Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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06USUNNEWYORK1395 | 2006-07-20 21:41:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | USUN New York |
VZCZCXYZ0014 RR RUEHWEB DE RUCNDT #1395 2012141 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 202141Z JUL 06 FM USMISSION USUN NEW YORK TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9651 |
UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 001395 |
1. Summary In a meeting with Singapore Permanent Representative Menon, a Co-Chairman of the Counter-terrorism Strategy consultations, Amb. Wolff discussed the key issues, timing and prospects for adopting a GA Counter-Terrorism Strategy. Menon commented on his efforts with other delegations during the latest round of bilateral consultations, described the proposed counter-terrorism task force office and shared views on the future of the negotiating process. End Summary. 2. Amb. Wolff met with Amb. Menon, July 19, to discuss the proposals presented by the CT Strategy Co-Chairmen earlier this month (Ref B). Wolff, drawing on Department's guidance (Ref A), reminded Menon that the U.S. has a number of fundamental concerns that must be taken into account on key issues, including: the concept of state terrorism, linking foreign occupation and terrorism, the Egyptian conference proposal and incurring additional costs. He emphasized the importance of getting the strategy right and noted that making compromises at this stage could lead to a flawed outcome that we would not support. No serious movement had been made by the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) states (minus Turkey) toward going beyond polemics and political points aimed at targeting certain states. It was also premature, he said, to engage in discussion of specific compromise proposals to amend the resolution until we know whether the underlying document is acceptable. 3. Menon responded that he was working hard to finish the negotiation by the end of the 60th UNGA (early September) and if he "can't get a good deal, we may not get a deal". In response to a question about the reaction of other delegations to the Co-Chairmen's proposals, Menon said that for some the suggested references were sufficient but others were still insisting on specific mention of "state terrorism". The Co-Chairmen plan to distribute a revised draft late next week or the following week. Events in the Security Council may affect the atmosphere, he noted, and therefore the timing. 4. Picking up on Wolff's point about financial implications, Menon said that he had asked the Secretariat what kind of "minimal resources" they were seeking to institutionalize the Secretary General's CT Task Force. He said that they SIPDIS envision the addition of two new posts (D-2 and P-3) and a budget for travel funds. The total cost is estimated at approximately $500,000/year and Menon asked whether we would object strongly to such a modest expenditure. Wolff responded that because it is not a large sum, the Secretariat should be able to find the funds within the current budget and the Secretary General's authority to redeploy positions could be used for the staffing needs. 5. Amb. Wolff reiterated the U.S. view that the General Assembly should adopt the Strategy during the current 60th session and not allow it to drag on into the 61st. Menon agreed. He said commitments in Singapore would require him to be out of New York for over a month during the beginning of the next session and he has decided that he will not continue as a Co-Chairman after the 60th session. If agreement is reached during the 60th UNGA, the strategy should be adopted under the current GA Presidency. BOLTON |