CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): UNDER SECRETARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002955

SIPDIS

STATE FOR T, AC/CB, NP/CBM, VC/CCB, L/ACV, IO/S
SECDEF FOR OSD/ISP
JOINT STAFF FOR DD, PMA-1 FOR WTC
COMMERCE FOR BIS (GOLDMAN)
NSC FOR CHUPA
WINPAC FOR LIEPMAN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/25/2013
TAGS: PARM PREL CWC
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): UNDER SECRETARY
BOLTON EXPRESSES U.S. SUPPORT FOR OPCW DIRECTOR GENERAL
PFIRTER

Classified By: Ambassador Eric M. Javits, Ambassador to the OPCW. Reas
ons: 1.5 (B, D)




1. (U) This is CWC-126-03.


2. (U) Under Secretary Bolton met with OPCW
Director-General Pfirter on Nov. 19 to convey strong U.S.
support for Pfirter's leadership of the Organization. The DG
in turn expressed his appreciation for U.S. support regarding
his efforts on reform and transparency. Bolton noted that
the OPCW is headed in the right direction, and highlighted
the close cooperation between the U.S. and the OPCW Technical
Secretariat, which had not been the case under Pfirter's

SIPDIS
predecessor. He stressed his hope that the U.S. could
continue to support the DG and the organization as they
persevered in pursuing positive directions.


3. (U) As an example, Pfirter stressed and Bolton noted the
improvements in the personnel system, and ensuring that
qualified people are brought into the OPCW under a fair and
open process. Pfirter replied by giving assurances of
continued transparency in the recruitment process and noting
that he fully shared the Under Secretary's views on the
importance of recruiting good people.


4. (U) Bolton went on to credit the OPCW accomplishments
this year. In particular, he emphasized the importance the
U.S. placed on achieving the extension of its 45% destruction
deadline. In addition to reaching agreement on a budget for
2004 to continue operational improvements, Bolton noted the
significance of the action plans on universality and national
implementation and the importance of doing the work called
for therein.


5. (U) The Under Secretary noted the continued rumors that
Libya is ready to join the CWC, and asked if there had been
any specific indications from the Libyans about imminent
accession. Pfirter replied that he had heard the same
rumors, but there had as yet been no definite action on the
part of Libya. Bolton briefly noted the U.S. concern about
the judgment from the ILO Administrative Tribunal in favor of
former DG Bustani. Pfirter assured Bolton that the
organization is in the process of preparing an appeal for
reconsideration.


6. (C) The Under Secretary also expressed concern about
covert CW programs, which led to a discussion of the
necessity of UN inspection capabilities. Bolton expressed
the personal view that there is no reason for UNSCOM in the
aftermath of the Iraq action to continue to maintain a
separate inspection force to monitor CW programs, as the OPCW
should be able increasingly to take on such a responsibility,
if and when called upon by the UN provided the budgetary
concerns were met. Pfirter agreed, explaining that the UN is
aware that the OPCW is ready to assist if called upon. He
cautioned, however, that other inspections would have to be
foregone or postponed in such an eventuality.


7. (C) Turning to the issue of challenge inspections,
Pfirter told the Under Secretary that the TS is committed to
readiness for performance of a challenge inspection, if the
need arises. He noted again that resources are a key factor,
explaining that no challenge inspection(s) have been included
in the budget, and that implementation of a challenge
inspection would generate a change in the regular inspection
schedule. Bolton informed the DG that the U.S. did not
currently have plans to call for a challenge inspection.


8. (U) Under Secretary Bolton has cleared this message.


9. (U) Javits sends.
SOBEL