Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VIENTIANE312
2009-06-30 10:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Vientiane
Cable title:
GOL TO CARRY OUT RESPONSIBILITIES UNDER UNSCR 1874
VZCZCXRO2294 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM RUEHNH DE RUEHVN #0312 1811040 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 301040Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY VIENTIANE TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0207 RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2667 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING IMMEDIATE 2387 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA IMMEDIATE 1105 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL IMMEDIATE 0672 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO IMMEDIATE 1287
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)
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
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