Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE100156
2009-09-25 18:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

SELECTION OF UNITED STATES CO-CHAIR TO THE

Tags:  KNNP MNUC PARM PTER PINR PREL ASEC KCRM BE XG XT 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #0156 2681841
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 251822Z SEP 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS IMMEDIATE
INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA IMMEDIATE 0000
UNCLAS STATE 100156 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PTER PINR PREL ASEC KCRM BE XG XT
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF UNITED STATES CO-CHAIR TO THE
INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON NUCLEAR SMUGGLING

UNCLAS STATE 100156

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PTER PINR PREL ASEC KCRM BE XG XT
SUBJECT: SELECTION OF UNITED STATES CO-CHAIR TO THE
INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON NUCLEAR SMUGGLING


1. (U) This is an action request for Embassy Brussels.
Please see paragraph 3.


2. (SBU) BACKGROUND: The United States and the European
Union co-chair the International Technical Working Group on
Nuclear Smuggling (ITWG). The G8 established the ITWG in
response to a raft of nuclear smuggling incidents in the
mid-1990s. The group has become the most active multilateral
mechanism for nuclear forensics cooperation worldwide. The
current United States Co-Chair, Dr. David Smith, is taking a
new assignment with the International Atomic Energy Agency in
November and the letter in para 4 informs the EU
representative that oversees the ITWG of our selection and
desire to inform the ITWG Executive Board.


3. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Washington requests that Post
provide a copy of the letter in para 4 to Ms. Annalisa
Giannella, Personal Representative on Nonproliferation of
Weapons of Mass Destruction, Council of the European Union,
and confirm that the European Union is comfortable with
Washington's plans to inform the ITWG Executive Board of the
United States' selection.


4. (SBU) LETTER OF SELECTION: (Complementary Opening)

Begin text of letter:

Ms. Annalisa Giannella
Personal Representative on Nonproliferation of Weapons of
Mass Destruction,
Council of the European Union,
Rue de la Loi, 175 B-1048 Brussels

Dear Ms. Giannella:

The United States greatly values its partnership with the
European Union in leading the International Technical Working
Group on Nuclear Smuggling (ITWG). Since the G8 established
the ITWG in 1995, it has been critical in building forensics
capabilities, identifying best practices, and fostering
cooperation, which are central to our common efforts to
promote nuclear security and nonproliferation.

In July, the IAEA selected the current U.S. Co-Chair of the
ITWG, Dr. David Smith, to help its efforts to promote nuclear
forensics cooperation. However, Dr. Smith is vacating his
position at the ITWG. We are heartened by the IAEA's
confidence in Dr. Smith, and we have recently completed a
process to identify a new U.S. Co-Chair.

After careful consideration of many highly qualified
candidates, Dr. Benjamin Garrett is the clear choice. Dr.
Garrett possesses an excellent forensics background,
demonstrated experience leading international scientific
collaborations, and has been a valued participant in past
ITWG events. As the Senior Scientist for the FBI Laboratory,
Dr. Garrett will bring useful law enforcement experience to
the ITWG. In addition, he has done outstanding work as
Chairman of the U.S.-Canada Scientific Working Group on the
Forensic Analysis of Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and
Nuclear Terrorism, which develops best practices for
laboratory and operational aspects related to forensic
analysis of CBRN materials.

The G8's investment in the ITWG has provided governments
better tools to counter smuggling, but its full potential has
not yet been reached. Dr. Garrett's background in science
and law enforcement will help the ITWG, with continued EU
leadership, to make further meaningful differences in nuclear
security and nonproliferation.

With your concurrence, I will inform the ITWG Executive Board
of Dr. Garrett's selection in the coming weeks.


Very respectfully,

C.S. Eliot Kang
Acting Assistant Secretary
Bureau of International Security & Nonproliferation
United States Department of State

End text of letter.

(Complementary Closing)


5. (SBU) REPORTING DEADLINE: Washington requests that Post
respond via front-channel cable no later than October 2, 2009.


6. (U) Washington appreciates Post's assistance. Please
contact Aryn Weinberg in ISN/WMDT at WeinbergAB@state.gov or
202-736-7695 for additional information.
CLINTON