PIF SECGEN TO RECOMMEND AGAINST PACIFIC-LEADERS'

UNCLAS SUVA 000434 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV XV XU SUBJECT: PIF SECGEN TO RECOMMEND AGAINST PACIFIC-LEADERS' ENDORSEMENT OF ANY PARTICULAR REGIONAL RESTRUCTURING PROPOSAL REF: STATE 171852 ¶1. (U) We delivered reftel talking points on Pacific institutions' regional restructuring to Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Secretary General Greg Urwin on Oct. 16. He expressed understanding of USG views and noted that the Forum Officials' advice going to PIF Leaders appears on the same track as our's. ¶2. (U) Urwin said the Forum Officials' communication to Leaders states that Officials considered the recommendations of the experts group. They heard a range of views, some supportive, some with reservations. There is need for further work on the range of issues. Leaders are encouraged to set up a task force of Forum members to consider such issues. Being that this matter has yet to be considered by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) and other regional organizations that have members like the U.S. and France who are not PIF members, Leaders may wish to instruct the task force to work on such issues and report back... ¶3. (U) Comment: It appears Forum Officials have provided their Leaders advice that meets the USG concern that the PIF not endorse any particular way forward. Of course, PIF Leaders are not duty-bound to follow Officials' advice, but they usually do so. DINGER