNSCR 1874, but ASEAN members still question the utility and implications of a separate ASEAN statement. Would an ASEAN statement on UNSCR 1874 imply that ASEAN should make a statement about every UNSCR, even though UN members are already pledged to implement all UNSCRs?, the AFM asked rhetorically. ¶2. (C) AFM Alounkeo stated that Laos has been concerned over North Korean nuclear and missile testing, but seeks an approach that will promote dialogue with North Korea. Laos fears that unremittingly harsh condemnation could close the door to that dialogue. AFM Alounkeo then suggested that the upcoming ASEAN Regional Forum offers an excellent opportunity to press the North Koreans toward dialogue. Ambassador noted that recent North Korean tests had not come in response to any external provocation, but seemed to be deliberately designed as obstacles to further talks. He welcomed the idea to make use of the ARF, but urged that an ASEAN statement in advance of the ARF would send a clear signal to North Korea that there is no division in the international community on this issue, and the only productive path forward is the path of indicated by the United Nations. AFM Alounkeo acknowledged Ambassador's points, but made no commitment regarding an ASEAN statement, repeating that the Lao were still considering their position. ¶3. (SBU) The Treasury advisory from Ref B was left with AFM Alounkeo's staff. Post is also delivering the advisory to the Ministry of Finance. HUSO