AUSTRALIA EAGER TO EXPAND GICNT

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000033 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL PTER KGIC AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA EAGER TO EXPAND GICNT REF: SECSTATE 130750 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Australia supports the broad outlines of draft terms of reference for the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (GICNT),but questions whether a more efficient organizational structure could be developed. Officials stressed the importance of expanding GIGNT's membership, and noted that they are willing to participate in outreach to non-members. Australia has many ideas to present at the upcoming GICNT meeting, but will support whatever new terms of reference are agreed upon. End Summary. Expanding the Initiative -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Expanding the membership of the GICNT is a priority for Australia. The new draft terms of reference offer an opportunity to encourage expansion. James Nachipo, Director of Counter-Terrorism Cooperation for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said that Australia is very happy with the status quo, but if new terms of reference are to be adopted they should enhance the sense of ownership of the initiative over GICNT felt by member countries. He praised the new measure allowing members to vote on policy issues and prospective members as an important way to encourage participation. Australia is willing to lobby Southeast Asian nations to join the GICNT once the new terms of reference are in place. Are Two Heads Better Than One? -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Nachipo questioned whether the proposed structure for the Global Initiative is the most efficient model. He believes that maintaining the two co-chair structure will likely be hindered by inadequate communication and coordination between the two co-chair countries. Under the proposed model, the country hosting the GICNT plenary meeting would not be one of the chairs. Nachipo believes this reduces the incentive for countries to host. Instead, Australia will propose a model with a single chair that will be elected for a one year term and host the plenary meeting at the conclusion of its term. He believes this will improve efficiency, while also ensuring that only countries that are serious about the GICNT will run for the chairmanship. Comment -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Australia will be an eager participant in the January 19 GICNT meeting. The Australian delegation will present several proposals of their own, but are ultimately more interested in finding consensus than pushing their own ideas. Australia will support whatever terms of reference emerge from the upcoming meeting. End Comment. BLEICH