Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07THEHAGUE1851
2007-10-04 16:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:  

CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): WRAP-UP FOR

Tags:  PARM PREL CWC 
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DE RUEHTC #1851/01 2771627
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O 041627Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0470
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001851 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS


STATE FOR ISN/CB, VCI/CCB, L/ACV, IO/S
SECDEF FOR OSD/ISP
JOINT STAFF FOR DD PMA-A FOR WTC
COMMERCE FOR BIS (GOLDMAN)
NSC FOR LEDDY
WINPAC FOR WALTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL CWC
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): WRAP-UP FOR
OPCW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SESSION, SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2007
(EC-50)

REF: STATE 134655

This is CWC-79-07.


UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001851

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS


STATE FOR ISN/CB, VCI/CCB, L/ACV, IO/S
SECDEF FOR OSD/ISP
JOINT STAFF FOR DD PMA-A FOR WTC
COMMERCE FOR BIS (GOLDMAN)
NSC FOR LEDDY
WINPAC FOR WALTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL CWC
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): WRAP-UP FOR
OPCW EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SESSION, SEPTEMBER 25-28, 2007
(EC-50)

REF: STATE 134655

This is CWC-79-07.



1. (U) ACTION ITEMS -- see paragraphs 31 and 69.

--------------
SUMMARY
--------------


2. (U) Executive Council 50 approved the OPCW's zero nominal
growth budget for 2008, in a newly productive spirit of
getting things done after the large agenda of unfinished
business it inherited from the previous session. The
Ambassador's statement urging cooperation in resolving the
backlog was echoed by several others, and individual
delegates expressed appreciation in private for the
statement. Consultations on the budget continued during the
lunch break throughout the week and ended on the floor of the
Council Friday evening, with a hard-fought consensus on the
Director General's proposal to use funds from the revised
destruction inspection schedules toward inspector training
and equipment. NAM members, particularly Iran and South
Africa, fought for a shift of funding to International
Cooperation and Assistance programs, but in the end agreed to
compromise language to identify additional voluntary funding
for ICA programs.


3. (U) Although passing the budget before the Conference of
States Parties (CSP) was the most notable achievement, EC 50
also agreed to continue work toward a decision at the CSP on
Article VII implementation. NAM efforts to push an Article
XI action plan, and linking Articles XI and VII, continued,
but the EC agreed to ongoing consultations on Article XI
without language on a possible decision.


4. (U) The Director General's proposal for a Programme in
Africa in lieu of an OPCW office in Africa found fairly
widespread support among the African group. Donor
delegations, including the U.S., succeeded in adding language
on budgetary implications and including donors in future
consultations on the program to the EC report welcoming the
DG's initiative.


5. (SBU) Our stand-off with the Russians over approval of the
Maradykovsky documents, with their reciprocation on Pine
Bluff and Newport, continued. In a private intervention with

the Russian delegation at the traditional Russian/U.S. EC
reception, Ambassador and delreps requested that the Russians
allow approval of the first-ever U.S. industrial (Schedule 2)
facility agreement (CIBA). There was no discussion of the
agreement which was gaveled through in the Council. End
Summary.

--------------
DONOR COORDINATION MEETING
--------------


6. (U) The September 24 informal coordination meeting of
States Parties assisting Russia in its CW destruction was
chaired by Mr. Frank Van Beuningen of the Dutch MFA. After
accepting the draft report of the last meeting, delegations
provided an update on their assistance efforts, with more
detailed presentations from the U.S, UK and Canada. Dr. Tom
Hopkins (Acting Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for
Nuclear, Chemical and Biological Defense Programs) provided a
comprehensive overview of U.S. CTR efforts in Russia,
including projects completed and precise figures to clarify
exactly how much the U.S. spends in Russia and on Russian
contractors. Hopkins also touched on CTR assistance in
Albania, noting the parallels in complexity and
unpredictability of CW destruction


7. (U) UK MOD rep James Harrison noted some improvements in
cooperation with Russia's Federal Agency for Industry, but
also highlighted some areas of particular concern, especially


with restrictions imposed by Russian import legislation and
continuing difficulties in resolving disagreements over
customs/taxes. Canada provided an update on the agreement
being negotiated for joint Canada/UK assistance at Khizner,
and on its efforts at Shchuch'ye, highlighting lengthy delays
caused by such bureaucratic requirements as obtaining
tree-cutting permits before continuing work on the railway
between the storage and destruction facilities.


