VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHUL #1882 3350854
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 010854Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY SEOUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6361
INFO RUCNKOR/KOREA COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD PRIORITY 0777
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0282
RUACAAA/COMUSKOREA INTEL SEOUL KOR PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/COMUSKOREA J5 SEOUL KOR PRIORITY
RHMFISS/COMUSFK SEOUL KOR PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
UNCLAS SEOUL 001882
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL AF PK KS
SUBJECT: ROK TO ISSUE STRONG STATEMENT OF SUPPORT ON
AFGHANISTAN/PAKISTAN STRATEGY
REF: STATE 122731
Sensitive but unclassified. Not for Internet distribution.
1. (SBU) In advance of the President's speech, Ambassador
discussed U.S. policy on Afghanistan in detail with ROK
National Security Advisor Kim Sung-hwan. Kim stressed that
Seoul would issue a "supportive statement" following
President Obama's speech.
2. (SBU) The DCM followed up with the ROKG's point person on
Afghanistan/Pakistan issues, Deputy Foreign Minister Lee
Young-joon, delivering the reftel information. Lee said the
ROKG appreciated the preview and looked forward to receiving
additional details, particularly on troop numbers. He
provided the text of a statement that MOFAT will release on
Wednesday afternoon, local time:
Begin unofficial translation:
Spokesperson's Commentary Regarding the U.S. Government's
Announcement of its Afghanistan Strategic Review
The Korean Government supports the expansion of U.S. support
for Afghanistan in order to accelerate the stabilization and
reconstruction of Afghanistan through the increase of its
troops, among others, which was announced on December 1 as
the result of the U.S. Government's strategic review.
The Korean Government hopes that the sustained efforts of the
U.S. Government, including today's announcement, will
contribute greatly to the efforts of the Afghan people and
international community for the quick stabilization and
reconstruction of Afghanistan.
The Korean Government intends to continue its participation
in international efforts to support the stabilization and
reconstruction of Afghanistan.
End unofficial translation.
STEPHENS