New Zealand Response to U.S. Views on the International

UNCLAS WELLINGTON 000163 SENSITIVE SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG KGHG SENV SUBJECT: New Zealand Response to U.S. Views on the International Renewable Energy Agency REF: 09 STATE 61286; A. STATE 59969, B. STATE 59971, C. 2008 STATE In response to State 61286, Embassy contacted New Zealand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) Janet Lowe, Acting Director of the Environment Division to ascertain GNZ's reaction to the U.S.'s proposed participation in the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). Lowe thanked us for sharing U.S. views and intentions on IRENA. She said, GNZ officials are tracking IRENA with "close interest" and are recommending a review of their current "no join" position to relevant Ministers. Lowe confirmed that New Zealand was invited to participate in the June 28-30 IRENA meeting in Egypt and that Ambassador Rene Wilson (NZ Ambassador Cairo) will attend as their observer. In response to our questions, Lowe indicated that GNZ as a non-member has not yet formulated an official position on the location of the Headquarters, the nationality of the Director-General or IRENA's potential mission. Post will forward any additional information should MFAT's position change or develop in the near-term. KEEGAN