PSI: MAY 2009 PSI OUTREACH MEETING - OFFICIAL

UNCLAS STATE 026136 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MNUC PARM PHSA PREL KNNP XL XM SUBJECT: PSI: MAY 2009 PSI OUTREACH MEETING - OFFICIAL INVITATION REF: 08 STATE 132722 SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶1. The U.S. will host a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Operational Experts Group (OEG) meeting and a PSI Outreach meeting on May 12-14, 2009 in Miami, FL. The OEG meeting for PSI participating countries will take place on May 12-13, and the Outreach meeting for Western Hemisphere countries that have not endorsed the PSI will take place on May 14. A reception for delegates to both meetings will take place the evening of May 13. The OEG meeting will explore global and regional dimensions of the PSI and the WMD-related interdiction challenge, and provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas with international counterparts in the policy, operational, legal, law enforcement, and intelligence communities. The purpose of the Outreach meeting is to provide more information about the PSI, share best practices on operational concepts of interdiction, build relationships between regional and global counterparts working issues related to counterproliferation, and encourage countries to endorse the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. ¶2. Since this OEG meeting will have a Western Hemisphere focus, the U.S. is inviting all PSI- endorsing countries from the Western Hemisphere to attend (Belize, Chile, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, Paraguay, and The Bahamas),along with the 20 countries that regularly participate in the OEG (Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Turkey, UK, U.S.). Any other countries in the Western Hemisphere that endorse the PSI before the meeting will also be welcome to attend the OEG meeting. ¶3. Washington is seeking to ensure that countries in the Western Hemisphere take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about the PSI by attending the Outreach meeting on May 14. Additionally, and in advance of these events, Washington is seeking to increase the number of countries that endorse the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles (the text of which is available at http://t.state.gov/t/dr/2003/ docid=23764.htm). Many countries in the region have shown an interest in the PSI, but for various reasons have not yet made the decision to endorse. ¶4. WHA ACTION ADDRESSEES are requested to invite host governments to send a delegation to attend the PSI Outreach meeting. Additionally, we wish to encourage host governments to endorse the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles (BRIDGETOWN for all the countries within your purview). Posts also are requested to approach highest appropriate levels of host government and urge endorsement of the PSI. In particular, please inform host governments that PSI endorsement is a condition for participation in the PSI Operational Experts Group Meeting (OEG) May 12-13. Posts may draw from points in paragraph 8, which also may be left as a non-paper. Posts should provide the invitation letter from ASD Benkert (paragraph 9) and the logistical information sheet (paragraph 10). No original will be sent. Posts may also leave the sample diplomatic note in paragraph 11 with host government. ¶5. FOR EMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE: In 2008, Haiti's MFA verbally declared the government's support for the PSI and promised to record it in a dip note to the USG. Haiti's Ambassador to the U.S. therefore was invited and participated in the PSI Fifth Anniversary Senior Level Meeting for PSI participating countries on May 28, 2008, in Washington. We would like to invite Haiti to participate in the May 12-13 OEG meeting as well as the May 14 Outreach meeting, but we have not yet received the promised dip note officially endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. We request that Embassy seek an official endorsement from Haiti of the PSI, either in the form of a dip note or a public announcement. ¶6. EMBASSIES BUENOS AIRES, MADRID, OTTAWA, LISBON, and LONDON are requested to notify host governments of U.S. efforts to urge Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uruguay to endorse the PSI, and may pass copies of the materials below for their information. Washington will also discuss possible joint outreach efforts with the Washington-based representatives of these governments. -------------- REPORTING DEADLINE AND POC -------------- ¶7. All action addressees are requested to deliver the documents below to host governments by March 22, and report delivery by March 27. Points of contact are Carlos Guzman (202-647-6320),GuzmanCS@state.sgov.gov and Beth Flores (703-692-0147),beth.flores@osd. (smil).mil for matters pertaining to the OEG agenda and format, and Ms. Neoni Mattox (703-692-0103; neoni.mattox.ctr@osd.mil) for all logistical and administrative matters. The Department greatly appreciates Embassies' assistance. Please also continue to report reactions as received. -------------- NONPAPERS -------------- ¶8. Begin points/non-paper: -- In the almost six years since the inception of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI),94 countries from every region of the world have endorsed the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles. -- As a result, the PSI has become the hallmark of strong nonproliferation credentials. -- As noted in the Nuclear Threat Initiative's report on UN Security Council Resolution 1540 implementation in the Americas, "while few states in the Western Hemisphere are of direct proliferation concern, the existence of well established and highly sophisticated human and drug trafficking networks could be exploited to move NBC (nuclear/biological/chemical) weapon-related materials." Additionally, most Western Hemisphere states have industries and/or transportation features such as commercial seaports, which could be exploited by weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferators. -- The PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles