Results of the Meeting between the CPC and the ICAPP Secretariat

(Beijing, February 4, 2013)

1. CPC, in general, endorsed and supported the work programs of the ICAPP which have been prepared by the Secretariat. It was of the view, however, that the tri-continental conference of political parties in Asia, Africa and the Americas need to be pursued as a longer-term goal, as it might take longer time to organize an ICAPP-like organization in Africa. In this regard, CPC will continue to support the ICAPP’s efforts to reach out to political parties in Africa.

2. CPC offered to host an ICAPP Special Conference in China during 2013 on a topic which will be relevant and important to all countries in the region. It suggested ecological development as the topic. In consideration of other work programs of the ICAPP already planned for 2013, it was tentatively agreed to convene the special conference in mid-June. CPC will provide further information on the special conference to the Secretariat in due course.

3. CPC responded positively to the proposal by the Secretariat to conclude a “multilateral MOU on cooperation to support the activities of the ICAPP” among the governments of the countries which are represented in the ICAPP. The MOU will be a very brief document, consisting of one or two preambular paragraphs recognizing the positive roles of, and the need for the support of, the ICAPP, and one or two substantive paragraphs agreeing to provide necessary support or assistance to the activities of the ICAPP and its Secretariat. It will also include several administrative paragraphs on such issues as amendment and duration of the MOU. It will not be, however, a legally bounding agreement among governments. It was agreed that such an MOU would contribute to improving legal status of the ICAPP in the international community and might also help obtain observer status of the ICAPP in the UNGA. It will also help make the ICAPP more institutional. CPC agreed to consult with the Foreign Ministry of China on the proposal and will inform the result to the Secretariat as soon as possible.

4. CPC was cautious about the proposal made by the Secretariat to host a meeting among five major political parties of China, Japan, and Korea, i.e. CPC, LDP and DPJ of Japan, and Saenuri and DUP of Korea. The Secretariat proposed to host the meeting during the first half of 2013 in Seoul. The Secretariat suggested that the agenda for the meeting should be how to cooperate among the said parties to further promote ICAPP objectives, but in the course of discussions, issues relating to current state of relationships among the three countries could be naturally raised. The meeting will be informal and not open to the public. The Secretariat also suggested that it would provide simultaneous interpretation for Chinese, Japanese and Korean languages for more smooth and convenient exchange of views among the political parties. The two major parties of Korea have agreed to this proposal by the Secretariat, and, if CPC agrees, the Secretariat will soon contact the LDP and DPJ of Japan to sound out their position on the proposal. CPC agreed to consider the proposal and inform its position to the Secretariat as soon as possible.

5. CPC agreed to attach the draft Baku Declaration, which includes the paragraph on the N-K issue, to the Conclusions of the 18^th SC Meeting.  It maintained, however, its strong position that the final version of Baku Declaration, which will be attached to the Report of the 7^th GA, should not include the paragraph on the N-K issue.  The CPC emphasized that the consensus principle in the ICAPP process should not be compromised under any circumstances.