ESTONIA TO PROPOSE TEXT FOR JOINT EDITORIAL ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L TALLINN 000134

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FOR EUR/NB KATHERINE GARRY AND INS/WMDT SARAH PRESSCOT and
TIM KATSAPIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/11/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL KNNP RU EN
SUBJECT: ESTONIA TO PROPOSE TEXT FOR JOINT EDITORIAL ON
GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM

Classified by: CDA Karen Decker for reasons 1.4 (b) AND (d)

REF: (A) STATE 35246
(B) TALLINN 76
(C) MOSCOW 965


1. (SBU) On April 10, Poloffs meet with Aivo Orav, Director
of Political Department, and Anneli Poolakese, Terrorism
Desk Officer and Global Initiative (GI) POC at the Estonian
MFA, to discuss points provided in reftel A. Orav said
that the Government of Estonia (GOE) is pleased with
Secretary Rice's positive response to the proposal for a

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joint editorial on the GI. Poolakese indicated that the
MFA hopes to have a first draft for U.S. review within ten
working days. Per ref A, Poloff noted the U.S. preference
for using the phrase "combating nuclear terrorism" verses
"combating nuclear proliferation."


2. (C) Orav told Poloffs that following the February
meeting (reftel B) between the Ambassador, Foreign Minister
Paet and the Russian Ambassador, the Estonian Embassy in
Moscow had also approached the Russian MFA to request
Russian participation in the joint editorial. Orav
characterized the Russian MFA's reaction to the proposal as
"hesitant." Orav said he thought the Russians might be
more willing to participate if they are presented with a
draft text of the statement to review. Orav suggested the
U.S. and GOE work together on the text with the intent of
jointly presenting the Russian MFA with a draft. Poloffs
said they looked forward to receiving a copy of the
Estonian draft and committed to convey Orav's suggested
plan back to Washington.


3. (C) Post read Ref C with interest and thanks Embassy
Moscow for championing Estonia's proposal on this important
issue. We note the seemingly more constructive tone taken
by the Russians when approached by the Estonians directly.
While this may be merely Estonian wishful thinking, we hope
the Estonian draft will also be taken in a similarly
positive spirit.

DECKER