GICNT AND THE G-8 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP: DIFFERENT

UNCLAS STATE 114601 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: GI GM PARM PREL PTER KGIC SUBJECT: GICNT AND THE G-8 GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP: DIFFERENT BUT MUTUALLY REINFORCING REF: A. A: BERLIN 1277 ¶B. B: STATE 83550 ¶1. (U) This is an action request for Embassy Berlin. ¶2. (SBU) State thanks post for delivering reftel B points to German MFA desk officer Dr. Bernd Rinnert. In response to his inquiries (reftel A),State requests that Post offer the following explanation about how the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) fits into the G-20: -- The GICNT is a capacity-building and information-sharing initiative that holds no official or unofficial role in the G-8 or in the G-20. GICNT goals include: - Bringing together experience and expertise from the nonproliferation, counterproliferation, and counter-terrorism disciplines. - Integrating collective capabilities and resources to strengthen the overall global architecture to combat nuclear terrorism. - Providing the opportunity for nations to share information and expertise in a legally non-binding environment. -- The non-proliferation and counter-terrorism work done in other organizations and initiatives such as the G-8 Global Partnership, the G-9 Lyon Roma Group, and the G-8 Counterterrorism Action Group (CTAG) reinforces the goals of the GICNT but does not undermine GICNT's capacity-building activities. The fact that G-20 member states have designated the G-20 as their premier forum for international economic cooperation should have no effect upon GICNT activities. Instead, increased awareness of non-proliferation and counter-terrorism activities by G-20 countries who are not partners to the GICNT (Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico, and South Africa) may lead heightened interest and more participation by such countries. CLINTON