8. (U) The Russian delegation gave an overview of progress,
accompanied by its usual call for "urgent action" on the part
of donor states and provision of a schedule for disbursement
of the remaining funds. In response to other presentations,
Russia highlighted the need for donors to comply with Russian
legislation, particularly where taxes were concerned, and
noted that Russia has no legal basis to provide site access
to any SP except those which have signed direct agreements
with Russia (thereby excluding donors who contribute through
the UK).


--------------
DESTRUCTION INFORMALS
--------------


9. (U) The Monday session (September 24) of the destruction
informals was in keeping with recent sessions in its lack of
dialogue and seeming lack of interest by delegations in using
the opportunities provided for questions of the Technical
Secretariat and the possessor states. Where available, hard

SIPDIS
copies of presentations will be forwarded to Washington.
Director of Verification Horst Reeps briefed delegations on
verification of CW destruction and industry since the last
session of the EC, noting the number of OCPF inspections that
had been "wasted" on facilities that should not have been
declared. Head of Declarations Steve Wade provided an update
on declarations received and/or processed during the
intersessional period. Head of Chemical Demilitarization
Branch Dominique Anelli provided an unusually lengthy and
detailed update on destruction activities in the possessor
states; in the case of the U.S. he covered much of the same
information presented later in the session by Mr. Dale
Ormond.


10. (U) Russia provided an update on destruction and
construction activities since EC-49. At Maradykovsky, all
spray tanks have been drained, along with 85 percent of the
aerial bombs, the Metal Parts Furnace and incinerator are
apparently being tested with inert liquids. The second train
(smaller caliber munitions) is expected to be operational in
the summer of 2008. At Leonidovka, infrastructure
construction is well under way and Russia expects to begin
testing operations with live agent in June 2008. At
Shchuch'ye, Russia highlighted the changes made to the
implementing agreement, with a pointed remark about "American
responsibility." Russia also indicated progress being made
at Pochep and continuing discussions with the UK and Canada
on assistance at Khizner. Finally, the Russia rep stressed
the importance of launching the new facilities in order to
meet the Phase III deadline of December 31, 2009.



11. (U) Mr. Dale Ormond, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the
Army for the Elimination of Chemical Weapons, presented the
detailed U.S. update on destruction, highlighting the
achievement of 45 percent destruction six months ahead of the
deadline, and major operations at U.S. destruction
facilities. A State Party reported that it expects to
complete destruction within its extended deadlines, barring
any unforeseen mechanical problems or local resident
activities to interfere with facility operations. India
noted that it is in a difficult period of destruction due to
efforts to destroy heels in its bulk mustard containers.
China and Japan each made statements regarding progress in
planning for Abandoned Chemical Weapons destruction and
summarizing excavation, packing and recovery efforts in the
intersessional period.




12. (U) Libya provided a two-part briefing on progress in
conversion of Rabta I and II and plans for the new Rabta
Chemical Weapons Destruction Facility. The Libyan official
thanked the U.S., UK and Italy for help in "charting the
destruction course," and provided information consistent with
previous details provided on plans for the destruction
facility, to include an estimate that destruction could be
completed a year ahead of the extended deadline. On the
conversion of the former Chemical Weapons Production Facility
at Rabta, Libya presented an interesting slide show on future
plans for production of pharmaceuticals to combat AIDS,
tuberculosis and malaria in Africa. Light on details on the
actual progress in conversion, the briefing focused on the
planned capacity for the new facility and the great impact
the pharmaceuticals could have on the African continent. The
slides did include a few pictures of Rabta today, most
notably one of the sandbag wall planted with palm trees,
which was accompanied by a
pitch from the speaker to be allowed to retain this wall,
originally scheduled for destruction as part of the
conversion plan.


--------------
LIBYA MEETING (WITH UK AND ITALY)
--------------


13. (SBU) Del reps met with Dr. Hesnawy and other Libyan
National Committee officials, and representatives from the UK
and Italy to press Libya for more details on its plans for
conversion of the former production facility at Rabta, the
new chemical weapons destruction facility to be located
nearby, and its national implementation in general. Hesnawy
provided information on destruction plans consistent with
that provided to del rep during earlier discussions in The
Hague, and some clarification of the actual reasons for
delays in the Rabta conversion.


