GENERAL SUPPORT FROM UNSC MEMBERS FOR 1540 WORKING

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000137 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2019 TAGS: PREL PARM UNSC SUBJECT: GENERAL SUPPORT FROM UNSC MEMBERS FOR 1540 WORKING GROUP STRUCTURE REF: STATE 10774 Classified By: Ambassador Rice for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) (C) Per reftel on the new 1540 Committee working group structure, general support for the U.S.-endorsed working groups has emerged during the previous days and weeks from United Nations Security Council members. Save for China, which has opposed the working-group structure in any format, P-5 endorsement ranges from the UK and France (very strong) to Russia (support with minor caveats). Without committing itself, however, on February 13 China signaled it was flexible and might support the proposal. (C) Among the non-permanent members, Austria and Croatia have voiced the most robust support. Austria in particular has openly supported the working-group structure during the 1540 Committee meetings by saying that any restructuring of the Committee that can make it more effective is welcome. The Turkish official said privately that he believes the proposal has a great deal of merit, and he was enthusiastic about working groups that highlighted assistance and cooperation with international organizations. He said he would voice his support in the next meeting on the program of work. The Libyan expert said his Mission backs the proposal. (C) Mexico, which chairs the subcommittee on the 1540 comprehensive review, says it can support the working-group proposal, but is not entirely convinced it can resolve the Committee's concerns. The Mexican official said small delegations are already stretched and adding another layer of groups could exacerbate the perception that the workload has increased rather than become more manageable. The Japanese expert said the U.S. can count on Japan's support, but he emphasized that the U.S. needs to be realistic in its requests. He said pushing hard for a revamping of the program of work at the same time the U.S. is requesting an expansive comprehensive review could alienate some members. Nonetheless, he said he would call his Chinese counterpart to encourage China to reconsider its position. (C) Burkina Faso, Costa Rica, Uganda and Vietnam have been non-committal or have not openly shown a position. Costa Rica, whose Ambassador chairs the 1540 Committee, probably would back the working-group structure, but because of its position it has avoided overt positions. Although Burkina Faso, Uganda, and Vietnam have remained silent, they are likely to join consensus if the majority of states support the working-group structure. Rice