UN COUNTERTERRORISM CONVENTIONS: STATUS REPORT

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000232 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR S/CT, IO, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER PREL MU SUBJECT: UN COUNTERTERRORISM CONVENTIONS: STATUS REPORT REF: 05 MUSCAT 35 (SBU) In a February 18 meeting, Pol/E Chief queried MFA International Organizations Chief Ambassador Talib bin Miran al-Raisi on the status of Oman's ratification of the remaining two of twelve international counterterrorism conventions. In January 2005, Ambassador al-Raisi had reported that both conventions (one on terrorist finance and another on terrorist bombings) had left the MFA and were with the Ministry of Legal Affairs for final review before going to the Council of Ministers (reftel). Ambassador al-Raisi now reiterated that the Sultanate has no objection to either outstanding convention, blaming bureaucracy and the press of other priorities for their slow movement. He underscored that MFA had received no feedback (which he took as a positive sign) from any other ministry. He reported his understanding that one of the two remaining conventions had finally left the Ministry of Legal Affairs and was now awaiting a spot on the Council of Ministers' agenda, while he believed the other with still at Legal Affairs. He did not know which was which. Ambassador al-Raisi took on board the USG's urging that Oman ratify these final two conventions, observing that Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi also presses him on occasion for status reports. BALTIMORE