14. (SBU) On plans for destruction, Hesnawy enumerated the
reasons for choosing to transport Libya's CW stockpiles from
Al Juffra to Rabta for destruction. He expressed great
confidence in the contractor selected, which he confirmed to
be S.I.P.S.A. Engineering, a firm which apparently has
Italian and Swiss branches, both of which Libya plans to work
with. He gave no reason for continued delays in signing the
contract, but seemed to have no concerns about meeting the
extended destruction deadlines well ahead of schedule.
Hesnawy also confirmed plans to mix the agent with gas/oil
during the transfer to ten isotainers prior to shipment, and
indicated in response to more general UK/U.S. questions about
project risk (intended to focus on commercial risk) that
transportation might pose the biggest risk.


15. (SBU) On conversion of the former CWPF at Rabta, Hesnawy
admitted that delays have occurred because priority was
placed on modifications and construction necessary for
pharmaceutical production operations, and not on requirements
for conversion in accordance with the CWC. He denied that
additional funding could have been helpful, and noted his
displeasure at the EU statement to EC-50, which "noted with
disappointment" the delays in conversion. In response to a
U.S. question, Hesnawy explained that on its third visit to
Rabta, the Technical Secretariat requested itemization of
equipment inside several additional commercial buildings.
Although this should have been requested during earlier TS
visits, it does not appear to have any significant impact on
the schedule for conversion.


16. (SBU) In a private meeting with the U.S., Dr. Hesnawy
later asked for U.S. support in a future Libyan request for a
change to its conversion plan that would allow it to retain
the sandbag wall around the facility. Hesnawy highlighted
the damage that could be caused to sensitive equipment simply
by the dust raised by tearing down the wall, and the
protection the wall offered against desert winds and
sandstorms. As his colleague had already done during the


destruction informals, Hesnawy noted the possibility of
planting palm trees to alter the original, clearly military,
appearance of the wall. U.S. del told Hesnawy it will
forward the request to Washington for consideration.


17. (SBU) UK rep Chris Rampling also asked several questions
related to national implementation. In response to a
question about assessed contributions, local delegate Mr.
Gheton said that Libya had recently paid its 40,000 Euro to
the OPCW. Dr. Hesnawy noted that Libya's legislation has
undergone legal review, but still has to go to the General
People's Congress (National Assembly). He also noted a
problem with insufficient information being received by the
National Committee, highlighting an incident in which
approximately 700 tons of Schedule 2/3 chemicals were
imported from Belgium and India without being declared. The
National Committee is still unclear as to which companies
imported the chemicals (one of which Hesnawy identified as
CAS 105-59-9: methyldiethanolamine),and for what purpose,
but suspect based on the chemicals that they are intended for
use in petroleum processing.


18. (SBU) Finally, Rampling noted that there are "certain
States Parties" with an interest in proving that Libya is not
a successful case study in terms of renouncing a WMD program
and joining/implementing the CWC. Rampling stressed that it
is important to show that Libya made the right decision in
renouncing its program, and recommended continuing regular,
detailed reporting to the Executive Council.


--------------
EC 50 - Director General's Statement
--------------


19. (U) Director General Pfirter opened the formal session of
the Council on September 25, speaking at length on quite a
number of topics. The full text can be found on the OPCW
external server under document number EC-50/DG.16. He noted
the full agenda for this session which he acknowledged as
partly a result of the number of items remaining open from
previous sessions. Pfirter congratulated Albania on becoming
the first possessor state to completely eliminate its entire
chemical weapons stockpile. He stated that as of August 31,
2007 the total amount of Category 1 chemical weapons
destroyed by Albania, a State Party, India, Russian
Federation and United States of America was 33.88 percent of
the total declared quantity of chemical weapons in this
category. The DG acknowledged the two Chemical Weapons
Destruction Facilities (CWDF) currently operational in the
Russian Federation - Kambarka and Maradykovsky. He
recognized the importance of the prompt commissioning of the
units at Maradykovsky and the Rus
sian commitment to completing the work early. The DG further
stated that the new site selection methodology will begin in
January 2008 and will allow for more equitable site selection.


