PSI: TALKING POINTS FOR OCTOBER 2007 RHODES,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 04 STATE 156160 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL SUBJECT: PSI: TALKING POINTS FOR OCTOBER 2007 RHODES, GREECE OPERATIONAL EXPERTS GROUP (OEG) MEETING REF: A. STATE 156111 ¶B. STATE 156113 SUMMARY ¶1. REFTELS A or B (different address groups) reported on the latest Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Operational Experts Group (OEG) meeting hosted by the Government of Greece on October 2-4, 2007 in Rhodes, Greece. Although participation in these meetings is limited (currently 20 countries) to hold streamlined discussions, the work of these meetings is undertaken on behalf of all PSI participants (i.e., the more than 85 countries that have endorsed the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles). Therefore, we would like to continue to share key insights from the latest meeting with those countries that have endorsed the PSI, do not have the opportunity to attend the Operational Experts Group (OEG) meetings, and with which we want to deepen our operational cooperation. ¶2. Posts are requested to provide a summary of the October 2007 OEG meeting results to host government officials from relevant agencies such as Ministries of Defense, Law Enforcement Agencies (including Customs, Border Guards, etc.),and Intelligence Agencies. END SUMMARY OBJECTIVE ¶3. To inform PSI-endorsing states of the latest developments in PSI resulting from the October 2-4, 2007 PSI OEG meeting held in Rhodes, Greece. Post may draw from the background paragraph, which may be left as a nonpaper. Additional meeting materials for posts' reference only can be provided by State/ISN/CPI (Carlos Guzman) upon request (GuzmanCS@state.gov). REPORTING DEADLINE: Not applicable. BACKGROUND ¶4. BEGIN NON-PAPER ON THE OCTOBER 2007 PSI OEG MEETING HOSTED BY GREECE: -- The Government of Greece hosted the fifteenth PSI Operational Experts Group (OEG) meeting on October 2-4, 2007. These meetings currently include delegates from 20 PSI partners who are establishing a PSI exercise program and STATE 00156160 002 OF 004 developing basic operational concepts in support of the Initiative and on behalf of the more than 85 PSI participants. -- This meeting covered a broad range of topics, including UNSCRs 1718/1737/1747, disposition and liability, maritime, ground and air interdictions, outreach, proliferation financing, a Model PSI National Response Plan, and PSI exercises. -- UNSCRs. OEG participants discussed how a commitment to PSI is consistent with UNSCRs such as 1540, 1718, 1737 and ¶1747. Participants shared viewed on steps they were taking to implement the UNSCR provisions. -- USE OF INTELLIGENCE AS EVIDENCE. The UK delivered a presentation on the use of intelligence as evidence in legal proceedings, illustrating the need for close collaboration between the intelligence and law enforcement communities. The presentation underscored the importance of parallel case construction in achieving the dual ends of protecting intelligence sources and prosecuting claims. -- SUA PROTOCOLS. Several OEG participants reported on the status of ratifying the 2005 Protocols to the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts at Sea (SUA). The US reported that the Protocols were moving forward. On October 1, the White House transmitted the implementing legislation to the Senate for review. -- MARITIME INTERDICTION. In the area of maritime interdiction, PSI Operational Experts focused for the first time on bunkering, maritime choke points and hubs, noting the particular challenges presented by these nodes along the shipping supply chain in coastal states. -- GROUND AND AIR INTERDICTIONS. In the area of ground and air interdiction, participants shared information on different programs that provide countries with a layered defense against shipments of proliferation concern. Additionally, Australia updated the OEG on a proposal before the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) that would criminalize the transport of dangerous materials aboard aircraft. OEG partners received an updated matrix that consolidates PSI countries' legal authorities with respect to granting or denying overflight rights and the processes/procedures involved. -- OUTREACH MEETINGS. New Zealand reported on the results of the Asia-Pacific Outreach Forum held in March 2007 following the last OEG. Poland updated OEG partners on the extent of its outreach activities in Europe and the Gulf Region. Finally, PSI countries agreed to find ways to increase the STATE 00156160 003 OF 004 capabilities and participation levels of non-OEG PSI-endorsing countries. -- PROLIFERATION FINANCE. Canada provided a back-brief on the issues discussed at two recent Financial Action Task Force (FATF) meetings in Ottawa (May 3-4) and Rome (September 17-18),including the issuance of non-binding guidance on effective implementation of UNSCR prohibitions and broader financial prohibitions. Additionally, Canada informed partners of a FATF project on typologies that will eventually lead to guidance on broader financial prohibitions. OEG countries agreed to include FATF updates in subsequent OEG meetings for informational purposes. -- MODEL PSI NATIONAL RESPONSE PLAN. The OEG discussed the latest version of a Model PSI National Response Plan that can be used to help PSI countries assess how they can organize themselves, what they need to improve their internal capabilities to implement PSI and conduct interdictions, or what issues they would have to address in order to contribute to PSI activities. This product can be used in outreach efforts. -- PSI EXERCISES. The OEG reviewed the schedule of upcoming PSI exercises. Japan provided an update on planning for maritime interdiction exercise "Pacific Shield" that was planned for October 13-16, almost immediately following the OEG in Rhodes. Poland invited partners to participate in the exercise "Eastern Shield", a multi-modal exercise held in Ukraine from October 29-31, 2007. The exercise was organized jointly by Poland, Ukraine and Romania with the participation of other Black Sea countries. France will host a maritime interdiction exercise "Guistir" in Djibouti on March 11-12, ¶2008. New Zealand announced plans to host maritime interdiction exercise "Maru" on September 15-19, 2008. -- CAPACITY BUILDING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. The US presented the final version of a WMD and Missile Commodity Technical Reference Manual that can assist anyone who reviews shipping documentation or export licenses to make assessments on the controllability of an export (for example, industry, law enforcement officials, and licensing review officials). OEG countries were encouraged to adapt the manual to the specifics of their own domestic export control systems. -- The UK will host the next PSI OEG meeting in London on February 4-6, 2008. -- The US will host an event in Washington in May/June 2008 for all PSI endorsing countries to commemorate the fifth anniversary of PSI. STATE 00156160 004 OF 004 END NON-PAPER ON THE OCTOBER 2007 PSI OEG MEETING HOSTED BY GREECE. POINTS OF CONTACT ¶5. Please slug responses for OSD GSA (Beth Flores) and State/ISN/CPI (Carlos Guzman). USG POC for PSI Operational Experts Group issues is OSD/GSA: Beth Flores. USG POC for operational legal matters is Gary Sharp, DOD/OGC. USG POC for PSI policy issues is Carlos Guzman, State/ISN/CPI. RICE