T LETTER OF THANKS TO AUSTRALIAN LEGAL OFFICIAL

UNCLAS STATE 080531 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL AS SUBJECT: T LETTER OF THANKS TO AUSTRALIAN LEGAL OFFICIAL FOR PSI 5TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION REF: STATE 023568 ¶1. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Kerin Leonard, Principal Legal Officer, Office of International Law, Australian Attorney General's Department, gave a presentation 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. Leonard's presentation covered the implications for the PSI of UN Security Council resolutions on nonproliferation and amendments to the Montreal Convention, during the panel on efforts to strengthen international frameworks that support the PSI. 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 letter from Acting Under Secretary John Rood to Principal Legal Officer in the Office of International Law, Australian Attorney General's Department, Kerin Leonard, thanking her for her presentation at the PSI Fifth Anniversary Senior-Level Meeting. The State Department does not plan to release the text of this letter but has no objection if the Government of Australia wishes to do so. There will be no signed original. ¶3. Begin text of letter: Dear Ms. Leonard: On behalf of the U.S. Government, I want to thank you for your presentation on the implications for the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) of UN Security Council resolutions on nonproliferation and amendments to the Montreal Convention, given in the panel on efforts to strengthen international frameworks at the May 28, 2008 Senior-Level Meeting for PSI participants in Washington DC. Your presentation made an important contribution to the panel and the meeting overall, covering some key additions to the international legal framework to counter WMD-related trafficking. 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 Australia 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. 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