20. (U) DG Pfirter called for all those States Parties that
have not yet done so to fulfill their obligations to Article
VII and expressed the Secretariat's commitment to providing
assistance wherever necessary. Pfirter praised the financial
contributions of the EU and other States Parties that allowed
the Secretariat to provide a number of courses on assistance
and protection. He noted that the subject of the OPCW office
in Africa has been on the agenda for some time and he had
directed the staff of the ICA division to develop a proposal
for a program that would help accelerate progress towards
universality and enhance national implementation in the
region. (Note: The Programme for Africa appeared the next day
for Council consideration.)


21. (U) The DG noted the success of various tenth anniversary
events, the Academic Forum and the Industry Protection Forum,
and expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Javits for his
contribution in organizing the upcoming event at Columbia
University. The zero nominal growth budget was commended by
the DG as meeting the OPCW's objectives and he urged its


acceptance by States Parties. He also urged prompt payment
of assessed contributions. Finally, Pfirter advocated
aligning OPCW HR practices with the UN common system in
regard to lump sum home leave, education grants and paternity
leave. He expressed his gratitude to Saudi Arabia and St.
Lucia for their contributions to the Scientific Advisory
Board and encouraged other States Parties to provide
expertise and financial support.

--------------
GENERAL DEBATE
--------------


22. (U) Debate started with Cuba (speaking on behalf of the
"NAM CWC States Parties and China"),Portugal (speaking on
behalf of the EU and a number of associated countries) and
South Africa (speaking on behalf of African States Parties),
before moving to individual national statements. Many of the
national statements from developing countries referenced
Cuba's remarks and built on them. Almost all statements
expressed support for a zero nominal growth budget; most
statements also congratulated Albania for being the first
possessor state to fulfill its destruction obligations.
Cuba, the African states, Thailand, China (in it's national
statement) and Mexico underlined the importance of balance
and appropriate allocations and called for more funds to be
directed towards International Cooperation programs. Several
States Parties expressed disappointment in the slow progress
in the implementation of Article VII; Russia described the
failure of States Parties to implement legislation as the
weak link in the "
non-proliferation chain". Mexico was proud to draw attention
to its recent establishment of CANDESTI, the government
entity which will act as the permanent National Authority in
Mexico.


23. (U) The new site selection methodology was praised by
many States Parties as a step in the right direction. Cuba
and the African states called for the speedy appointment of a
new facilitator to guide the elements of the methodology that
still require attention. South Africa (both in speaking on
behalf of African states and in its national statement)
welcomed the DG's initiative on the "Programme for Africa"
and requested that the Organization take into consideration
the special needs of Member States on the Continent,
especially in terms of assistance and protection.


24. (U) Mexico, China, Algeria and South Africa all stressed
the importance of Article XI and the need to follow through
on comprehensive implementation. The Iranian Ambassador
chose to ignore the notes which had been prepared for him and
in his off-the-cuff speech called for a realistic action plan
for the implementation of Article XI. China also pointed out
that to date there has been no destruction of Japanese
abandoned chemical weapons in China and urged a heightened
sense of urgency for their complete destruction. Iran,
Russia and Cuba stated their strong support for the work of
the Host Country Committee, with Cuba inviting the Host
Country to address issues in a more proactive and inclusive
manner.

--------------
BUDGET
--------------


25. (U) Following grueling daily consultations during the EC
and intense negotiations all day Friday with Iran, the EC
adopted the 2008 Programme and Budget, including the DG's
proposal to reallocate EUR 570,000 within Chapter I for
additional training and equipment. Since the excess EUR
570,000 had been identified after revised estimates of U.S.
and Russian destruction schedules, a number of countries
(most vocally Iran and South Africa, but also Mexico) were
intent on moving at least some of those funds to Chapter II
to support ICA activities. A number of countries (mostly
WEOG) agreed with leaving the whole amount in Chapter II but
disagreed with the DG's proposed use, preferring to see the


money spent on additional OCPF inspections. During the
course of consultations, most delegations decided to accept
the DG's proposal as the best solution to reach consensus;
Mexico signaled that it would accept the DG's proposal,
leaving South Africa and Iran to come around. Early
interventions by some WEOG states
to cut the budget rather than reallocate the funds faded
toward consensus around the DG's proposal by the end of the
week; Japan held out for the cut until Friday's final round
when it, too, joined consensus.


26. (U) With the help of the co-facilitators, the TS
identified approximately EUR 30,000 in Chapter II that it
agreed could be reallocated to ICA activities, specifically
to support internships and research projects (South Africa's
two main areas of interest). However, Iran continued to
employ obstructionist tactics but no concrete proposals to
the bitter end, insisting that the budget remain open for
debate until the CSP.


27. (U) Amb. Javits played a pivotal role in securing the
NAM's agreement to join consensus at the last moment on
Friday night. He proposed report language to allow
interested States Parties to work with the TS in identifying
ICA-related activities that could be funded through voluntary
contributions. However, EU member states almost derailed the
process when a few questioned whether it might jeopardize the
EU Joint Action or whether Brussels would agree to the
additional report language. At the magic hour of sundown
during Ramadan, consensus language was reached and the budget
approved.

--------------
AGENDA ITEM FIVE - Status of implementation
--------------

Sub-item 5(a): Detailed plans for destruction verification


28. (U) Item 5.1: The Council considered amendments to the
agreed detailed plan for verification of the destruction of
chemical weapons at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal
Facility, Newport (EC-49/DEC/CRP.4,dated 12 April 2007),
these documents were deferred to the next regular Session
(EC-51) by the Russian delegation. As no delegation, to
include the Russian Federation, has offered comments or
requests for revision on the Newport documents, this can be
considered a response to U.S. deferral of the Maradykovsky
documents.


29. (SBU) Item 5.2: The Council considered amendments to the
agreed detailed plan for verification of the destruction of
Category 1 chemical weapons at Maradykovsky chemical weapons
destruction facility, Kirovskaya Oblast, the Russian
Federation (EC-49/DEC/CRP.8, dated 18 May 2007),and decided
to consider them further at its next regular Session (EC-51).
Likely due to a desire to defer consideration of the
documents until after the incinerator (second stage) is
operational, the Russian delegation suggested several times
to the U.S. that deferral without debate would be the most
constructive way to proceed. Del held to its position that
discussion in the plenary was necessary, and voiced support
for the DG's statement from EC-49, as articulating the
requirements for second stage treatment before destruction
could be considered complete. (Support was echoed by France,
Germany, the UK and Chile.)


30. (SBU) Russia continues to insist that CW destruction is
complete after the first stage, highlighting a fundamental
difference in interpretation of the Convention that may prove
difficult to overcome if the U.S. insists on seeking
assurances of second stage destruction under Article IV.
Although the usual voices on destruction (UK, France,
Germany) actually sparked this debate with their desire to
approve an acceptable form of the Maradykovsky documents as
soon as possible, the U.S. took its traditional role as
interlocutor with the Russian delegation, and the week ended
in a stalemate on the broader issue of end point of


destruction. Allied delegations agreed that this topic
should be discussed further in Berlin on October 25th. With
the exception of the aforementioned delegations, there seemed
to be little to no concern across the regional groups at the
implications of approving the Maradykovsky documents in their
current form.


31. (SBU) Russia does not appear to feel any pressure to
alter the text of its documents, or to accept any draft
decision language that defines destruction as occurring after
the second stage or refers to verification under Article IV.
Del recommends Washington consider a way ahead in advance of
the upcoming CWC meeting in Berlin, and will work with local
delegations to assess the level of support for any possible
efforts.


32. (U) Item 5.3: The Council considered amendments to the
agreed detailed plan for verification of the destruction of
chemical weapons at the Pine Bluff Binary Destruction
Facility (PBBDF),Arkansas (EC-49/DEC/CRP.8, dated 18 May
2007) and these documents were deferred to the next regular
session (EC-51) by the Russian delegation, despite del's
efforts in the plenary to highlight the relatively
minor/administrative nature of the changes to the PBBDF
verification plan. In a clear response to deferral of its
Maradykovsky documents, Russia cited vague concerns about the
possible implications of any changes, no matter how minor,
and refused to break the Pine Bluff documents free from the
reciprocal deferral of destruction documents.


