WikiLeaks cable: EAP/ANP Director McGann's meetings in New Zealand

Photo / Mark Mitchell

September 26, 2007
EAP/ANP Director McGann's September 12-13 meetings in New Zealand

date:2007-09-26T04:51:00
source:Embassy Wellington
origin:07WELLINGTON704
destination:VZCZCXRO7738 OO RUEHPB DE RUEHWL #0704/01 2690451 ZNY
CCCCC ZZH O 260451Z SEP 07 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE
WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4733 INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 4967
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS PRIORITY 0301 RUEHPB/AMEMBASSY PORT MORESBY
PRIORITY 0688 RUEHSV/AMEMBASSY SUVA PRIORITY 0651 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY
TOKYO PRIORITY 0658 RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEHC/DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHDC
PRIORITY RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA PRIORITY 0002 RHEHAAA/NATIONAL SECURITY
COUNCIL WASHDC PRIORITY
classification:CONFIDENTIAL
reference:
?C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 WELLINGTON 000704

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/ANP; NSC FOR KATRIN FRASER; OSD FOR JESSICA
P...
?C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 WELLINGTON 000704

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EAP/ANP; NSC FOR KATRIN FRASER; OSD FOR JESSICA
POWERS; PACOM FOR FPA, J-5
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2017
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, MARR, NZ, US
SUBJECT: EAP/ANP DIRECTOR MCGANN'S SEPTEMBER 12-13 MEETINGS IN NEW ZEALAND

Classified By: DCM David J. Keegan; Reason 1.4 (b) and (d)

1. (C) Summary. Following the successful US-NZ Partnership Forum (reftel), ANP Director McGann visited Wellington on September 12-13 for discussions with MFAT and MOD officials covering a range of bilateral issues with an emphasis on the Pacific Islands. On Guam, McGann urged MFAT officials to be realistic in how New Zealand can best help Pacific Island economies benefit from the Guam project and to work closely with Australia. McGann previewed the USG strategy on Fiji for the UNGA and relayed USG thinking on the upcoming Pacific Island Forum. MFAT Deputy Secretary James McArthur and McGann discussed prospective high-level visits and McArthur updated McGann on Cuban activities in the region. On security issues, McGann offered that the bilateral cooperation is moving from being circumstantial to one of more routine coordination. The MOD's International Defense Relations head Paul Sinclair agreed the threats to stability in the southern Pacific are internally driven and will continue to pose a long-term demand on GNZ security assets. MOD officials lauded the recent visits by BGen Toolan and DASD Clad, noting that they represented the most substantive defense/security discussions in over two decades. End Summary.

MFAT: Guam, PIF, Maritime Cooperation

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2. (C) While in Wellington, EAP/ANP Director McGann met with MFAT Deputy Secretaries Alan Williams and John McArthur, Americas Division Director Carl Worker and Deputy Director Elizabeth Halliday, and other staff members of the Pacific Islands and Americas Divisions. In his September 12 meetings, EAP/ANP Director Steve McGann encouraged NZ to approach the Guam relocation project in realistic terms. The contracting for the base relocation would likely go to large firms; subcontracting is probably a better fit for NZ companies. McGann predicted there will be an entire service industry needed to support the construction project, an influx of 20,000 new workers of varying skill levels -- many of whom will need training. Guam lacks a public
transportation system and one will be needed. All of these areas are targets of opportunity for New Zealand as well as the Pacific Islands. The USG is committed to seeing the Guam relocation project provide a Pacific-wide boost to island residents in terms of skills training and income through remittances. The key will be to make those populations
"labor ready," and McGann encouraged New Zealand and Australia to help in this area. He noted that by October, the USG will better understand the labor sectors needed. Alan Williams and McGann discussed the risks associated with labor mobility for many of the Pacific Islands, which may lose to Guam some of the skilled workers that they can least afford to lose. Finally, McGann welcomed the news that the GNZ plans to send a NZ business delegation to Guam in early October.

