MISSION CLEARANCE REQUEST

UNCLAS STATE 106303 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC PARM PGOV PREL PTER UNSC OTRA SUBJECT: MISSION CLEARANCE REQUEST REF: A. STATE 72689 -- GUIDANCE ON THAILAND WORKSHOP ¶B. EMAIL UN ODA/USUN -- OCTOBER 1 ¶C. STATE 97955 -- 1540 COMMITTEE TRANSPARENCY OF WORK ¶D. STATE 99692 -- COMMITTEE RESPONSIVENESS AND USG PROGRAMS FOR IMPLEMENTATION ¶E. STATE 100866 -- ACTION ON 1540 COMMITTEE WORK PROGRAM ¶1. The United States is a co-sponsor of the UNSCR 1540 Workshop organized in cooperation with the UN 1540 Committee and the Government of Thailand to take place October 27-31. Other co-sponsors are the European Union and Norway. In general, the United States continues to be involved at all levels in coordinating support activities for various 1540 Committee implementation outreach, and this involvement has deepened through our strategic interest in full implementation of UNSCR 1540 -- which UN ODA and the Panel of Experts have sought for ongoing implementation efforts. The workshop at the end of October will focus on practical hands-on experience for countries of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). See Ref A. ¶2. Per Ref B, United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs and the Panel of Experts who are working with co-sponsors, requested a preview of the U.S. presentations of detection equipment and our overall view on final preparations as the lead nation on Asian regional nonproliferation assistance programs for UNSCR 1540 implementation. Due to availability of conference rooms, the meeting is scheduled for October 8 from 1400-1600 in Room 3327G at the UN Main building. This request is supported by Washington interagency and is consistent with ongoing objectives as outlined in Refs C-E. ¶3. Requested itinerary: Mr. Thomas A. Wuchte, U.S. 1540 Coordinator, Department of State, Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, Major J. Kevin White and Mr. Michael Ruwe, International Cooperation Program, Defense Threat reduction Agency, will arrive on or about 10/8, and depart on or about 10/9. ¶4. No logistical assistance is required aside from a UN pass for the meeting -- Mission assistance is appreciated in providing administrative details to obtain access to room 3327G as well any Mission participation in the preview and discussions, which is welcomed. RICE