UN COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITTEE (CTED) LOOKING BACK

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 001974 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/12/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER UNGA SUBJECT: UN COUNTER-TERRORISM COMMITTEE (CTED) LOOKING BACK AND AHEAD Classified By: Classified by Ambassador Wolff for reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d). 1.(U) Amb Wolff met with UN Counter-Terrorism Executive Director (CTED),Javier Ruperez, at his request on October ¶12. Ruperez, who had just returned from visits to Mali and the Philippines, noted the need to refocus CT technical assistance from training to more concrete aspects, such as providing machinery needed to secure borders. He said that Mali in particular deserves to be helped because they are doing a good job with the assistance that is being provided. ¶2. (C) Ruperez said that he had asked to meet to discuss two issues: CTED year end review and the next Chairman of the Counter-Terrorism Committee. He explained that although the main review will take place at the end of 2007, there has been a practice of taking stock at the end of each year and this will include a review of his appointment by the CTC and the Secretary General. Ruperez said he wanted to work closely with us in preparing the annual assessment. ¶3. (C) Ruperez said that he is ready to continue to serve as Director of CTED. On the Chairmanship of the CTC, he expressed a preference for the Italians because they "know what terrorism is about and have the Mission resources to take on the job." Amb Wolff said that he had talked with the Italians and agreed that they did not seem to be seeking the job. Wolff asked whether the Deputy PR could chair meetings, something that might entice the Italians, who have expressed concern about the commitment of time expected by their Permanent Representative. Ruperez said he would not have a problem with the DPR presiding because "what matters is that the CTC will deliver." The Mission that holds the Chairmanship must be engaged whether presented at the PR or DPR level. ¶5. (C) Both agreed that among the new members, Belgium and Italy were the best candidates. Venezuela, if elected, would be out of the question and neither of the other SC candidates, Nepal, Indonesia or South Africa would be appropriate alternatives. BOLTON