does not entail any legal or operational obligations. Nonetheless, endorsement of the Statement of Principles provides a clear indication of a country's strong nonproliferation credentials, and also acts as a strong deterrent to proliferators seeking to abuse states' sovereign territory by trafficking WMD and missile-related materials and items. -- Endorsement of the PSI is a signal that a state takes its UN obligations seriously, including those in UNSCR 1540. This resolution identified the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) as a threat to international peace and security. It also identified cooperative efforts as one way in which states could implement their obligations to counter WMD and missile proliferation. -- Active participation in the PSI can assist countries with fortifying their economic systems and assets (such as ports, industries, etc.) against exploitation by illicit traffickers of WMD and related items, as well as other illicit materials. -- To date, the PSI partner countries have conducted over 36 operational interdiction training exercises (air, maritime, and ground) involving more than 70 nations. These exercises are a key element of the PSI in increasing the interoperability of PSI participants, improving interdiction decision-making processes and procedures, and enhancing the interdiction capacities of all participating states. The PSI partner states continue to work together by sharing information, conducting exercises, and carrying out interdictions that improve our ability and readiness to disrupt and counter proliferation activities. -- We would welcome your Government's participation in the PSI. By endorsing the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles, your government will undertake a political commitment to stop WMD trafficking in a manner that is consistent with existing national laws and international legal frameworks. Other countries that participate in the PSI include The Bahamas, Canada, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Panama, Belize, El Salvador, and Honduras. -- The United States will host a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Operational Experts Group (OEG) meeting on May 12-13, 2009 and a PSI Outreach meeting on May 14, 2008 in Miami, Florida. The May 14 Outreach meeting will be open to countries from the Western Hemisphere that have not endorsed the PSI. All Western Hemisphere states that have endorsed the PSI are invited to attend this OEG along with any additional countries from the region that endorses the PSI before the meeting. A reception for delegates to both meetings will take place on the evening of May 13. -- The OEG meeting on May 12-13 will explore global and regional dimensions of the PSI and WMD-related interdictions, and will provide participants with an opportunity to exchange ideas with international counterparts in the policy, operational, legal, law enforcement, and intelligence communities. -- The PSI OEG, a group of military, law enforcement, intelligence, legal, and diplomatic experts from 20 PSI participating states, meets regularly to develop operational concepts, organize the interdiction exercise program, share information about national legal authorities, and pursue cooperation with key industry sectors. -- We urge your government to endorse the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles through a diplomatic note to the United States or another PSI partner state prior to the May 12-13 OEG Meeting, which will give you the opportunity to participate in the OEG meeting. -- The May 14 Outreach meeting will provide information on PSI operational concepts and capacity-building opportunities for all Western Hemisphere countries. It is an opportunity to build relationships and learn about best practices in counterproliferation from foreign counterparts in the region and around the world. Your government may wish to send representatives from your capital to this event. Representatives from your embassy in Washington or other consular offices would also be welcome. End points. ¶9. Begin letter from Assistant Secretary of Defense Joseph A. Benkert: Dear Colleague: The United States will host a Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Outreach meeting on May 14, 2009, in Miami, Florida. Your government is invited to attend the meeting and an evening reception on the evening of May 13. The Outreach meeting is an opportunity for Western Hemisphere governments to learn more about the PSI and explore the regional dimensions of the weapons of mass destruction (WMD) proliferation challenge with colleagues from the Hemisphere and around the world. Countries that endorse the PSI Statement of Interdiction Principles prior to May 12 are also invited to attend the PSI Operational Experts Group (OEG) meeting on May 12-13. The OEG is a forum for government experts to share practical information on WMD proliferation and develop capabilities to interdict illicit WMD-related shipments. Additionally, the OEG explores interdiction issues in the legal, law enforcement and intelligence arenas and plans PSI training exercises. The PSI Outreach meeting will take place at the J.W. Marriott Hotel Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida. Delegates are requested to stay at this hotel, where we have blocked rooms at a special rate (USD $121 per night) for meeting participants. The blocked rooms will be held only until April 3, after which the special rate and/or rooms may no longer be available. We have set up a dedicated PSI Outreach website with important details about the meeting, including instructions necessary for reserving hotel rooms at the special rate. Please visit the website as soon as possible to register for the meeting, reserve hotel rooms, and review the agenda and related materials. Each delegate is encouraged to check the website periodically, as it will be used to post agendas and presentations related to the meeting. Website: http://www.reddelasamericas.net/scj5/conferen ces/ Click on 'Start Conference Manager' button, and then log on using Conference ID: PSI-OUTREACH-2009 The points of contact are