T LETTER OF THANKS TO NEW ZEALAND DEPUTY

UNCLAS STATE 081399 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL NZ SUBJECT: T LETTER OF THANKS TO NEW ZEALAND DEPUTY SECRETARY FORSYTH FOR PSI 5TH ANNIVERSARY PRESENTATION REF: STATE 023570 ¶1. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND: Caroline Forsyth, New Zealand Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs, 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. Forsyth's presentation covered improving international cooperation for more rapid interdiction action, during the panel on ways to continue strengthening 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 Deputy Secretary of Foreign Affairs Caroline Forsyth, 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 New Zealand wishes to do so. There will be no signed original. ¶3. Begin text of letter: Dear Ms. Forsyth: On behalf of the U.S. Government, I want to thank you for your presentation on improving international cooperation for more rapid interdiction action, in the panel on ways to continue strengthening the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) 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. We especially appreciate New Zealand's initiative to develop the PSI Model National Response Plan and distribute it to participating countries during the PSI 5th Anniversary. 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 New Zealand 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