WikiLeaks: Convention on international terrorism

July 15, 2005 Comprehensive convention on international terrorism

SUBJECT: COMPREHENSIVE CONVENTION ON INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM (CCIT)

REF: SECSTATE 127272

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Katherine B. Hadda, for reasons 1.4 (B) and (d)

1. (C) On July 15, Pol-Econ Couns discussed the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT) with Taha Macpherson, Senior Policy Advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAT) Security Policy Division. PolEcon Couns noted the importance of the Convention, and expressed hope that New Zealand would support its adoption.

2. (C) Macpherson said that New Zealand would be represented at the July consultations by Gabrielle Rush, MFAT Senior Legal advisor. Macpherson confessed that because of resource restraints, New Zealand officials are still trying to establish what they can constructively contribute to the July discussions. Macpherson stressed that New Zealand nevertheless strongly supports the Convention, and will try to help ensure that the text is wrapped up by year's end. He added that USUN staff are keeping NZ counterparts in New York well advised on U.S. views regarding the Convention.

3. (C) Macpherson said that he hopes Ministers will soon approve New Zealand's negotiating position on the Convention. He promised to share it with Pol-Econ Couns as soon as it is approved. Swindells

ENDS