OAS REGIONAL SEMINAR ON IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1540,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 BUENOS AIRES 000793 SIPDIS FOR WHA, IO, AND ISN/CPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AORC KPAO PTER UNSC KNNP AR SUBJECT: OAS REGIONAL SEMINAR ON IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1540, BUENOS AIRES, MAY 13-14, 2008 REF: GABORONE 01450 -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. A regional workshop on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which concerns non-proliferation and export control obligations, was co-hosted by the U.S. and Argentina and held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from May 13-14, ¶2008. All members of the Organization of American States were invited. Participants, listed in paragraph 12, included seventy-seven senior and mid-level government officials involved in reporting or implementing provisions of Resolution 1540. The program offered participants the opportunity to discuss issues with UN 1540 Committee members as well as discuss problems and strategies of meeting country obligations required by the agreement. In addition, the group discussed the recently passed UNSCR resolution 1810, which provides additional guidance on implementing national action plans related to nonproliferation and export control. End Summary. -------------- UNSCR 1540 Compliance in the Region -------------- ¶2. The workshop was primarily intended for the states of North and South America as well as the Caribbean to discuss UN Resolution 1540 reporting status and the development of national action plans. Delegates initially discussed problems and lessons learned in using the UN 1540 Committee provided matrix (a self-assessment tool) as part of the reporting process. Overall, as a region, the OAS states have been responsive to the UN and have submitted their initial UN 1540 reports. However, many countries noted that although their reports stated they were &in full 1540 compliance,8 the breadth and scope of functional areas to be addressed was potentially overwhelming. There was consensus that all states need a central point of contact or coordinator and regional organizations, such as the OAS, also need coordinators to engage with the UN 1540 Committee. Additional objectives of the workshop included: reviewing UN Resolution 1810 and discussing its emphasis on implementation; discussing the role regional organizations will play as they assist members to achieve full 1540 compliance; analyzing donor country technical assistance programs (e.g. EXBS); reviewing the UN 1540 Committee assistance request form, and debating next steps. 
¶3. Participants included senior policy representatives from 19 OAS states as well as policy and technical officials from the OAS, UN 1540 Committee and Committee Panel of Experts, UN Office of Disarmament Affairs (UN ODA),Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE),Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW),Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR),and INTERPOL. In addition, 24 local Argentine officials from various export control and nonproliferation ministries attended the program (see para 12 for full participant list). In the spirit of open and honest discussion, it became apparent during the working group sessions that although all OAS countries have reported to the UN 1540 Committee that their states are in &full compliance with the reporting obligation,8 many smaller states do not have a complete understanding of their implementation obligations. The basic problem is that those states cannot get their senior policymakers to focus on WMD proliferation as a threat, and they will need assistance in developing, then executing national implementation plans. ¶4. Two major points that emerged from the presentations by delegates who have been involved in their country,s reporting or implementation were: interagency cooperation and information sharing is essential, and regional events and training by IGOs is important in preventing a &weak link8 in hemispheric security. As an example of the first point, Canadian delegate Thomas Blackmore pointed out that in many customs organizations there may be programs that meet or assist 1540 requirements. That 1540 coordinators within states are unaware of such assets may actually lead to under-reporting on