ISRAEL LIKELY TO POSTPONE GICNT WORKSHOP

UNCLAS TEL AVIV 001017 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR ISN/WMDT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KCRM KNNP MNUC PARM PINR XF KGIC PREL IS SUBJECT: ISRAEL LIKELY TO POSTPONE GICNT WORKSHOP REF: A. TEL AVIV 0863 ¶B. STATE 4099 ¶1. (SBU) Per reftels, the GOI will likely postpone its proposed Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) expert-level workshop tentatively scheduled for November 2009. According to MFA Arms Control Advisor Israel Tikochinski, the GOI was not aware of competing GICNT events also scheduled for November 2009, including specifically an exercise hosted by the Dutch and an Exercise Planning Group hosted by the Hungarians. Tikochinski said the GOI appreciated Washington's interest in the GOI's workshop proposal focusing on legal aspects and forensics issues related to combating nuclear and radiological terrorism. He noted that the MFA will need to consult with the Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) and other GOI interagency stakeholders to determine whether February 2010 is a suitable alternative to host the workshop. If not then, Tikochinski said the GOI will work with Washington to determine an appropriate time frame. Tikochinski discussed these issues with polmiloff on May 6. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv ********************************************* ******************** CUNNINGHAM