CWC: MEETING OF THE G8/GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000978 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/CB, VCI/CCA, L/NPV, IO/MPR, ISN/CTR SECDEF FOR OSD/GSA/CN,CP> JOINT STAFF FOR DD PMA-A FOR WTC COMMERCE FOR BIS (ROBERTS AND DENYER) NSC FOR FLY WINPAC FOR WALTER E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2018 TAGS: PARM PREL CWC SUBJECT: CWC: MEETING OF THE G8/GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS AT OPCW REF: SOUZA-ISN/CWC/DEL E-MAIL 11-14-08 Classified By: Ambassador Eric M. Javits for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) This is CWC-57-08. -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (U) On November 18, the Japanese delegation to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) hosted a meeting for delegates from G8/Global Partnership states to discuss mutual efforts of the OPCW and the G8/Global Partnership in advance of the December meeting in Tokyo. -------------- REPORT ON THE G8 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP -------------- ¶2. (U) Takayuki Kitagawa of Japan opened the meeting by walking delegations through the relevant non- proliferation related paragraphs of the G8 Hokkaido Toyako Summit Declaration. In addition, he provided delegations with a Report on the G8 Global Partnership, highlighting in particular the projects related to chemical weapons destruction, and the fact that the G8 is considering expanding its focus beyond the former Soviet Union to other areas where risks of terrorism and proliferation exist. Kitagawa then informed delegations that the OPCW has been invited to speak at the upcoming December meeting in Tokyo (the first ever invitation of this sort to the OPCW). -------------- -- PRESENTATION BY OPCW OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROJECTS -------------- -- ¶3. (U) Office of Special Projects (OSP) Director Krzysztof Paturej, who has been selected to represent the OPCW in Tokyo, briefed delegations on the information he plans to share at the Tokyo meeting (copy of slides sent separately to Washington). Paturej noted that while the OPCW does not have a specific anti-terrorism mandate, national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) can play a key role in ensuring chemical weapons and toxic chemicals do not fall into the hands of terrorists. He highlighted synergies with UNSCR 1540, and noted that the OPCW could effectively serve as a platform for State Party cooperation on issues of chemical terrorism. ¶4. (U) Paturej also detailed the important contributions the OPCW could make in the area of chemical safety and security, indicating that the OPCW intends to take a more active role in this area in 2009 and plans to produce a report on "the OPCW role in development of chemical plant security." He suggested that the connection between Article XI of the CWC and best security practices at chemical plants could be very valuable, could even "depoliticize" Article XI discussions, and would allow the International Assistance and Cooperation Division of the OPCW to refocus their efforts on chemical terrorism after CW stockpiles have been destroyed. -------------- COMMENTS/QUESTIONS BY STATES PARTIES -------------- ¶5. (U) As incoming Chair of the G-8/GP, Italy expressed appreciation for the Japanese initiative, but went on to seek clarification on Paturej's comments on the links between chemical terrorism and Article XI. The German Permanent Representative noted that it was premature to discuss the role of the Organization after CW destruction had been completed, but expressed strong support for the role of the G-8 Global Partnership in coordinating major projects. The Polish delegate agreed with earlier comments that an invitation to the OPCW to attend a G-8/GP meeting was a positive development, suggesting that the Director General should be invited next time to raise the profile of the OPCW. ¶6. (U) Drawing on talking points (Ref e-mail) , U.S. Del expressed support for expansion of the Global Partnership to address emerging WMD threats, and for use of the OPCW as a discussion forum for chemical safety and security issues, but cautioned against more than a facilitative role by the OPCW Secretariat. Paturej reassured delegations that he does not see the OPCW in an active role, but as a facilitator for States Parties sharing best practices and other information. Australia also welcomed G- 8/GP expansion beyond projects in the former Soviet Union and enhanced interaction with the OPCW, and noted that Australia would be hosting a meeting on chemical safety and security for the Southeast Asia region in early 2009, which they hoped the OPCW would be able to attend. ¶7. (U) The UK delegate, speaking without instruction from London, expressed support for increased coordination between the G-8/GP and OPCW. She cautioned that the term "chemical terrorism" had generated political debate at the Review Conference, and that not all OPCW member states agreed on its validity, so perhaps a phrase like "use of chemicals or chemical weapons by terrorists" would be more viable. French delegate Annie Mari offered the view that delegations should adhere to the mandate of the Open Ended Working Group on Terrorism, which she chairs. She outlined a three-pronged approach that tied in Article X, Article XI, and the involvement of industry and other stakeholders. Mari noted that she was considering inviting an industry representative to the next meeting of the Working Group. -------------- DELEGATION COMMENTS -------------- ¶8. (C) True to form, Krzysztof Paturej seemed captivated by his own vision, clearly expanding on the OPCW's role in chemical safety/security and links with Article XI in a way unlikely to have been vetted with the Director General. His proposal to develop a report on the OPCW's role in safety and security of chemical facilities could prove problematic, as it may indicate a more active role for the Secretariat than States Parties or the chemical industry would find appropriate. The German delegation has already privately expressed concerns at the use of the word "safety," which tends to be viewed more as an internal responsibility, as opposed to "security," where there is a more clear connection to the threat of terrorism. Del recommends a senior meeting with Paturej on the margins of the Conference of States Parties to ensure his vision tracks with that of the U.S. ¶9. (C) French facilitator Annie Mari also appears to Q9. (C) French facilitator Annie Mari also appears to be too personally attached to her Open Ended Working Group on Terrorism, which has accomplished little to nothing over the past several years, to evaluate this issue objectively. Her intervention seemed designed to remind delegates of her critical role as the originator of some of the ideas Paturej espoused, without taking into account the political sensitivity of the OPCW's role in the fight against terrorism. Del believes that an exploration of chemical safety and security in the terrorism context will unnecessarily politicize an issue that could otherwise, if handled effectively, meet with widespread regional support. ¶10. (U) Javits sends. FOSTER