WikiLeaks cable: Comprehensive 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