DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT

UNCLAS E F T O RABAT 001713 SIPDIS NOFORN SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KGIC PTER KNNP MO SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM REF: SECSTATE 150122 Classified By: Classified by Political Counselor Craig Karp for reasons 1.4 C and D SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY. ¶1. (SBU) Summary: MFA Minister delegate Taieb Fassi Fihri warmly welcomed the U.S.-Russian joint proposal that it host the first Global initiative meeting, and fully supported the initiative itself, but asked for a little time to respond, given that key decision makers are out of the country. He could not get an answer before Friday. Both Ambassadors stressed need for timely response. See action request para ¶4. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador and Russian ambassador jointly presented our proposal that Morocco host the first Global initiative meeting (reftel) to Minister-delegate Taieb Fassi Fihri September 13. Russian Ambassador briefed and handed over points (in English) and Ambassador provided background material derived from reftel. ¶3. (SBU) Taieb Fassi Fihri immediately responded that Morocco was honored by the joint proposal that it host the meeting. Speaking personally, he believed the Initiative was an important contribution and that Morocco goes all out in the fight against terror, it also fully supported Global nonproliferation efforts, citing its support of President Bush's Proliferation Security Initiative. He noted that Morocco was on record as a full supporter of UNSC 1373. On nuclear issues, however; he said Morocco is "very careful" on Anti-Terrorism, specifically noting only that Morocco fully supports the NPT and it's protocols. It would carefully examine both the meeting proposal and the substance. He would not be able to give an overnight response however, due to the absence of the Foreign minister in Havana for the NAM, and other key figures. He would seek to get us a reply as soon as possible, but doubted he could nail this down before Friday, September 15. Both Ambassadors noted the time sensitivity of the request. The Russian Ambassador stated that if Morocco was not able to accommodate the meeting another location would have to be found, so while our capitals would prefer a next-day response, they really needed to hear as soon as possible. He promised to try to contact us by the end of the weekend, the US Ambassador suggested making the Russian Ambassador the POC. ¶4. (SBU) Regarding the Declaration and Statement of principles, Fassi Fihri asked if the text had already been agreed, or would be finalized at the meeting. we promised a clarification. Please advise. Would appreciate any other details we could pass to them regarding envisioned meeting, including size of delegations ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY