Cablegate: Secretary General Hilale Confirms Moroccan

VZCZCXRO0825
OO RUEHTRO
DE RUEHRB #0478 1431152
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 221152Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8624
INFO RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0699
RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 0408
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY 3617
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID PRIORITY 5989
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW PRIORITY 0419
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 5042
RUEHTRO/AMEMBASSY TRIPOLI PRIORITY 0318
RUEHTU/AMEMBASSY TUNIS PRIORITY 9631
RUEHAS/AMEMBASSY ALGIERS PRIORITY 4793
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 1072

UNCLAS RABAT 000478

SIPDIS

FOR T- UNDERSECRETARY ROOD, ISN AND NEA/MAG

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MNUC PARM PHSA PREL KNNP MO
SUBJECT: SECRETARY GENERAL HILALE CONFIRMS MOROCCAN
ENDORSEMENT OF PROLIFERATION SECURITY INITIATIVE

REF: RABAT 462

1. (SBU) Moroccan Foreign Ministry Secretary General Omar
Hilale sent a letter to Undersecretary of State John Rood on
May 19 underscoring Morocco's endorsement of the
Proliferation Security Initiative. It asks that we alert the
GOM as to when we will announce this and looks forward to his
attendance at the PSI 5th Anniversary meeting. The letter,
in addition to a diplomatic note 00461 (reftel), was sent
under cover of a letter to Ambassador Riley. Text follows:

Begin Text:

Dear Undersecretary of State,

Following your letter dated April 21, 2008 and our phone
conversations, I have the honor to confirm Morocco's
endorsement of the Proliferation Security Initiative. A note
in this regard has been sent today to the Embassy of the
United States of America in Rabat (see copy attached).

The endorsement of this Initiative by Morocco reflects its
strong commitment to the disarmament and the
non-proliferation efforts. It should also strengthen
cooperation between Morocco and the United States in terms of
democracy, disarmament, and fighting against international
terrorism.

I am sure that this new decision will consolidate friendship
relations that bind our two countries and will enhance their
multidisciplinary partnership on the international scene.

I would be grateful to you for keeping me informed, as
agreed, of the date on which the Spokesman will announce
Morocco's endorsement of the Proliferation Security
Initiative.

Finally, I would like also to confirm that I will be
presiding over the Moroccan delegation to the Proliferation
Security Initiative Fifth Anniversary events of May 21-29,
2008 in Washington, D.C.

While looking forward to meeting you at the end of the month,
please accept, Mr. Undersecretary, the assurances of my
highest consideration.

Secretary General
Omar Hilale

End Text.

2. (SBU) Comment: It could be useful if a brief meeting, or
at least a pull-aside, were to be arranged during the PSI
events. Post stands ready to facilitate or support as needed.

*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************

Riley

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