REQUEST FOR UK TO HOST G-8 BIOTERRORISM EXPERTS

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 006759

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR OES/IHA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2015
TAGS: PTER TBIO EAGR FR
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR UK TO HOST G-8 BIOTERRORISM EXPERTS
MEETING DEMARCHE DELIVERED

REF: STATE 180458

Classified By: ROBERT W. DRY, ESTH COUNSELOR, E.O 12958 REASON; 1.4 (D,
E)


1. (C) On September 30, ESTH Officer delivered talking points
contained in REFTEL to Etienne Sur, responsible for chemical
and biological disarmament at the MFA. Although message was
passed to Mr. Sur, Gabriel Bernier, outgoing biological
weapons specialist attended. Mr. Sur understood the points
delivered and conveyed French interest in attending a meeting
of the G-8 Bioterrorism Experts Group. With respect to
Russia, Mr. Bernier explained that France and Russia
cooperate on issues of biosafety and security. The Russian's
are sensitive to the term "bioterrorism." As such, they are
not likely to press Russia on an issue defined as
bioterrorism. Mr. Sur said he would contact ESTH Officer
should the GOF have anything further to relay on the matter.

Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm
STAPLETON