Sub-item 5(b): Conversion of CWPF


33. (U) Item 5.4: The Council noted a national paper by the
Russian Federation entitled "Information on the Measures
Being Undertaken to Complete Conversion of the Former
Facility for Production of VX-Type Substance and Filling It
into Munitions, Novocheboksarsk (EC-49/NAT.3, dated 13 June
2007).


34. (U) Item 5.5: The Council noted a national paper by the
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya entitled "Information on the Measures
Being Undertaken to Complete Conversion of the Former
Chemical Weapons Production Facilities Rabta Pharmaceutical
Factory 1 and Rabta Pharmaceutical Factory 2, Libyan Arab
Jamahiriya (EC-50/NAT.5, dated 10 September 2007).

Sub-item 5(c): Progress in meeting revised deadlines

35.(U) Item 5.7: The Council noted a Note by the
Director-General on the progress made by those States Parties
that have been granted extensions of deadlines for the
destruction of their Category 1 chemical weapons
(EC-50/DG.12, dated 11 September 2007).


36. (SBU) Item 5.8: The Council noted a Note by the
Director-General on the destruction by Albania of its
Category 1 chemical weapons stockpiles (EC-50/DG.1, dated 4
July 2007),and another such Note on the completion by
Albania of the destruction of its chemical weapons stockpiles
(EC-50/DG.2, dated 11 July 2007). It also noted the
information Albania had provided in this regard (EC-50
NAT.6/Rev.1, dated 26 September 2007),but only after Russia
insisted Albania remove a paragraph referring to their
destruction having been "in accordance with the Convention,"
citing the inconsistency of this statement with the fact that
Albania had been unable to complete its destruction by the
approved extended deadlines.


37. (U) Item 5.9: The Council considered and noted a national
paper by the Libyan Arab Jamahiriya entitled "Report to the
Executive Council on CW destruction Activities during the
Extension Period after 29 April 2007 (29 April 2007-30 June
2007)" (EC-50/NAT.4, dated 23 July 2007, and Cor.1, dated 13
August 2007)."


38. (U) Item 5.10: The Council considered and noted a


national paper by A State Party entitled "Report to the
Executive Council on CW destruction Activities during the
Extension Period after 29 April 2007 (29 April-30 June 2007)"
(EC-50/HP/NAT.2, dated 23 July 2007).


39. (U) Item 5.11: The Council considered and noted a
national paper by India entitled "Report to the Executive
Council on CW destruction Activities during the Extension
Period after 29 April 2007 (29 April-30 June 2007)"
(EC-50/HP/NAT.3, dated 25 July 2007).


40. (SBU) Item 5.12: The Council considered and noted a
national paper by the U.S. entitled "Report to the Executive
Council - Destruction Activity As of 30 June 2007"
(EC-50/NAT.3, dated 27 July 2007). After a wandering and
groundless intervention about the inconsistencies between the
U.S. national paper, the DG's suggested modalities for
reporting (EC-49/DG.1) and the CSP decision approving the
U.S. extension (CSP-11/DEC.17),Iran finally agreed on Friday
to note the U.S. paper subject to the inclusion of a chapeau
paragraph about possessor state obligations in the report
language.


41. (U) Item 5.13: The Council considered and noted a
national paper by the Russian Federation entitled "Report on
Chemical Weapons Destruction Activity at the End of the
Current 90-Days Period after 29 April 2007 (As at 30 June
2007)" (EC-50/P/NAT.1, dated 24 July 2007).


42. (U) Item 5.14: The Council considered and noted a
national paper by China entitled "Progress Report on the
Issue of Japanese Abandoned Chemical Weapons in China"
(EC-50//nat.1, dated 28 July 2007),and a national paper by
Japan entitled "The Current Status of ACW Projects in China"
(EC-50/NAT.2*, dated 24 July 2007).

Sub-item 5(d): Progress made on Article VII


43. (SBU) The EC noted the DG's Note on status of
implementation of Article VII (EC-50/DG.10, dated 7 September
2007). The report language for this item refers to the
various reports made regarding progress and recommends (as
per C-11/DEC.4, dated 6 December 2006) that work continue on
a decision for CSP-12 to recommend further actions. The
facilitator has already issued a draft text for this
decision, based on a proposal from the U.S.

