SECRETARY GENERAL HILALE CONFIRMS MOROCCAN

UNCLAS RABAT 000478 SIPDIS FOR T- UNDERSECRETARY ROOD, ISN AND NEA/MAG E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MNUC PARM PHSA PREL KNNP MO SUBJECT: SECRETARY GENERAL HILALE CONFIRMS MOROCCAN ENDORSEMENT OF PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE REF: RABAT 462 ¶1. (SBU) Moroccan Foreign Ministry Secretary General Omar Hilale sent a letter to Undersecretary of State John Rood on May 19 underscoring Morocco's endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative. It asks that we alert the GOM as to when we will announce this and looks forward to his attendance at the PSI 5th Anniversary meeting. The letter, in addition to a diplomatic note 00461 (reftel),was sent under cover of a letter to Ambassador Riley. Text follows: Begin Text: Dear Undersecretary of State, Following your letter dated April 21, 2008 and our phone conversations, I have the honor to confirm Morocco's endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative. A note in this regard has been sent today to the Embassy of the United States of America in Rabat (see copy attached). The endorsement of this Initiative by Morocco reflects its strong commitment to the disarmament and the non-proliferation efforts. It should also strengthen cooperation between Morocco and the United States in terms of democracy, disarmament, and fighting against international terrorism. I am sure that this new decision will consolidate friendship relations that bind our two countries and will enhance their multidisciplinary partnership on the international scene. I would be grateful to you for keeping me informed, as agreed, of the date on which the Spokesman will announce Morocco's endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative. Finally, I would like also to confirm that I will be presiding over the Moroccan delegation to the Proliferation Security Initiative Fifth Anniversary events of May 21-29, 2008 in Washington, D.C. While looking forward to meeting you at the end of the month, please accept, Mr. Undersecretary, the assurances of my highest consideration. Secretary General Omar Hilale End Text. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: It could be useful if a brief meeting, or at least a pull-aside, were to be arranged during the PSI events. Post stands ready to facilitate or support as needed. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley