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