GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM:

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000094

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ISN/WMDT
STATE FOR GLOBAL INITIATIVE PARTNER NATIONS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL PTER KGIC RS NL
SUBJECT: GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO COMBAT NUCLEAR TERRORISM:
INITIAL PLANNING MEETINGS FOR 5TH PLENARY SESSION 2009

REF: STATE 11348

Classified By: Political Deputy Eric Falls for reasons 1.5(b,d)


1. (C) Summary: On February 10, State representatives met
bilaterally with Russian MFA (Rozhkov) and then trilaterally
with Netherlands MFA (van der Kwast) to discuss the Global
Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT) Fifth Plenary
Meeting scheduled for June 16-17, 2009 in The Hague. It was
a productive exchange, including development of a draft
agenda for review in capitals, intended outreach, and
prospective hosts for the 2010 Plenary. Next steps are
outlined below. In the bilateral, Rozkhov emphasized, and US
delegation took on board, the importance of keeping the GICNT
on its present track. Separately CDA Gallagher offered
Embassy support for the Plenary. End Summary.

US EMBASSY OFFERS SUPPORT
--------------


2. (SBU) US delegation met with CDA Michael Gallagher to
debrief him on the US-Russian bilateral and on plans for the
GICNT Plenary. Gallagher assured the delegation of full
support from the Embassy, and offered the use of Embassy
facilities (to include the residences) as possible venues for
US delegation meetings, possible high-level bilateral, and/or
receptions and press conferences (easier for security). Watt
expressed appreciation for this wide-ranging support of the
GICNT, Plenary, and associated meetings.

BILATERAL WITH RUSSIA
--------------


3. (C) US and Russian delegations met to discuss the range
of upcoming GICNT activities, including the Plenary, Exercise
Planning Group, and Plan of Work activities. At the outset,
Rozkhov emphasized GOR,s interest in keeping the GICNT on
track without any changes to current practices ("Do not
invent anything revolutionary"). This includes, he
specified, continuation by the U.S. and Russia as co-chairs,
while allowing all other partners the opportunity to host
large and small GICNT activities and Plenary meetings. Watt
took on board that message, noting that the GICNT is a
positive spot in our bilateral relationship. (Comment:
Rozkhov noted that GOR had received some pressure from
certain (unnamed) European countries to exert more influence
over the GICNT. This underpinned his expressed interest in
maintaining the status quo, and emphatically not wanting to
relinquish control by US and GOR as co-chairs. He has not/not
raised this with his seniors. End comment.)


4. (C) In discussing which official may sit in the chair at
the Plenary, Rozhkov said for the Russian co-chair it would
likely be Safonov, Russia,s Special Representative on
Terrorism, or Ryabkov of MFA. Watt noted it was too early to
determine who would sit in the chair for the U.S., but would
likely be of an appropriately high level.

5. (C) In response to Watt,s query, Rozhkov indicated that
while the MFA is encouraging Russian agencies to plan GICNT
events, this process is slow to yield results. He mused
about a potential bilateral exercise with the U.S., with more
specifics available by June. Watt also noted that the
Government of Sri Lanka had approached the USG about hosting
a GICNT event this year; Rozhkov took that on board, noting
"it might be good" and that an event in Sri Lanka would
likely encourage India to host a GICNT event. Rozhkov said
Qlikely encourage India to host a GICNT event. Rozhkov said
the GOR is not in a position to provide financial support for
participation by partners at GICNT events.

6. (U) The remaining bilateral discussions were consistent
with the trilateral discussions reported below.

TRILATERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH DUTCH AND RUSSIAN REPRESENTATIVES
-------------- --------------


7. (C) Discussion of 2010 host - Watt and Rozhkov both
suggested, and van der Kwast agreed, that it would strengthen
the Initiative to find a host outside of Europe for 2010.
Rozhkov recalled that DFM Kislyak and Under Secretary Rood
had approached the Indian Ambassador in Madrid, suggesting
that India consider hosting a plenary. Rozkhov suggested
that co-chairs and the Dutch create a short list of potential
2010 host partners to approach quietly and individually in
advance of the June Plenary in The Hague, with a view to
having the 2010 host announced at the 2009 5th Plenary. For
consideration in Washington and Moscow: Delhi, Beijing, and

Seoul were suggested for this short list of potential hosts
to approach (bearing in mind that Rozkhov suggested weather
patterns in Delhi might mean scheduling the plenary meeting
in the February time frame rather than the June time frame).


