CWC: MEETING OF THE G8/GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP MEMBERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000978

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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.

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SUMMARY
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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.

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REPORT ON THE G8 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
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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).

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PRESENTATION BY OPCW OFFICE OF SPECIAL PROJECTS
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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.

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COMMENTS/QUESTIONS BY STATES PARTIES
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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.

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DELEGATION COMMENTS
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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