O 210020Z JUN 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY TOKYO IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY BEIJING IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY SEOUL IMMEDIATE
AMEMBASSY CANBERRA IMMEDIATE
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 064133 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/20/2029 
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC MTCRE KN ASEAN COLLECTIVE
 
SUBJECT: Urging ASEAN Implementation of UN SECURITY COUNCIL 
RESOLUTION(UNSCR) 1874 and Transparency in North Korea 
Transactions 
 
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SUMMARY 
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Classified by: Scot A. Marciel, Acting A/S for East Asian 
Pacific Affairs.  Reasons: 1.4(b) and (d) 
 
¶1.  (C) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. 
 
¶2.  (C) The United Nations Security Council unanimously 
adopted Resolution 1874 on June 12.  This resolution 
unequivocally condemns North Korea's May 25 announced nuclear 
test, contains unprecedented new measures to address the 
threat posed by North Korea's nuclear and missile 
proliferation activities, and calls upon the DPRK to return 
immediately to the Six Party Talks without preconditions.  The 
new measures in this Resolution include a total ban on arms 
transfers from the DPRK and a major expansion of the ban on 
arms transfers to the DPRK, new financial measures designed to 
limit the ability of the DPRK to fund WMD and ballistic- 
missile related activities, and enhanced inspection provisions 
for ships suspected of carrying cargo proscribed by this 
Resolution or by UNSCR 1718. Vessels bound to and from the 
DPRK regularly utilize Southeast Asian shipping lanes, making 
the implementation of UNSCR 1874 of particular relevance to 
ASEAN countries.  As such, we seek to encourage ASEAN to do 
its part by making a statement that supports UNSCR 1874, as 
well as by helping the world carry out effective 
implementation of the Resolution. In implementing Resolution 
1874, the United States seeks to avoid unnecessary 
confrontation with the DPRK, while assuring that the 
resolution is fully observed. In order to reduce the need for 
challenge inspections at sea, the United States would like 
ASEAN to take the lead in promulgating a "code of conduct" for 
its members, requiring all states that transact business with 
the DPRK to provide maximum transparency on all transactions 
and shipments from the DPRK, whether or not they contravene 
Resolution 1874. We would hope this action by ASEAN would 
provide the basis for a global gold standard in dealings with 
the DPRK and contribute significantly to our common goal of 
returning the DPRK to path of denuclearization.  End Summary. 
 
¶3. (C) Posts are instructed to approach host-nation officials 
at the highest appropriate level to pursue the objectives 
below aimed at seeking their cooperation in carrying out the 
inspection-related provisions of UNSCR 1874 and providing 
transparency in their interactions with North Korea. 
 
(FOR EMBASSY BANGKOK) 
As Thailand is the current Chair of ASEAN, the Department 
requests that the Ambassador deliver this demarche to the 
Foreign Minister We are prepared to follow this with a high 
level call as needed. 
 
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OBJECTIVES 
---------- 
 
¶4. (C) Posts should pursue the following objectives: 
 
-- Encourage states to be vigilant to the prospect of North 
Korean transfers of proscribed materials. 
 
-- Impress upon states the threat posed by the DPRK's nuclear, 
ballistic missile, other WMD, and conventional weapons 
programs. 
 
-- Note the DPRK has previously transferred items that are 
proscribed by UNSCRs 1874 and 1718 and is likely to attempt 
transfers in the future. 
 
--Stress the need for states to be transparent with any 
dealings they might have with North Korea in order to build 
international confidence in implementation of UNSCR 1874. 
 
-- Urge ASEAN to issue a statement demonstrating its resolve 
to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region 
through support of UNSCR 1874 and transparency of transactions 
with North Korea. 
 
-- Note that North Korean vessels may attempt to obtain 
bunkering services outside of port facilities in order to 
avoid inspection.  For this reason, UNSCR 1874 imposes an 
obligation on member states to deny provision of such services 
where they have reasonable grounds to believe the North Korean 
vessels are transporting proscribed items (except where 
necessary for humanitarian purposes). 
 
-- Seek cooperation from ASEAN states to pressure Burma to 
change its behavior towards North Korea by halting all arms 
purchases and ensuring the transparency of any North Korean 
shipments. 
 
Posts may draw from the Summary and Objectives, as well as the 
Talking Points below, as appropriate. 
 
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BACKGROUND 
---------- 
 
¶5. (C) In particular, UNSCR 1874 calls upon UN Member States 
to: 
 
-- Inspect, in accordance with their national authorities and 
legislation and consistent with international law, all cargo 
to and from the DPRK, in their territory, including seaports 
and airports, if the State concerned has reasonable grounds to 
believe the cargo contains items proscribed by Resolutions 
1718 or 1874. 
 
