FOLLOW-UP: NZ PARTICIPATION IN ARF WORKSHOP ON

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000073 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/RSP AND EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO KNNP PREL PARM AORC PTER OSCE ETTC ASEAN NZ SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP: NZ PARTICIPATION IN ARF WORKSHOP ON UNSCR 1540 IMPLEMENTATION REF: SECSTATE 3582 (SBU) On January 24, Pol-Econ Counselor discussed reftel ARF Workshop invitation with Michael Swain, Deputy Director of the Security Policy Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT). Swain said that MFAT officials have been aware of the workshop since it was discussed at last November's ARF meeting and very much hope to participate. At this point, it appears the GNZ will not be able to send a representative out of Wellington, as all likely candidates are preparing for the PSI Operational Experts Group exercise that New Zealand will host in March. Swain has asked the NZ Consulate in Los Angeles to represent New Zealand at the ARF workshop, and will advise post when he gets an answer. Swain said he would also write directly to EAP/RSP's Kevin Sheives. McCormick