T LETTER OF THANKS TO SPANISH MFA OFFICIALS FOR

UNCLAS STATE 077361 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL SP SUBJECT: T LETTER OF THANKS TO SPANISH MFA OFFICIALS FOR PSI 5TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATIONS REF: STATE 023568 ¶1. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: At the Senior-Level Meeting for all states endorsing the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) held May 28, 2008, in Washington, DC, on the occasion of the PSI's Fifth Anniversary, two Spanish officials had formal roles. MFA Director-General for External Policy Rafael Dezcallar gave a presentation reviewing five successful years of the PSI during the first session of the day, on taking stock of the first five years of the PSI. MFA Department for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament official Tada Bastida Eizaguirre gave a presentation in the afternoon on Spain's ratification of the 2005 Protocols to the Convention on the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against the Safety of Maritime Navigation. The PSI Senior-Level Meeting was attended by representatives of 85 countries, almost all of the 92 states that have endorsed the PSI. ¶2. ACTION REQUESTED: Embassy is requested to deliver under appropriate cover the following letters from Acting Under Secretary John Rood to MFA Director-General for External Policy Rafael Dezcallar and MFA Department for Non-Proliferation and Disarmament official Tada Bastida Eizaguirre, thanking each of them for their role in the PSI Fifth Anniversary Senior-Level Meeting. The State Department does not plan to release the texts of these letters but has no objection if the Government of Spain wishes to do so. There will be no signed originals. ¶3. Begin text of letter to Mr. Dezcallar: Dear Mr. Dezcallar: On behalf of the U.S. Government, I want to thank you for your presentation "PSI 2003-2008: Five Successful Years" in the opening panel of the May 28, 2008 Senior-Level Meeting of Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) participants in Washington DC. Your presentation made an important contribution to the meeting. This panel was a good way for the meeting participants to take stock of the first five years of the PSI, including the views of Spain and several other key PSI partners. I believe the PSI Fifth Anniversary Senior-Level Meeting was very successful in reaffirming the strong commitment of the PSI partner states to respond to the WMD proliferation challenge. It also provided the participants from 85 countries an opportunity to strengthen communication with one another. We hope this event will result in expanded participation in PSI activities, particularly on a regional basis. The United States recognizes that Spain plays a significant role in the PSI, and we greatly appreciate your Government's continued efforts and contributions to advancing the PSI goals. Sincerely, John C. Rood Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security End text of letter. ¶4. Begin text of letter to Ms. Bastida Eizaguirre: Dear Ms. Bastida Eizaguirre: On behalf of the U.S. Government, I want to thank you for your presentation "Ratification of the 2005 Protocols to the SUA Treaties: Paving the Way Forward" at the May 28, 2008 Senior-Level Meeting of Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) participants in Washington DC. Your presentation made a valuable contribution to the meeting, covering one of the most important additions to the international legal framework to counter WMD-related trafficking since the PSI was established. Spain's example as the first signatory state to ratify the 2005 SUA Protocols is an inspiration to all PSI partners. I believe the PSI Fifth Anniversary Senior-Level Meeting was very successful in reaffirming the strong commitment of the PSI partner states to respond to the WMD proliferation challenge. It also provided the participants from 85 countries an opportunity to strengthen communication with one another. We hope this event will result in expanded participation in PSI activities, particularly on a regional basis. The United States recognizes that Spain plays a significant role in the PSI, and we greatly appreciate your Government's continued efforts and contributions to advancing the PSI goals. Sincerely, John C. Rood Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security End text of letter. ¶5. POINTS OF CONTACT: Washington points of contact on the PSI are Jane Purcell (e-mail: PurcelJa@state.gov, 202-647-6186); and Carlos Guzman (e-mail: GuzmanCS@state.gov, 202-647-6320). Department appreciates Post's assistance. RICE