Sub-item 5(e): Status of implementation of Article XI


44. (SBU) The EC noted the DG's report on the status of
implementation of Article XI (EC-48/DG.12, dated 5 March 2007
and Corr. 1, dated 8 March 2007). The report language for
this item was carefully crafted to only encourage further
consultations with the goal of recommendations for CSP-12 -
no mention of an action plan.

Sub-item 5(f): Universality


45. (U) Items 5.17 and 5.18. The Council noted the annual
report on the implementation of the action plan from 30
September 2006 to 331 August 2007 (EC-50/DG.14 C-12/DG.4,
dated 14 September 2007) without discussion.


Sub-item 5(g): Facility agreements


46. (U) Item 5.23: The Council considered and approved a
facility arrangement with the United Kingdom at the converted
chemical weapons production facility located at Randle Island
Landfill Site (formerly ICI Randle),Astmoor, Runcorn
Cheshire (EC-48/DEC/CRP.3/Rev.2, dated 25 September 2007).


47. (U) Item 5.24: The Council considered and approved a
facility arrangement with the United Kingdom at the former
CWPF located at Valley Site (formerly ICI Valley),Rhydymwny,
Mold, North Wales (EC-48/DEC/CRP.4/Rev.2, dated 25 September
2007).




48. (U) Item 5.25: The Council considered and approved a
facility arrangement with the United Kingdom at the converted
CWPF located at CRP Portreath (formerly Chemical Defence
Establishment, Nancekuke),Portreath Redruth, Cornwall
(EC-48/DEC/CRP.8/Rev.2,dated 25 September 2007).


49. (U) Items 5.26 and 5.27: The related amendments to the
agreed detailed plan for verification of the destruction of
chemical weapons at the Newport Chemical Agent Disposal
Facility (EC-49/DEC/CRP.3, dated 12 April 2007) were again
deferred at Russia's request until the next regular session.


50. (U) Item 5.28: The facility agreement with the Russian
Federation located in Maradykovsky, Kirovskaya
(EC-49/DEC/CRP.5, dated 17 April 2007) was deferred at U.s.
request until the next regular session. (See paragraph above
on Item 5.2.)


51. (U) Items 5.29 and 5.30: The Council further considered
modifications to the Pine Bluff Chemical Agent Disposal
Facility (EC-49/S/2, dated 14 May 2007),and at the Pine
Bluff Binary Destruction Facility (EC-49/S/4, dated 18 May
2007). Both these agreements were deferred by the Russian
delegation until the next regular session. (See paragraph
above on Item 5.3.)


52. (SBU) After being deferred in EC-49, this EC approved the
U.S. Schedule 2 facility agreement (Ciba) (EC-49/DEC/CRP.11,
dated 8 June 2007) without discussion. Ambassador and
delreps had earlier requested that the Russian delegation not
hold this first industrial agreement hostage with the other
U.S. documents; they did not.


53. (U) Item 5.32: The Council noted a Note by the DG
updating it on Schedule 2 facility agreements (EC-50/DG.9,
dated 5 September 2007).

Sub-item 5(h): 2006 Verification Implementation Report


54. (U) Further to its consideration at EC-49, the Council
considered and noted the 2006 VIR and associated documents
without discussion.


-------------- --------------
ITEMS SIX AND SEVEN: OIO and External Auditor Reports
-------------- --------------


55. (U) The Council noted both the DG's report on the
implementation of the recommendations of the Office of
Internal Oversight (item 6.1) and the TS's note on the status
of implementation of the recommendations of the External
Auditor (item 6.2).


56. (U) The Council also noted the annual report of the OIO
for 2006, with no comments being made about the report.


57. (U) Facilitator Takayuki Kitagawa (Japan) made oral
reports to the Council on items six and seven.

--------------
ITEM EIGHT: Office in Africa
--------------


58. (SBU) During the EC, the DG released his proposal for a
"Programme for Africa." Initial report language circulated
by the Africa Group warmly welcomed the proposal; however,
the report language was toned down after Delreps engaged
South Africa and Algeria and offered alternative language.
In the end, the Council welcomed the DG's initiative (rather
than the proposal itself),noted the need for a facilitator
to guide consultations, asked the TS to provide budgetary
implications for any additional activities, and also ensured
the inclusion of donors and other interested parties in
further discussions on the "Programme."