compliance. The second point was that it was important to continue regional events so that smaller countries, which may have gaps in their programs, do not fall further behind. Those countries do not want to become the &weakest link8 in the chain of hemispheric security and become a target or terrorists to exploit. BUENOS AIR 00000793 002 OF 009 -------------- The OAS Role -------------- ¶5. During the wrap-up session, the three moderators, Thomas Wuchte (U.S. Department of State),Carlos Hernandez (Argentine MFA),and Gonzalo Talavera (Peru OAS Representative),assured the delegates that their points were heard and understood, and that the Committee on Hemispheric Security within the OAS, chaired by Ambassador Izben Williams (Nevis and St. Kitts),would take an active role coordinating assistance requested by states. Ambassador Williams called for a meeting between his Committee and the UN 1540 Committee, to analyze the gaps, both national and regional, and set assistance priorities based on an analysis of the reporting and assistance requests received by the Committee. -------------- Delegate Conclusions -------------- ¶6. Other highlights of the program included: -- The UN 1540 Committee will specifically seek to cooperate with regional groups such as the OAS; -- States can share lessons learned, gap analyses, national implementation plans and frameworks, and specific implementation methodologies though the UN 1540 Committee and where appropriate on the UN 1540 Website; -- A review of UN Resolution 1810, as a follow-up to UN 1673 emphasizes a shift from reporting to national implementation plans; -- States should customize their national implementation plans based on their national capacity and priorities; -- A 1540 Report on Implementation is under development; and -- Regimes and IGOs need to provide technical assistance at the national and regional level. -------------- Delegate Recommendations -------------- ¶7. Based on statements from delegates of the Caribbean countries regarding the gaps that exist between the reports and the actual state of implementation, a priority need for the CARICOM countries is technical assistance and training on developing a national export control/nonproliferation law. UN resolution 1540 requires signatories to establish legal prohibitions to form the foundation of their national systems. On the margins, delegate Bernadette Butler (Bahamas) suggested this could be accomplished regionally through the Commonwealth,s organization. A second priority would be to analyze the requests for assistance that come to the UN 1540 Committee and prioritize requests made by OAS member states. Working with Ambassador Williams and the Committee on Hemispheric Security, some technical assistance and training programs could be delivered regionally instead of bilaterally thereby optimizing the use of assistance funds. Finally ( MERCUSOR will hold internal discussions in mid-June and Post is following up to attend as an observer. -------------- Nuts and Bolts -------------- ¶8. The workshop was organized into four parts: an opening plenary session, followed by three working sessions led by a moderator. The plenary session was opened by Ambassador Raul Ricardes of Argentina, who thanked all the delegates for their participation in the important job of preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and fighting terrorism. He noted that Argentina was a target of terrorist attacks in 1992 and 1994 and that no country is immune from the actions of these non-state actors. Ambassador Ricardes was followed by U.S. Ambassador Earl Anthony Wayne, who reminded delegates that UNSCR 1540 was a vital element in combating non-proliferation. Wayne remarked that the U.S. has been working with Argentina and many other nations for many years to combat the spread of WMD and terrorism and this workshop was part of those continuing efforts. Ambassador Wayne encouraged the delegates to share their success stories and learn from each other on ways to implement the resolution. ¶9. Dr. Izben Williams, Ambassador from St. Kitts and Nevis BUENOS AIR 00000793 003 OF 009 and Chair of the Committee of Hemispheric Security of the OAS delivered the keynote address. Ambassador Williams reaffirmed that the OAS considered implementation of 1540 fundamentally important to hemispheric security. Ambassador Williams reviewed the history