Cablegate: Cyprus - Somalia Piracy Contact Group: Goc

VZCZCXYZ0003
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #7453 2331856
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 211839Z AUG 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY NICOSIA 5478

UNCLAS STATE 087453

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL CY TU
SUBJECT: CYPRUS - SOMALIA PIRACY CONTACT GROUP: GOC
PLANNING MONETARY CONTRIBUTION, PRESSING FOR PARTICIPATION.

REF: NICOSIA 537

In response to reftel request for guidance, post is requested
to pass the following information to the GOC regarding the
Contact Group for Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS).

-- The USG views the planned Cypriot donation to the CGPCS
Trust Fund as entirely appropriate and congratulates GOC on
its notable gesture of support for CGPCS efforts to
facilitate the prosecution of suspected pirates.

-- The USG welcomes GOC participation in all CGPCS fora. We
understand that Japan, chair of the Fourth Plenary in New
York City on September 10, has issued invitations to Cyprus
and other interested nations to participate in this meeting.

-- USG hopes that GOC, as a full CGPCS participant, will
undertake to prosecute pirates attacking Cypriot-flagged,
-owned, or )crewed ships; discourage the payment of ransoms
that fuel piracy; and encourage its registry fleet to
implement Best Management Practices for ship self-defense.
CLINTON

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