-- Inspect vessels, with the consent of the flag State, on the 
high seas, if they have information that provides reasonable 
grounds to believe that the cargo of such vessels contains 
items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is 
prohibited by Resolutions 1718 or 1874. 
 
-- Cooperate with inspections pursuant to the Resolution. 
 
The Resolution also requires that: 
 
-- if the flag State does not consent to inspection of a 
vessel on the high seas, where the requesting State has 
reasonable grounds to believe the vessel is carrying 
prohibited cargo, the flag State shall direct the vessel to 
proceed to an appropriate and convenient port for inspection 
pursuant to the resolution. 
 
-- all Member States prohibit the provision of bunkering 
services, by their nationals or from their territory , such as 
provision of fuel or supplies, or other servicing of vessels, 
to DPRK vessels if the Member State has information that 
provides reasonable grounds to believe they are carrying items 
the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which is prohibited 
by resolutions 1718 or 1874, unless provision of such services 
is necessary for humanitarian purposes or until such time as 
the cargo has been inspected, and seized and disposed of if 
necessary. 
 
¶6.  (C) These provisions attempt to combat potential 
proliferation by the DPRK of arms and related materiel, as 
well as nuclear, ballistic missile, and other WMD-related 
items.  Additionally, prohibiting the provision of any 
bunkering services to North Korean-owned, operated or flagged 
ships suspected of engaging in the proliferation of nuclear, 
ballistic missile, or other WMD-related items, as well as arms 
and related materiel, may serve to deter future shipments by 
the DPRK. 
 
¶7. (C) Beyond implementation of the specific measures in UNSCR 
1874, we ask ASEAN members to set an example for the 
international community.  We are requesting that ASEAN assure 
transparency in member state dealings with North Korea, 
preferably through a protocol for inspecting all shipments 
received from North Korea, whether or not there is specific 
evidence that the cargo is in violation of Resolution 1874. 
This will help avoid potentially complicated challenge 
inspections at sea and maximize the prospect that North Korea 
will return to the path of denuclearization, without 
interfering with legitimate trade..  We are also asking ASEAN 
to pressure Burma to end its arms cooperation with North Korea. 
 
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TALKING POINTS 
-------------- 
 
¶8. (C/REL ASEAN, PRC, JPN, ROK, AUS) The following may also be 
left as a non-paper. 
 
BEGIN TALKING POINTS: 
 
-- We would like to discuss the implementation of the new UN 
Security Council Resolution adopted in response to North 
Korea's May 25 nuclear test. 
 
-- As you know, the Security Council adopted UNSCR 1874 
unanimously on June 12.  The resolution contains measures to 
prevent North Korea from transferring nuclear, ballistic 
missile, or other WMD-related items, as well as other arms or 
related materiel.  However, these measures must be fully 
enforced by all Member States to ensure their effectiveness 
and prevent dangerous proliferation activities by the DPRK 
from continuing. 
 
-- In particular, we would like to highlight the provisions of 
paragraph 11 of UNSCR 1874, which calls upon Member States to 
inspect all cargo to and from the DPRK in their territory, 
including seaports and airports based on any information 
providing reasonable grounds to believe this cargo would be 
prohibited by UNSCR 1718 or UNSCR 1874. 
 
-- As your country is located along important maritime or air 
routes used by North Korea, we believe your government has an 
important role to play in demonstrating to the rest of the 
international community the seriousness with which we view 
implementation of UNSCRs 1718 and 1874. 
 
-- We encourage you to conduct as thorough an inspection of 
such cargo as your national authorities and legislation will 
allow.  We believe that North Korea's pattern of dangerous 
proliferation and its repeated willful violations of 
international law raise legitimate suspicions about North 
Korean cargo. 
 
-- UNSCR 1874 also calls upon Member States to inspect vessels, 
with the consent of the flag State, on the high seas, if there 
are reasonable grounds to believe that such vessels' cargo 
contains items the supply, sale, transfer, or export of which 
is prohibited by UNSCRs 1718 or 1874. 
 
-- Paragraph 13 of UNSCR 1874 calls upon all states to 
cooperate with inspections pursuant to the Resolution, and 
requires flag states that do not consent to inspection of a 
particular vessel on the high seas (where there are reasonable 
grounds to believe that the vessel is carrying proscribed 
cargo) to direct the vessels to proceed to an appropriate and 
convenient port for inspection. 
 
-- We realize that not all states have the capacity to conduct 
inspections of ships on the high seas.  However, we encourage 
all states to be vigilant regarding potential shipments of 
proliferation concern by North Korea. 
 
-- We also seek your cooperation if vessels of concern are 
diverted to your ports for inspection. 
 
-- We are willing to discuss the provision of assistance 
should states require additional capacity to carry out 
inspections. 
 
-- The resolution requires/requires Member States to prohibit 
the provision of bunkering services, such as provision of fuel 
or provisions, or other servicing of vessels, to DPRK vessels 
if there is information providing reasonable grounds to 
believe they are carrying proscribed items.  The resolution 
contains an exception to permit provision of such services if 
it is necessary for humanitarian purposes, as well as after 
such time as the cargo has been inspected, and seized and 
disposed of if necessary. 
 
-- We are concerned that, in the past, North Korean vessels 
suspected of carrying banned goods have used bunkering 
services outside of territorial waters to avoid inspection. 
 
-- We are particularly concerned about the provision of 
bunkering services facilitating the ability of North Korean 
vessels to transport proliferation-related cargoes outside the 
Asia-Pacific region. 
 
-- We believe that rigorous enforcement of UNSCR 1874's 
prohibitions on providing bunkering services could prevent 
North Korean efforts to evade inspection and detection of 
possible cargoes of proliferation concern. 
 
-- We therefore strongly urge your government to fully 
implement the obligation to prohibit the provision of 
bunkering services set out in UNSCR 1874. 
. 
-- With the cooperation of our international partners, we also 
seek to increase the transparency of all states in dealings 
they might have with North Korea, especially in areas that are 
addressed in UNSCR 1718 and 1874.  Only then can we build 
international confidence in the implementation of these 
resolutions. 
 
-- Specifically, we urge ASEAN to confirm that cargos received 
from North Korea are not prohibited by these resolutions. 
Such a monitoring mechanism can consist, as necessary, of 
submission and review of shipping manifests and bills of 
lading, routine physical inspection of cargo at airports and 
seaports, and on-site end-use verification.  States engaged in 
legitimate business with North Korea should welcome the 
opportunity to demonstrate that they are in compliance with 
the Resolution, and contribute to the effort to discourage 
efforts by the DPRK to conceal illicit trade. 
 
-- We urge ASEAN to explicitly express support for the 
implementation of UNSCR 1874 and to adopt a pledge to ensure 
complete transparency on any dealings with North Korea. 
 
-- (FOR ALL ASEAN MINUS EMBASSY RANGOON) -- We appreciate 
ASEAN's joint press statement with the ROK, adopted at the 
ASEAN/Korea Commemorative Summit on June 2, which condemned 
North Korea for its recent nuclear test and missile launches, 
and described such actions as clear violations of the Six- 
Party Agreements and relevant UNSC resolutions and decisions. 
 
-- The June 2 statement also encouraged all concerned parties 
to actively pursue the denuclearization of the Korean 
Peninsula. 
 
-- We also encourage you to press the Burmese government to 
adhere to its obligations under UNSCRs 1718 and 1874.  We are 
aware of improving Burma-North Korea ties and of reports of 
closer Burma-North Korea collaboration, to include arms 
cooperation. We believe the DPRK is using elaborate 
concealment techniques to cover illicit trade with Burma which 
makes it difficult to obtain direct evidence on the content of 
shipments between the DPRK and Burma. This is particularly 
urgent because we believe such shipments may already be 
underway. It is in ASEAN's interest to ensure that Burmese 
authorities understand and take seriously their obligations as 
a UN Member State and as a member of ASEAN. 
 
-- (FOR EMBASSY BANGKOK):  A statement from ASEAN expressing 
support for the implementation of UNSCR 1874 and the adoption 
of an ASEAN-wide pledge to assure transparency on any dealings 
with North Korea would demonstrate to the world community, as 
well as to North Korea, ASEAN's commitment to regional peace 
and security and the need for the DPRK to return to the path 
of denuclearization, consistent with previous ASEAN statements. 
As Thailand is the current chair of ASEAN, your government has 
a unique opportunity to lead this effort in the run-up to the 
ASEAN Regional Forum next month.  We strongly urge Thailand to 
take the lead in coordinating ASEAN member states' 
implementation of the UNSC resolutions. 
 
-- (FOR EMBASSY RANGOON): As a UN member state, Burma is 
required to adhere to these UNSC resolutions as well.  We 
understand you have a growing relationship with North Korea. 
 
-- We encourage Burma to take seriously the international 
community's collective condemnation of and actions against 
North Korea. 
 
-- We also urge you to be transparent with the international 
community in all your dealings with North Korea to increase 
international confidence that your government is committed to 
compliance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. 
 
-- Efforts to restore your ties with the international 
community will be enhanced by a forward leaning, unequivocal 
demonstration of compliance with Resolution 1874. 
 
FOR BEIJING 
----------- 
 
-- As we have discussed previously with your government, 
implementation of UNSCR 1874 will be crucial to persuade North 
Korea to return to negotiations to achieve our mutual goal of 
the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 
 
-- Your government has expressed concerns about implementation 
of the interdiction and inspection provisions of UNSCR 1874. 
 
-- We are committed to fully implementing all aspects of the 
resolution and consulting closely with your government as we 
do so. We would like to assure you that the United States does 
not want a confrontation with North Korea. 
 
