BHUTAN HAPPY TO JOIN CT CONVENTIONS, BUT

UNCLAS NEW DELHI 008264 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS S/CT AND IO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER PREL ASEC BT SUBJECT: BHUTAN HAPPY TO JOIN CT CONVENTIONS, BUT RATIFICATION WILL TAKE TIME REF: STATE 269653 Responding to our December 29 demarche on ratifying counterterrorism conventions and protocols (reftel), Bhutanese Embassy official Karma Rinchhen told Poloff that "Bhutan would be happy to join international counterterrorism efforts." He noted, however, that the National Assembly must approve all conventions and protocols in order for ratification to occur, and that this can take some time. He promised to convey our points to Foreign Ministry officials in Thimpu, who would be responsible for submitting any documents to the National Assembly for ratification. We will follow up. MULFORD