NORWAY'S INPUT ON INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000381 SIPDIS PASS TO OES, EUR/NB E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2019 TAGS: KSCA EFIS PREL SENV NO SUBJECT: NORWAY'S INPUT ON INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION - IWC REF: SECSTATE 57020 Classified By: Kristen F. Bauer, P/E Counselor, Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) 1) (C) Summary. In a June 8 meeting with Norwegian Whaling Commissioner, Karsten Klepsvik, found no problem with the U.S. goals for the IWC. Continuing the SWG for another year was likely to be a waste but Norway would not block this. Japan's position is bewildering the GON, but may offer some hope of progress in the SWG. End Summary. No Problem with U.S. Goals -------------- 2) (U) In a June 8 meeting with Norwegian Whaling Commissioner, Karsten Klepsvik, poloff reviewed U.S. priorities for the meeting. Klepsvik, noting these goals are very modest, said the GON found no problem with any of them. Not Optimistic about the SWG -------------- 3) (C) Responding to reftel questions, Klepsvik elaborated that he has long believed the U.S. is the only country that could make a difference in the IWC because it is not so extreme. For that reason, the GON had supported Bill Hogarth as chair and supported the SWG process. However, from the first meeting when the outside negotiators explained the need for compromises and several delegations responded that they could not compromise on the moratorium, scientific permits, or sanctuaries, it was clear that no progress could be made. Thus, the GON has been very disappointed with the group over the last two years. 4) (C) After that first meeting, Klepsvik could no longer attend the meetings due to the press of other business (not, he said, in protest). Looking ahead, he sees no point in the SWG continuing as it only is raising false expectations and wasting time and money. That said, the GON would not block the SWG from going forward. Japan Puzzles -------------- 5) (C) The one possibility for some hope lies with Japan. Klepsvik said the GON is completely bewildered by the role Japan is playing. Japan has been very involved in the SWG and a small group of advisors (which does not include Norway). Japan appears to want to get approval of limited small, coastal whaling in Japan and be willing to give up scientific whaling in Antarctica in return. That however makes little sense to the GON because the scientific data on the Japanese coastal whaling is not yet sufficient and when it is collected it may not be enough to justify a quota at all. He attributes Japan,s position to a split within the GOJ, with those against whaling in the ascendancy. Were the Japanese position to become clear, Klepsvik believes in a best case scenario there might be some room to maneuver in the SWG. 6) (C) Klepsvik also noted that the Icelandic position may well change considerably should they in fact enter the EU. This could also create dynamic for change. Observers, Limits, Candidates and Trade -------------- 7) (U) Regarding observers, the GON is somewhat indifferent. If they would help, then the GON would favor their inclusion. Either way, the GON's position toward observers is more relaxed than in the past. The GON does support limiting the number of countries involved and would welcome something like a SWG with 4-5 nations, more or less evenly split between pro- and anti-whalers. Without such a limit, the SWG is simply a de facto plenary. 8) (U) Klepsvik did not offer views on candidates or further trade plans. He had not heard of any suggested candidates, and simply felt that the chair should not be from either extreme wing. Maintain Dialogue with U.S. -------------- 9) (U) Klepsvik is very interested in the new Obama team and their views on whaling. He would welcome a chance to meet with them at the meeting in Madeira. He already has a meeting scheduled with Bill Hogarth. He warmly appreciated the dialogue the U.S. and Norway have had since the 1990s on whaling and looks forward to continuing this with the new team. WHITNEY