of resolutions adopted by the General Assembly of the OAS related to non-proliferation and noted several resolutions related to nonproliferation will be adopted by the Assembly next month (June 2008). He recognized that clear gaps still persist "between the global consensus with regard to the threat of WMD proliferation, and national capacities and sometime willingness to take decisive, concrete actions to address such threats." Ambassador Williams reminded delegates that to meet their obligations under the resolution, states must take significant measures which must include: the establishment of legal prohibitions; implementing systems to account for, secure and physically protect sensitive materials, and develop appropriate and effective border and trade controls. Based on the extension of 1540 by UN resolution 1810, Ambassador Williams encouraged the UNSCR 1540 Committee to assess the submitted reports, identify gaps in state's capacities as well as regional deficiencies, and prioritize steps that states should take to meet their commitments. In conclusion, Ambassador Williams recommended that UN 1540 Committee members should meet with the OAS Hemispheric Security Committee to rationalize and coordinate assistance projects to focus on priority gaps. ¶10. The plenary session was followed by three working sessions each with a moderator and several panelists. Working Session I was entitled &Key Elements of the 1540 Resolution ad Overview of the Current Regional Implementation Stage8 and was chaired by Carlos Hernandez of the Argentine MFA. Panelists provided a series of presentations on reports filed to date with the UNSCR 1540 Committee and what the roles other IGOs are playing to assist states with 1540 implementation. Hamilton O,Neil, the delegate from Jamaica, forcefully stated that before the group started a discussion of implementation plans, delegates should recognize that in the smaller countries of CARICOM, basic awareness training, particularly for high level policy makers was still needed. Working Session II was entitled &National Implementation Plans8 and was moderated by Thomas Wuchte (U.S. State 1540 Coordinator). A series of panelists described methodologies they had used within their country or organization to establish a framework for an implementation plan. Two delegates described the difficulties of assessing all the functions various agencies perform related to 1540 and the importance of good interagency cooperation. There was consensus that each country needed a focal point or national coordinator for 1540 activities. Working Session III was moderated by Gonzalo Talavera (Peru MFA-OAS Representative) and continued the theme of national implementation plans. A series of delegates gave statements regarding their country,s implementation of action plans. Nils Johanson, U.S. State ISN/ECC described technical assistance that could be offered by the State through the Export Control and Border Security Program (EXBS) Delegates from the UN 1540 Committee reiterated their intent to help all states with advice and technical assistance for those that require it. -------------- Participants -------------- ¶12. List of Participants: UNITED STATES: Department of State Wuchte, Thomas Senior Advisor and U.S. 1540 Coordinator (1-202) 736-4275; (1-202) 647-4467 WuchteTA@state.gov Johanson, Nils Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program Officer International Security Non-proliferation Office of Export Controls Cooperation (1-202) 647-3526 JohansonNP@state.gov Schandlbauer, Alfred United States Embassy in Argentina BUENOS AIR 00000793 004 OF 009 5777-4533 ARGENTINA: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kelly, Elsa Ambassador ) Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs 4819-7830 Bocalandro, Ricardo Secretary ) Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs 4819-7830 rlb@mrecic.gov.ar Hernndez, Carlos Secretary - Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs 4819-7837 cah@mrecic.gov.ar Raiola, Silvia Adviser ) Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs 4819-7831 sar@mrecic.gov.ar Buis, Emiliano Legal Adviser - Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs 4819-7832 ejb@mrecic.gov.ar Pagola, Mara Victoria Expert ) Office of International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs. 4819-7830 pmv@mrecic.gov.ar Ministry of Defense