CANADA TO SEEK MEMBERSHIP IN CONTACT GROUP ON

UNCLAS OTTAWA 000242 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/RSA J. BANDO, PM/PPA D HOPKINS, WHA/CAN N. NOLAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PBTS KCRM EWWT XW SO CA SUBJECT: CANADA TO SEEK MEMBERSHIP IN CONTACT GROUP ON PIRACY OFF THE COAST OF SOMALIA REF: A. STATE 2291 ¶B. OTTAWA 22 ¶C. BANDO-MATTEI E-MAIL OF 3/13/09 ¶1. (U) Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) Senior Advisor for Defense and Security Relations Sarah Robertson confirmed to pol/miloff on March 25 that Foreign Minister Cannon had instructed DFAIT staff to seek membership for Canada in the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS). Robertson noted that the minutes of the March 17 CGPCS indicate that the U.S. hosts that organization's secretariat. She requested instruction and points of contact by which Canada could pursue formal membership. ¶2. (U) Action request for AF/RSA and PM/PPA: Given that Canada is a reliable and capable anti-piracy partner, Embassy recommends its inclusion in the CGPCS. Please advise ASAP and provide any guidance on next steps. Visit Canada,s North American partnership community at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap / BREESE