59. (SBU) During the adoption of the report language, the DG
admitted that the "Programme" was essentially a repackaging
of current efforts in Africa and did not include any new
initiatives. He also further noted that any new activities
would have to be funded through voluntary contributions.

-------------- --
ITEM NINE: Administrative and Financial Matters
-------------- --


60. (U) Item 9.2: The Council noted the Medium Term Plan.


61. (U) Item 9.3: The Council approved Guatemala's request
for a multi-year payment plan for its outstanding assessed
contributions. Amb. Rodriguez Mancia (Guatemala) expressed
her country's thanks for the Council's decision.


62. (U) Item 9.4: The Council noted and forwarded to the CSP
a report on the status of implementation of agreed multi-year
payment plans.


63. (U) Item 9.5: The Council noted the TS's note on the
status in 2007 of implementation of the recommendations of
the External Auditor.


64. (U) Item 9.6: The Council noted the audited financial
statements for 2006.


65. (U) Item 9.7: The Council forwarded to the CSP the DG's
report on income and expenditure for 2007.


66. (U) Item 9.8: The Council noted the DG's note on the cash
situation and use of the Working Capital Fund for 2007. The
UK, France and Germany all made interventions calling on
States Parties to pay their assessed contributions promptly
and in full; however, there was no direct mention of the U.S.


67. (U) Item 9.9: Del did not block consensus, and the
Council recommended to the CSP the proposed alignment of OPCW
Staff Regulation 3.2(a) with the corresponding UN Staff
Regulation.


68. (U) Item 9.10: Germany intervened, noting its concern
with the DG's proposal on adopting lump-sum payment for
travel-related entitlements. Del rep also noted U.S.
concerns and proposed that the DG's plan be adopted for a
one-year trial period; the DG countered that a two-year trial
was necessary in order to evaluate the change after it ran
for a full financial year. Japan echoed the U.S. and German
comments. The Council agreed to the two-year trial period
(2008-2009) and noted the DG's note.


69. (U) Items 9.11 and 9.12: The Council noted the DG's note
on the report of Security Audit Team IV (SAT-IV). SAT-IV
Chair Yonosuke Haranda (Japan) gave an oral report to the
Council, which was followed by the DG encouraging States
Parties to support SAT-V both politically and through the
nomination qualified auditors. (NOTE: The deadline for
nominating auditors for SAT-V is November 30, 2007.)

--------------
ITEM TEN: ABAF Report and Membership
--------------


70. (U) The Council noted both the 23rd ABAF Report and the
DG's note with responses to the ABAF's recommendations (item
10.1). The Council also noted the resignations of Gianpaolo
Malpaga and John Fox and approved the appointment of Mary
Rios (vice Fox).

Item 11: Reports of the Scientific Advisory Board


71. (U) Further to its consideration at EC-49, the Council
considered and noted the reports of the Ninth and Tenth
sessions of the Scientific Advisory Board (SAB-9/1, dated 14
February 2007 and SAB-10/1, dated 23 May 2007 and Corr.1,
dated 22 June 2007),and the Director General's note on the


same (EC-49/DG.16, dated 21 June 2007).

--------------
ITEM TWELVE: Report on EC Activities
--------------


72. (U) The Council approved and submitted to the CSP its
draft report on the performance of its activities (covering 8
July 2006 to 29 June 2007).

--------------
ITEM FOURTEEN: Any other business
--------------


73. (U) The Council approved an addendum to the report by the
DG on the credentials of representatives of members to the
Council. Amb. Lak (Netherlands) announced an open meeting
for delegates to discuss the 10-14 September 2007 Deft
challenge inspection. The meeting will be held in the third
week in October to discuss lessons learned and issues with
the challenge inspection mechanism.


74. (U) The Director General, who returned from New York for
the last day of the EC, reported on the high level meeting in
honor of the tenth anniversary of the CWC held at the United
Nations on September 27. The Council welcomed his oral
report at the final action of the Session.


BEIK SENDS.
Arnall