Carranza, Susana Beatriz Expert in Political Science 4346-8800 int. 8174 suscar@mindef.gov.ar Office of the President Cucovaz, Silvia Beatriz Representative 4812-4930; 4812-4930 eni2006@gmail.com Maruyama, Ana Pharmaceutical 4343-5531 int. 1274 anammaruyama@yahoo.com.ar Scientific and Technical Defense research Institute (CITEFA) Blejman, Alicia Graciela Director of Research 4709-1228 Bernacchi, Adriana Dr. in Biological Science Biro of International Agreements, Management of Research 4709-8229 abernacchi@citefa.gov.ar Valles, Edith Dr. in Veterinarian Science Biro of International Agreements, Management of Research Professional assistant 4709-8229 evalles@citefa.gov.ar Abragun, Mara Brbara babraguin@citefa.gov.ar National Arms Registry (RENAR) Siderakis, Anastasio Head of Cabinet of Advisers 4371-8989 siderakisa@renar.gov.ar National Gendarmerie of Argentina Leiva, Gonzalo Javier BUENOS AIR 00000793 005 OF 009 Superior technician in Criminology Cell: 15-3200-0288 gonzalo-gna@yahoo.com Romero, Eduardo Amadeo Biochemist 4310-3699; 4310-2589 romero41@gmail.com Galvn Batista, Ftima First corporal Cell: 15-6960-9918 4338-6498 fgalvan-batista@yahoo.com.ar Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) Solmesky, Sergio Engineer, Unit of Institutional Information 6323-1307/51 ssolmesky@sede.arn.gov.ar Terigi, Gabriel Assistant Director of Institutional Communication 6323-1377 gterigi@sede.arn.gov.ar Fernndez Moreno, Sonia Director of Nuclear Affairs and Institutional Communication 6323-1357 sfmoreno@sede.arn.gov.ar lvarez Vicente, Agustina Assistant Director for Nuclear Affairs 6323-1704 aavicent@sede.arn.gov.ar Acosta, Gabriela Mara Assistant Director for Nuclear Affairs Cell: 15-6197-3981 / 6323-1371 gacosta@sede.arn.gov.ar Sayan, Julieta Expert in Political Science Unit of Institutional Information 6323-1307 jsayan@sede.arn.gov.ar National Commission for Atomic Energy (CNEA) Cancio, Rubn Engineer 4704-1085 cancio@cnea.gov.ar Cinat, Enrique Chemical Engineer 6772-7826 cinta@cnea.gov.ar Deluchi, Facundo Expert International Relations 4704-1226 deluchi@cnea.gov.ar Winsnes, Federico Bernardo Lawyer 4704-1496 winsnes@cnea.gov.ar Argentina Chamber of Exporters (CERA) Giordano, Rubn Enrique Director CERA 4394-4482; 43394-1003 contacto@cera.org.ar Maritime Prefecture of Argentina Pellegrino, Rogelio Gustavo Prefect 4318-7488; 4314-6234 rpellegrino@prefecturanaval.gov.ar Chesini, Vctor Daniel Prefect 4314-1278 infopna1@prefecturanaval.gov.ar Bagini, Mariana Herminia BUENOS AIR 00000793 006 OF 009 Principal Officer 4318-7551; 4314-6234 dic@prefecturanaval.gov.ar General Customs Directorate Bayoni, Fernando Pablo Representative 4338-6440; 4338-6772 fbayoni@afip.gov.ar Pizzuto, Vilma Susana Representative 4338-7678; 4338-7663; 4338-7678 vpizzuto@afip.gov.ar National Commission for Special Activities (CONAE) Hernndez, Ana Mara Dr. Physics Science 4331-0074 int. 206; 4331-0189 anamaria@conae.gov.ar Biro of Internal Affairs Romero, Noelia Paola Lawyer Cell: 15-6544-6738; 4943-9883; 4943-9730 npr@dic.gov.ar Mascialino, Damiana Expert in Political Science 4943-9715 dam@dic.gov.ar BAHAMAS Butler, Bernadette Chief Counsel ) Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Legal Affairs (242) 502-9560; (242) 356-4179 bernadettebutler@hotmail.com BARBADOS Dowridge, David A. Commander ) Barbados Defense Force (246) 436 6182 dowridge.d@bdf.gov.bb BOLIVIA Roca Kikunaga, Zoilo Military Attach Embassy of Bolivia in Argentina 4393-1664 Zroca55@hotmail.com BRASIL Frazao Araujo, Sergio Antonio General Coordinator for Sensitive Goods Ministry of Science and Technology (55) 61 34 11 56 00 sfrazao@mtc.gov.gr Monteiro De Carvalho Junior, Osvaldo Consultant for Nuclear Technology and Export Control Ministry of Science and Technology (55) 61 3411 5153 omonteiro@mtc.gov.br Gallinal Cuenca, Carlos Fernando Head of Department for Defense and International Security Embassy of Brazil in Argentina 4515-2477 ccuenca@embrasil.org.ar Poggio Padua, Thiago Department for Defense and International Security Embassy of Brazil in Argentina 4515-2476 tpoggio@embrasil.org.ar Montenegro, Manuel First Secretary Embassy of Brazil in Argentina 4515-2477 mmontenegro@embrasil.or.ar CANADA Blackmore, Michael Senior Policy Officer BUENOS AIR 00000793 007 OF 009 Department of Foreign Affairs & International Trade (613) 944-5389 michael.blackmore@international.gc.ca CHILE