INVITATIONAL TRAVEL FOR MICHAEL GORDON TO ATTEND

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000333 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OVIP SUBJECT: INVITATIONAL TRAVEL FOR MICHAEL GORDON TO ATTEND IPI NEW YORK SEMINAR REF: 2 FAM 964 ¶1. Per REF, following are questions posed in REF's Appendix III: Invitational Travel Procedures. ¶2. USUN Political Adviser, Michael Gordon has received the following request for invitational travel: -- April 1-3, 2009 -- Doral Arrowwood Conference Center, Rye Brook, New York ¶3. Invitation received from the International Peace Institute, Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, President. ¶4. For the Bureau: a) Would the funded travel further the interest of the post, bureau or USG, and if so, how? Yes. Proposed travel by Michael Gordon to participate in the IPI New York Seminar is designed to foster professional development among representatives of member states, the UN Secretariat and specialized agencies, nongovernmental organizations, and the media. The theme "Weapons of Mass Destruction: Can the UN Build Momentum for Disarmament and Nonproliferation?" In light of the upcoming review conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) in 2010, particular attention will be given to issues regarding nuclear-weapons. However, the seminar will also include sessions on both biological and chemical weapons, as well as on the role of the Security Council with regard to weapons of mass destruction. b) Are post or bureau funds available to pay for the trip? No. Michael Gordon's accommodations, meals, and travel expenses will be paid by the International Peace Institute. c) If post or bureau had discretionary funds, would you pay for this trip in light of other priorities? -- USUN would prefer not to use its limited mission budget for costs related to the participation at the Seminar, which the International Peace Institute is prepared to fund. d) Is the duration of the trip limited to official purposes and commensurate with the official benefit received? -- Yes. e) To what degree does the private organization or firm offering the travel have business interests before or affected by the post or department? -- The International Peace Institute has no such business interest of which Michael Gordon is aware. f) Would a reasonable person believe that the organization or firm was obtaining improper influence over the post or department by funding this travel? -- No. ¶5. The contact for travel arrangements at the inviting organization will be: -- Mrs. Beatrice Agyarkoh, Events Officer, International Peace Institute -- (T) (212) 225-9628 -- (F) (212) 867-8730 -- (Email) agyarkoh@ipinst.org ¶6. Press coverage is not scheduled for this event. ¶7. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Gordon at (212) 415-4469 for further information. Wolff