C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000136

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, ISN/WMDT, AND T (T. KATSAPIS)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2017
TAGS: PREL PTER KGIT KNNP MU
SUBJECT: GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM:
OMANI RESPONSE

REF: STATE 16451

Classified By: DCM Alfred A. Fonteneau for Reasons 1.4 (b, d)


1. (C) The Ambassador delivered reftel points and related
documents on February 11 to Minister Responsible for Foreign
Affairs Yousef bin Alawi. The Ambassador noted that becoming
a partner nation of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear
Terrorism (Global Initiative) would complement Oman's current
strong cooperation on export control and related border
security (EXBS) programs, as well as its support for the
Proliferation Security Initiative. Bin Alawi lauded the
overall goals of the Global Initiative, and said that Oman
would carefully consider our request to endorse its Statement
of Principles.


2. (C) Comment: In keeping with its cautious and
deliberative approach on these types of matters, it is
unlikely that the Omani government will quickly agree to join
the Global Initiative. Post will follow-up with government
officials directly involved with proliferation and related
issues to further encourage a positive Omani response. End
Comment.
GRAPPO