-- We are seeking greater cooperation from the international 
community, not only to work collectively to implement UNSCRs 
1718 and 1874, but also to enhance transparency with regard to 
trade and financial transactions with North Korea. 
 
-- We have particular concerns with Burma's lack of 
transparency.  As you know, North Korea has frequently used 
Burma as a transit and delivery point for suspect cargoes. 
 
-- We request that China strongly urge Burmese authorities to 
fully and effectively implement their obligations under UNSCRs 
1718 and 1874. 
 
-- It is important for Burma to understand that, in light of 
the recent DPRK nuclear test that resulted in the unanimous 
adoption of USNCR 1874, it should not receive items prohibited 
by UNSCRs 1718 and 1874 from the DPRK.  Burma should also not 
allow transshipment of prohibited items in its ports or 
territorial waters if coming from or going to the DPRK, or 
provide bunkering services to suspect DPRK vessels. 
 
-- We have delivered a detailed message to ASEAN Member States, 
including Burma, urging them to strictly enforce UNSCRs 1718 
and 1874, and to adopt a pledge of complete transparency in 
any dealings with North Korea to build international 
confidence of implementation of these resolutions.  We would 
also appreciate Beijing delivering a message to ASEAN Member 
States that their support for the strict enforcement of UNSCRs 
1718 and 1874 as well as enhanced transparency are important 
and appreciated. 
 
FOR TOKYO AND SEOUL 
------------------- 
 
-- As we have discussed previously with your government, 
implementation of UNSCR 1874 will be crucial to persuade North 
Korea to return to negotiations to achieve our mutual goal of 
the verifiable denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 
 
-- We are seeking greater cooperation from the international 
community, not only to work collectively to implement UNSCRs 
1718 and 1874, but also to enhance their transparency with 
regard to dealings with North Korea. 
 
-- We have particular concerns with Burma's current lack of 
transparency.  As you know, North Korea has frequently used 
Burma as a transit and delivery point for suspect cargoes. 
 
-- Given your government's diplomatic relations and financial 
investments with Burma, we request that you strongly urge the 
Burmese authorities to fully and effectively implement their 
obligations under UNSCRs 1718 and 1874, and to be fully 
transparent in doing so. 
 
-- It is important for Burma to understand that, in light of 
the recent DPRK nuclear test that resulted in the unanimous 
adoption of USNCR 1874, it should not receive items prohibited 
by UNSCRs 1718 and 1874 from the DPRK.  Burma should also not 
allow transshipment of prohibited items in its ports or 
territorial waters if coming from or going to the DPRK, or 
provide bunkering services to suspect DPRK vessels. 
 
-- We have delivered a detailed message to ASEAN Member States, 
including Burma, urging them to strictly enforce UNSCRs 1718 
and 1874, and to pledge transparency in any dealings with 
North Korea, particularly with any cargo shipments, to build 
international confidence of implementation of these 
resolutions.  We would also appreciate your government 
delivering a message to ASEAN Member States that their support 
for the strict enforcement of UNSCRs 1718 and 1874 as well as 
enhanced transparency are important and appreciated. 
 
(FOR SEOUL ONLY) -- We appreciate ASEAN's joint press 
statement with the ROK, adopted at the ASEAN/Korea 
Commemorative Summit on June 2, which condemned North Korea 
for its recent nuclear test and missile launches, and 
described such actions as clear violations of the Six-Party 
Agreements and relevant UNSC resolutions and decisions. 
 
-- The June 2 statement also encouraged all concerned parties 
to actively pursue the denuclearization of the Korean 
Peninsula. 
 
FOR CANBERRA 
------------ 
 
-- As the Deputy Secretary discussed with Ambassador 
Richardson on Friday, the United States is in the process of 
delivering a detailed message to ASEAN Member States, 
including Burma, urging them to strictly enforce UNSCRs 1718 
and 1874, and to adopt a pledge of complete transparency in 
any dealings with North Korea to build international 
confidence of implementation of these resolutions.  We would 
appreciate your reinforcing this message to ASEAN Member 
States. 
 
END POINTS 
 
¶8. (U) REPORTING REQUIREMENT:  Please report results of this 
demarche as soon as possible after receipt of this cable. 
 
¶9. (U) POINT OF CONTACT:  Washington POC for follow-up and 
further information is Mark Felipe, ISN/CPI, 202-647-5376, 
felipem2@state.sgov.gov,and Mary-Gardner Coppola, EAP/MTS, 
202-647-2769, coppolamg@state.gov, and Richard Johnson, EAP/K, 
202-647-7718. 
 
¶10. (U) Department thanks Posts for their assistance.  Please 
slug all responses for ISN, EAP, IO, USUN, and T. 
CLINTON 
 
 
NNNN 
 



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