WikiLeaks cable: Demarche regarding possible N Korean nuclear test
This is one of the diplomatic cables about New Zealand held by Wikileaks.
October 10, 2006
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO NEW ZEALAND MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND TRADE REGARDING POSSIBLE NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR
TEST
Classified By: CHARGE' David J. Keegan for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
1. (C) In response to reftels, CDA Keegan delivered talking points this afternoon to John McKinnon, Deputy Secretary at
New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) accompanied by Brian Sanders Deputy Director of the North
Asia Division at MFAT. McKinnon said he agreed with resuming six party talks and with the need for UNSC to reiterate the
demand for North Korea to conform to UN resolution 1695. McKinnon informed CDA that New Zealand's Minister of Foreign
Affairs (NZMF) Winston Peters is writing a strong communiquQ to both the Chinese and North Korean (DPRK) governments.
Sanders promised to share a copy of the text as soon as the Minister approves it. The essence of the message to China is
to maintain its efforts and continue to engage North Korea on nuclear issue. Peters' message to DPRK is to urge them to
conform to UN 1695.
McKinnon said that the request to support 5 5 meetings comes as news but he expects believes that NZMF will support.
2. (SBU) McKinnon noted that Minister Peters had made a strong press statement wherein he stated that North Korea's
announced plans for a nuclear weapons test was "intolerable." Peters went on to say, "if this threat is carried out,
North Korea can expect a harsh response from the international community." "Repercussions will undoubtedly be stronger
than those following North Korea's missile test in July." Peters urged North Korea to return to dialogue at the earliest
possible opportunity. (Minister's statement has bee faxed to EAP/ANP).
Keegan
ENDS