ISRAEL PROPOSES TO HOST GICNT WORKSHOP IN NOVEMBER

UNCLAS TEL AVIV 000863 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR ISN/WMDT E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PINR PINS PREL PTER KGIC IS SUBJECT: ISRAEL PROPOSES TO HOST GICNT WORKSHOP IN NOVEMBER ¶1. (SBU) Summary: The GOI has proposed hosting an expert-level Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) workshop in November focusing on legal aspects and forensics issues related to combating nuclear and radiological terrorism. According to MFA Director for Arms Control Rodica Radian-Gordon, the GOI is seeking approval from Washington and Moscow as the GICNT co-chairs, as well as possible names of U.S. and Russian experts who might be willing to present on the workshop's focus. The GOI hopes to receive an answer regarding the feasibility of the workshop from the co-chairs prior to the GICNT Plenary in June. Radian-Gordon discussed these issues with polmiloff on April ¶16. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) Radian-Gordon briefed Russian Embassy Counselor Yuri Rudakov and polmiloff on the proposed Israeli GICNT workshop on April 16. Other GOI interlocutors included Israel Atomic Energy Commission (IAEC) Deputy Director for External Relations Ronen Shaul and MFA Arms Control Advisor Israel Tikochinski. ¶3. (SBU) Radian-Gordon passed a workshop proposal paper to polmiloff (para 5),explaining that the GOI is seeking to avoid redundancy with previous GICNT workshops by bringing "something new to the table." She added the GOI hopes to hear whether Washington and Moscow as the GICNT co-chairs find the workshop feasible prior to the GICNT Plenary in June, so that the GOI can begin planning the workshop in earnest. ¶4. (SBU) Shaul noted the GOI envisions a working-level, experts meeting bringing nuclear and legal technical expertise from capitals. He added that the GOI hopes the USG and the Russian Federation can provide experts to not only participate in the workshop, but also present and lead discussions on the topics outlined in section 7 of the workshop proposal paper. Shaul noted that the Head of Forensics for the Israeli Police has already agreed to participate in the workshop, and recommended one of his U.S. counterparts -- Pat Grant from the Forensic Science Center at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory -- as an ideal workshop participant and briefer. ¶5. (SBU) The text of the Israeli GICNT proposal follows: Begin text: State of Israel Israel Atomic Energy Commission -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs The Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) - Workshop on Legal Aspects and Forensics of Combating Nuclear and Radiological Terror Jerusalem, Israel, November 16-18, 2009 - 1. Activity title: Workshop on Legal Aspects and Forensics of Combating Nuclear and Radiological Terror. - 2. GICNT principles: Principles 6, 3, and 5. - 3. Location: Jerusalem, Israel. - 4. Dates: 16-18 Nov 2009 (2 days workshop and one day tour) - 5. Objectives: -- a. Discuss issues related to nuclear forensics technology - past and future and the legal aspects of combating nuclear and radiological terrorism. -- b. Explore ways to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation among GICNT partner nations, on nuclear forensics and on legal aspects to enhance these aspects nationally and internationally. -- c. Share best practices and experience in the field of nuclear forensics and legal aspects of combating nuclear and radiological issues. - 6. Participation: -- a. Participants from the GICNT partner nations. -- b. Experts and diplomats dealing with forensics and with legal aspects of combating nuclear and radiological terror. - 7. Issues for presentation and discussion: -- a. Status of international legal instruments and norms in the field of combating nuclear and radiological terror, and national experience in implementing those instruments. -- b. National experience in the field of Export Control. -- c. National and International experience in the field of Combating terror financing. -- d. Nuclear Forensics overview and the Israeli experience. -- e. Application of Classic forensics at contaminated crime scene sites. -- f. Practices of selected states in the field of Forensics. -- g. A detailed agenda will be provided in due course. - 8. Administrative information: -- a. The Workshop will be held in Jerusalem (hotel TBD) -- b. An invitation letter will be provided for participants by the host and by the co-chairs. -- c. Participants who require Visas are kindly requested to submit their application 3 weeks in advance. The POC for conference coordination is Mr. Israel Tikochinski, Arms Control Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. E-mail: israelt@mfa.gov.il. Tel: 972-2-530-3073. Fax: 972-2-530-3015. End text. ********************************************* ******************** Visit Embassy Tel Aviv's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/telaviv ********************************************* ******************** CUNNINGHAM