RGC RESPONSE ON CAMBODIA'S CWC STATUS

UNCLAS PHNOM PENH 002142 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MLS, ISN/CB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM CWC KTIA PREL CB SUBJECT: RGC RESPONSE ON CAMBODIA'S CWC STATUS REF: STATE 193643 ¶1. (SBU) On December 5, post received a preliminary response to the demarche to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Cambodia's CWC status. The MFA said that in 2006, the RGC established through Royal Decree a National Authority to deal with chemical, biological, and other weapons of mass destruction. A specific role for the National Authority reportedly is the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The Ministry of Defense chairs the Authority, and other relevant Ministries (e.g., MFA, Industry) are included as Vice Chairs. The National Authority has yet to establish a Secretariat, as this will reportedly require financial resources that are not yet available. ¶2. (SBU) The MFA recommended that post contact the Ministry of Defense for further information, and suggested General Chey Son, Director of the Department of Chemical Protection as a starting point. We will try to meet with him and get a better understanding of the country's plans regarding the CWC. MUSSOMELI