8. (SBU) Exercise Planning Group

a. (SBU) Rozhkov agreed that the April EPG would be hosted
in Seoul as proposed by ROKG. He would respond on specifics
(septel) by Thursday, February 19th. He indicated that GOR
would be prepared to co-chair the EPG April 16.

b. (SBU) Rozhkov also agreed with Hungary,s proposal to
host the November 2009 EPG. He also agreed to consider, in
due course, an approach to Bucharest with regard to the
Spring 2010 EPG.

c. (SBU) Rob Duivan (GONL) expressed interest in making a
presentation at the Seoul EPG on the exercise the Netherlands
intends to host in November. US reps responded that this
proposal would be received favorably.


9. (SBU) Next steps

a. (SBU) By Friday, February 13, GONL will circulate a
proposed agenda for the 5th Meeting (based on February 10th
consultations) for review and acceptance no later than
Thursday, February 19th by Washington, Moscow, and The Hague.
Thursday it should be presented by joint demarche or on
behalf of the GNL, GOR, and USG.

b. (SBU) Next USG-GOR-GONL conference call: February 24th,
9:00 am Washington time, to discuss brief demarche points for
use to deliver the draft agenda to partner capitals.
February 26: finalize demarche points, including a request to
partners to provide input and comments within two weeks. GOR
suggested that silence procedure indicates acceptance. GONL
planners would use the agenda as revised in this two-week
period, acknowledging that the agenda will be adopted as
final on the first day of the plenary June 16.

c. (SBU) Co-Chairs and the GONL host should take the
opportunity to make specific requests of partners during this
demarche. In particular, partners should be encouraged to
consider what events they are prepared to plan and host for
the next two years, and decide and communicate their
intentions to Co-Chairs in advance of the Plenary (so these
events can be included in the updated Plan of Work),and be
prepared to make an announcement at the Plenary. It would be
appropriate to include specific requests of Kazakhstan,
Chile, Morocco, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, and Republic
of Korea at this time. (During the bilateral, USG and GOR
reps noted that Co-Chairs should take the opportunity to
encourage Saudi Arabia and Jordan to plan to host an event in
the region, and to be prepared to announce that event in
June.)

d. (SBU) Delegations agreed to revisit whether and when
another planning meeting would be appropriate (likely not
before May).


10. (SBU) Proposed Draft Agenda - The GONL will provide by
Friday, February 13, its draft agenda for consideration by
Co-Chairs. The US delegation anticipates that it will be
along the following lines, as discussed today:

a. (SBU) Theme: How to enhance international partnerships?
Sharing Best Practices, where can we improve? What can we do
about it? Who can do this? How can we help each other?

b. (SBU) Monday: An evening Icebreaker Reception (Hosted by
GONL)

c. (SBU) Tuesday: All day in Plenary at the Deputy Foreign
Qc. (SBU) Tuesday: All day in Plenary at the Deputy Foreign
Minister level

- Welcome by Netherlands host (including welcome by Minister
of Foreign Affairs)
- Opening Remarks by Co-Chairs
- Discussion of GICNT achievements since the 4th Meeting in
Madrid
-- Country reports/statements ** (see comment)
-- Reports from Spain, Australia, New Zealand, South
Korea, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government on Exercises and
Exercise Planning

Group meeting outcomes
-- Report on Global Initiative Information Portal (GIIP)
-- Report on the Global Nuclear Detection Architecture
- Lunch (catered)
- Discussion of Plan of Work - Upcoming Activities
- Discussion of Outreach Activities
- Press Conference
- Head of Delegation Dinner (hosted by GONL)

d. (SBU) Wednesday: Morning break-out sessions and
afternoon closing sessions

- Break-out sessions into 4 groups, open to all partners,
participation to include technical experts
A) Exercises and Exercise Planning Group
B) Public/Private/Civil Society
C) GIIP Advisory Committee Meeting
D) Equipment/technology (detection, physical
protection, monitoring)
- Lunch (catered)
- Plenary meeting with read-outs from the break-out session
- Wrap-up
End of Agenda


11. (SBU) Comments on Agenda: (1) GONL Minister of Justice
will participate in the Plenary at a time to be determined.
(2) US del suggested dropping "sharing of bad practices" in
favor of emphasizing what works with best practices. GOR and
GONL reps appreciated that logic. (3) US del also noted with
appreciation the GONL choice of theme, in particular because
sharing of best practices and sharing outcomes of GICNT
activities among partners is an area in which partners could
be more energetic, especially in sharing information with
partners who were not in attendance at the events. (4) Van
der Kwast suggested, and Watt and Rozhkov took on board, that
certain partners be invited to speak on their experiences
during this discussion: Kazakhstan, Morocco, and Chile. (5)
Earlier discussions with the Dutch had included the potential
for a visit to the Port of Rotterdam. For logistical reasons,
they indicated that it is unlikely to have a site visit
during the Plenary, although they may invite the Port of
Rotterdam to make a presentation on its security practices.
(6) Rozkhov emphasized that an updated Plan of Work should be
distributed in the afternoon of Day 1 for partners,
consideration. (7) GONL,s original proposal for breakout
sessions included a session on policy making; Rozhkov
dismissed the notion, saying that policy making takes place
in the Plenary.

