BRUNEI CIRCLING WITH INTEREST USG SHARK PROPOSAL FOR CITES

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000038 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/MTS/COPPOLAMG, OES/ENRC/GAMBLEL BANGKOK FOR ESTH/HOWARDH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: SENV KSCA CITES AORC UNEP BX SUBJECT: BRUNEI CIRCLING WITH INTEREST USG SHARK PROPOSAL FOR CITES COP 15 REF: STATE 125262 ¶1. (SBU) Per Reftel, DCM delivered demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director of International Organizations, Ms. Florence Chong. Ms. Chong indicated that the Government of Brunei is interested in attending COP 15 but has not yet determined which GoB officials will attend. Ms. Chong stated that the GoB was especially interested in the USG proposals on sharks. Ms. Chong specifically noted and questioned the role of China in shark fin trade as well as which countries have indicated support for the shark proposals. Post would appreciate specific talking points or additional relevant information. TODD