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