12 (SBU) Breakout session on Civil Society - Van der Kwast
described the GONL vision for this breakout session, since
GONL,s Ministries of Defense and Interior, the Port
Authority and Customs have a regular dialogue with the Harbor
Society, Airport, and URENCO. US del encouraged GONL to
develop this session. Van der Kwast pointed out that this is
a direct follow-on from the Madrid meeting,s opening
session, which GONL felt could be more fully developed. Rob
Duivan, Deputy Director of Crisis Management, described the
GONL,s newly-funded (100 million euros over 4 years) program
on CBRN terrorism prevention aimed at laboratories and
hospitals. US and Russian dels encouraged development of
this discussion.


13. (SBU) Breakout session on Exercises - US del briefly
described the notion of having a short tabletop exercise as a
demonstration (30 minutes) at the beginning of this session,
which would allow those present to witness an exercise for
perhaps the first time. The session could also include
discussion by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (invitation
Qdiscussion by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (invitation
to be issued to GOJ),Spain, Australia, New Zealand,
Netherlands, and others. (Delegation note: PolMilOff
mentioned that there may be an existing film of an exercise
that might be usefully deployed during this breakout session
in lieu of a live demonstration of a table top exercise.)


14. (SBU) Breakout session on technology - Rozhkov
suggested the topic for this session: technical experts,
equipment, and instruments. He noted that the technical
aspects of GICNT implementation warranted more detailed
discussion. Equipment and technology relevant to monitoring
and inspections, detection, and physical protection could be
reviewed and discussed.


15. (SBU) Breakout session on the Global Initiative
Information Portal - In the bilateral meeting on February 10,

Watt suggested that the GIIP Advisory Committee meet
immediately following the Plenary. Rozhkov promptly adopted
the idea but suggested that the GIIP Advisory Committee meet
as one of the four breakout sessions. This has the
advantage, Rozhkov noted, of inviting the participation of
more partners. The co-chairs then discussed this proposal
with GONL in the afternoon, and GONL responded favorably to
the idea.


16. (SBU) Outreach - Henk Cor van der Kwast said GONL
intends to conduct outreach on behalf of GICNT to Indonesia,
and will keep the US and Russian embassies in Jakarta
apprised of GONL activity in this regard. Rozhkov and Watt
welcomed this information. Rozkhov strongly suggested that
outreach to Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and
Southeast Asia be conducted in advance of the Plenary. The
delegations discussed inclusion of this outreach in the
run-up to the Plenary, using potential participation in the
plenary as incentive for countries to endorse the GICNT
Statement of Principles.


17. (U) Venue for Plenary: World Forum - GONL, USG, and GOR
reps toured the World Forum, selected by GONL as the venue
for the Plenary. GONL envisions holding the Plenary in the
large auditorium, with stadium seating (UNGA style). Watt
noted that this would be a departure from previous Plenary
sessions, which had been configured in a horseshoe for all
delegations to be at the table. GONL reps said while a
horseshoe configuration would be possible, it involved
considerable extra cost. The World Forum has excellent rooms
for break-out sessions and for Co-Chair and Host delegations
rooms. GONL assured reps that computers, fax machines, and
copiers would be available. They assured the US del that a
large screen would be available for the GIIP. The Russian
delegation was seeking assurance that booths for their
interpreters would be available; World Forum reps pointed out
the existing interpretation booths. (Note: US del emphasized
to GONL reps that the official language of the meeting is
English; countries are welcome to provide their own
interpreters as needed. GONL asked the GOR reps if others
may utilize their interpreters; GOR responded affirmatively.
End note.)


18. (U) On Margins: NPT Prep - van der Kwast separately
noted that the GONL had suggested March 9-10 for meeting in
New York at the Netherlands Permanent Mission. The meeting
would include 18 key countries.


19. (U) Participants
USG: Meggen Watt, Mia ter Haar, Denny Merideth
GOR: Oleg Rozhkov, Olga Kuznetsova, Vladimir Ladanov
GONL: Henk Cor van der Kwast, Christopher Jonker, Richard
Baas, Rob Duivan, Astrid van Este, Marlene Dieter


GALLAGHER