Capdevila, Jos Political Adviser Embassy of Chile in Argentina 4050-8290 jmcapdevila@embajadadechile.com.ar Rodrguez, Mara Luisa Analist Department of Special Politics, Subdivision of International Security and Disarmament Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chile (56 2) 8274390 mlrodriguez@minrel.gov.cl COLOMBIA Restrepo Hurtado, lvaro Embassy Adviser Embassy of Colombia in Argentina 4325-0258 alvarorestrepo@embajadacolombia.int.ar ECUADOR Maldonado Robles, Jorge Secretary Embassy of Ecuador in Argentina 4804-0073; 4804-0074 embecuador@embecuador.com.ar EL SALVADOR Figueroa Mata, Yohalmo Colonel, Advisor for Security and Defense Permanent Mission of the OAS (1-703) 389-5553 yohafig19@yahoo.com FINLAND Musakka, Raisa Intern ) Embassy of Finland in Argentina raisa.musakka@formin.fi HONDURAS Valladares-Gmez, Reniery Advisor Mission of Honduras to the United Nations (1- 917) 582-6776; (1-212) 752-3370 renieryv1978@yahoo.com MEXICO Macas Ortiz, Teresita Officer Center for Investigations and National Security (CISEN) (52) 55 562443700 int. 2060 teremacias@entermas.net De la Torre Galindo, Francisco Head of Political Section Embassy of Mexico in Argentina 4118-8823 fdelatorre@embamex.int.ar NICARAGUA Castillo Salaverry, Rodrigo General Director for Defense Policies Ministry of Defense (505) 222-4256 rcastillo@mindef.gov.ni PARAGUAY Flores Servn, Elio Antonio Cnel. DEM (Diplomat Colonel of Headquarters) Military and Defense Attach Embassy of Paraguay in Argentina 002 54 11 48020981; 002 54 1566617592 agregadomilitardelpy@hotmail.com PERU Lpez Chavarri, Mario Secretary SDR Embassy of Peru in Argentina BUENOS AIR 00000793 008 OF 009 48022000 int. 102 embperucancilleria@arnet.com.ar Campos Fernndez, Mnica Second Secretary SDR Embassy of Peru in Argentina 48022000 int. 108 caetana64@hotmail.com; mcampos@embajadadelperu.com.ar Talavera lvarez, Gonzalo Alternate Representative Permanent Mission of Peru to the OAS (1-202) 232-2281 gtalavera@peruoas.org ST. KITTS & NEVIS Dr. Williams, Izben C. Ambassador of St. Kitts & Nevis to the Organization of American States (OAS) The United States Chair, Committee of Hemispheric Security of the OAS (1- 202) 686-2636 amb@embskn.com; ja@embskn.com gailgilbert@embskn.com TRINIDAD Y TOBAGO Bridgewater, Claude Commanding Officer 1st Engineer Battalion Major ) Trinidad y Tobago Defense Force (1-868) 667-8301 claude.bridgewater@ttdf.mil.tt; cebridgie@yahoo.com VENEZUELA Cely Noda, Alejandra Coordinator for International Affairs People Ministry for Foreign Affairs Coordination of Multilateral Political Affairs 0058 212 8064310; 0058 416 6209656 aljandra.cely@mre.com.ve; alecely@yahoo.com INTERNATIONAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS: UNITED NATIONS, UNSCR 1540 (United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540) Barra, Jos The 1540 Committee Representative, United Nations (1-212) 421-5420; (1-917) 250-7883 jbarria@panama-un.org Cerini, Ana Mara Expert, UNSCR 1540 ) Security Council (1-917) 367-9347 cerini@un.org Markram, Thomas Senior Political Affairs Officer Weapons of Mass Destruction Branch, Office for Disarmament Affairs (1-212) 963-0008 markram@un.org OPCW (Organization for Prohibition of Chemical Weapons) Paturej, Krzysztof Director Office of Special Projects of the Technical Secretariat Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) (3170) 416 30 77 Krzysztof.Paturej@opcw.org CARICOM (Caribbean Community) Hamilton, O,Neil Senior Attach Embassy of Jamaica in the U.S. (1-202) 329-4110 oneil.hamilton@verizon.net MTCR (Missile Technology Control Regime) Danellis, Eleftherios Ambassador/ MTCR Chair Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece (306) 948 949696 pmar@mfa.gr; d01@mfa.gr OSCE (ORGANIZACION FOR SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPA) Mor Sola, Ricardo Permanent Representative for Political Military Affairs Permanent Mission of Spain to OSCE, Vienna (43) 1 505-8600-382 Ricardo.mor@maec.es BUENOS AIR 00000793 009 OF 009 O.I.P.C. INTERPOL. (Bs. As.) De Assis Possa, Armando Head of Subregional Office of Interpol for South America 4346-5767 a.possa@interpol.int Toledo, Domingo Andres Regional Specialist Officer for the International Organization of Criminal Police 4346-5767 a.toledo@interpol.int ¶13. For further information, contact U.S. 1540 Coordinator Tom Wuchte, at 202-736-4275 or at WuchteTA@state.gov. WAYNE