Ms. Beth Flores (703-692-0147; Beth.Flores@osd.mil) and CDR Carlos Guzman (202-647-6320; GuzmanCS@state.gov) for matters pertaining to meeting content and Ms. Neoni Mattox (703-692-0103; neoni.mattox.ctr@osd.mil) for all logistical and administrative matters. We look forward to seeing your delegation in Miami and discussing this issue of great importance and common concern. Sincerely, Joseph A. Benkert ¶10. Begin text of logistical information sheet for PSI Outreach meeting: Registration: To register for the Miami OEG and Outreach meeting please visit the official website: http://www.reddelasamericas.net/scj5/conferen ces/ Click on the 'Start Conference Manager' button, and then log on using the following Outreach Conference ID: PSI-OUTREACH-2009 If you cannot access the PSI meeting website, contact your local U.S. Embassy, provide an email address or FAX number, and the registration forms can be sent to you. There is no fee for the event. Visas: Please submit the required U.S. visa application form to your local U.S. Embassy as early as possible. You may contact your local U.S. Embassy for guidance or assistance with visa processing. Agenda and Structure: The May 14 Outreach meeting will be open to governments from the Western Hemisphere that have not endorsed the PSI. A reception for all delegates will take place on the evening of May 13. Check-in for the Outreach meeting will be available beginning the afternoon of May 13. Delegation Size and Composition: We encourage governments to send delegations that represent the ministries that are involved in international security-related decision making. Professionals in the following areas would have appropriate expertise: international and customs law, intelligence, law enforcement and customs operations, border security, international trade and finance, exercise planning, and policy/diplomacy. Location: All PSI events will be held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel Miami, 1109 Brickell Avenue, Miami, Florida. The hotel is located approximately 9 miles from the Miami International Airport (approximately U.S. $30 one-way taxi fare). Accommodations: All delegates are encouraged to stay at the J.W. Marriott Hotel Miami, where we have blocked rooms at a special rate (USD$121 per night) for meeting participants during the period from May 11 -15. The blocked rooms will be held only until April 3, after which the special rate and/or rooms may no longer be available. We encourage participants to contact the hotel before April 3. The hotel's website includes information on directions, local transportation, and local attractions: www.marriott/com/hotels/travel/miajw-jw-marri ott- hotel-miami/. Participants are responsible for their own accommodation costs. Hotel Registration: The dedicated PSI meeting website has important details about the meeting, including instructions necessary for reserving hotel rooms at the special rate (see above). All delegates are encouraged to check the website often, as it will be used to post agenda updates and other materials related to the meeting. Meals: The PSI meetings will include continental breakfast, luncheon, snacks and beverages. Appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served at the evening reception on May 13. Attire: The attire for the OEG and Outreach meetings is business. The attire for the evening reception on May 13 is "Florida casual" (e.g., casual pants and collared shirts for men, casual pants or skirts for women). Working language: The official working language during the events will be English. There will be no simultaneous interpretation services provided; however, presentations made as part of the PSI Outreach meeting will be presented on the screen in both English and Spanish. Non-English speaking delegations may wish to include an English-language interpreter if deemed necessary. Additional meeting room: A small meeting room at the hotel will be available for side meetings if requested. Arrangements can be made upon arrival or by contacting Ms. Neoni Mattox (703-692-0103 or neoni.mattox.ctr@osd.mil). Weather: Average temperatures in Miami in May are a low of 72 and high of 87 degrees F (22-31 degrees C). Rain is possible at any time, including thunderstorms. Electricity: Electricity sockets in the United States are set at 110 Volts and 60 cycles, and fit electric plugs with two flat blades, with or without a third cylindrical grounding pin. Electrical appliances from outside the United States generally need a power converter and an adaptor for use in U.S. sockets. Points of Contact: Points of contact for the PSI OEG meeting events are Carlos Guzman (202-647-6320), GuzmanCS@state.gov and Beth Flores (703-692-0147), beth.flores@osd.mil for matters pertaining to the agenda and participation, and Ms. Neoni Mattox (703-692-0103; neoni.mattox.ctr@osd.mil) for all logistical and administrative matters. Tentative agenda topics for the PSI Outreach meeting include: - Introduction to PSI - PSI Capacity-Building, including the PSI exercise program - Developing a model national response plan - PSI and UN Security Council Resolution 1540 - WMD Commodities Manual - PSI and the Law (domestic and international law; customs law) - PSI Upcoming Events The full agenda will be posted on the conference website. The website should be checked often for updates. -------------- SAMPLE DIPLOMATIC NOTE -------------- ¶11. Begin text of sample diplomatic note endorsing the PSI: The Government of (country) welcomes and fully supports the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and the 4 September 2003 Statement of Interdiction Principles (SOP). This endorsement reflects (country's) willingness to cooperate in preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD),their means of delivery and related materials. (Country) is committed to upholding the PSI SOP and looks forward to participating, to the extent possible, in future PSI-related activities. (Additional language on your government's commitment to non-proliferation and particular efforts your government would like to undertake, etc., may be inserted as desired.) End Sample Diplomatic Note. CLINTON