3. (C) On the Pacific Island Forum (PIF), MFAT DepSec Alan Williams outlined GNZ thinking regarding the proposed Regional Institutional Framework (RIF). He prefaced his remarks by noting that PM Clark will stay for the post-Forum dialogue, to show high-level GNZ interest in advancing more substantive discussion on PIF issues. MFAT officials
deplored the "silo mentality" of government agencies around the islands, noting that respective governing councils need to work together. The benefits of regionalisation cannot be realized in the absence of a more integrated framework. McGann said the USG philosophically supports the RIF initiative; the "Pacific way" of slow moving consultations does not provide for timely results. Both the Forum and other institutions require active support from key countries to help strengthen their initiatives. Within the USG, there remain concerns within various agencies that some sectors (e.g., environment) may be weakened. How the RIF is rolled out in Tonga will be important to Washington perceptions. Williams responded that the RIF will take time to implement, requiring legal and technical work. PM Clark is willing to invest the political capital to move it to the "next stage;"
the GNZ would like the USG to be comfortable with the WELLINGTON 00000704 002 OF 005 proposal and supportive.

4. (C) McGann raised the issue of maritime law enforcement in the southern Pacific, highlighting USG satisfaction with GNZ cooperation. He explained that the original USG efforts to translate a Caribbean-style model to the Pacific had been too ambitious. The US Coast Guard was instrumental in helping to develop a different model that was based on information sharing. The structure and relevant officials would be the same for law enforcement purposes, search and rescue, and protection of fisheries. McGann credited the GNZ for helping to push the process and recognized that the French have also been supportive. DepSec Williams noted that he had heard very encouraging reports from the August Quad plus one meeting in Washington. McGann said that law enforcement cooperation in the Pacific on a multilateral basis will facilitate greater bilateral interoperability between the USG and GNZ. Williams responded that the model is supportive of the GNZ's Project Protector and sustainability of migratory tuna stocks, which are essential for economic stability and development for the Pacific islands.

5. (C) On a different aspect of regional law enforcement, MFAT's Mike Shaw added that the Pacific islands were slow to respond to the international requirements outlined in various UN Security Council resolutions. Relevant UN agencies have since visited the region and recognized the challenges these requirements posed for small island nations with limited personnel. For that reason, the Pacific Island region was at the bottom of the compliance list, and Shaw pointed out that USG and GNZ recognition of the problem has helped advance PI
understanding of their obligations. Shaw said that the level of sophistication, report writing, and legislative drafting has improved as a result.

Fiji

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6. (C) On Fiji, Alan Williams said that the GNZ was not otally surprised at the reimposition of martial law. There had been increased paranoia on the part of Bainimarama, economic deterioration, lessening of popular support, and the continued legal action by the former PM. Most senior judges resigned en masse and tribal chieftains have called for reconciliation. Williams added that the GNZ has seen no signs of genuine commitment to the March 2009 election date, although he added that there is a census underway with Australian support. Williams remarked that the GNZ would like to incentivize the election process but will not throw away money on a process which goes nowhere. The reimposition of martial law was seen by the GNZ as Bainimarama trying to shore up support in the military. MFAT officials warned that there exists an alliance between the leaders of the Solomon Islands and Fiji within the PIF that could be problematic. Fundamentally, however, the international community needs to address the coup culture in Fiji. There will be opportunities to press Fiji in the near term, said Williams. The EU is considering a process linking financial disbursements to benchmarks; NZ is worried that the EU may go soft. With the PIF coming up, there needs to be affirmation of the need to return Fiji to democracy, and the UNGA is another venue for pressuring Bainimarama. Finally, Williams mentioned the upcoming Kampala Heads of Government from Commonwealth countries as a third opportunity, although
Pakistan may be problematic.

7. (C) McGann said that the USG view matches that of New Zealand; Fiji is moving in the wrong direction and Bainimarama has shown no indication he will hold elections as promised. McGann outlined USG thoughts for handling Fiji at UNGA, where Bainimarama will try to buy more time and skirt the PIF process. McGann said that A/S Hill will not/not meet with Bainimarama in Tonga; PDAS Davies will meet with Bainimarama in New York, and US Burns will meet with PI leaders (but not Bainimarama) in New York. The USG also plans to chair an Arias-style meeting of the UNSC on Fiji in mid-November. This forum would include the 15 Security Council members, non-UNSC members, interested delegates, WELLINGTON 00000704 003 OF 005 international organizations as well as NGOs, and will be geared to increase pressure on Bainimarama. For the November meeting, McGann indicated that the USG would welcome GNZ representation from Wellington. MFAT Deputy Secretary John McArthur said that the USG strategy for handling Fiji will be
welcomed by FM Peters.

8. (C) Williams mentioned Bainarama's proposal to form a PI peacekeeping force for UN operations with Fiji to do the training. McGann noted that the USG has supported continued Fiji participation in UNAMI and Lebanon; however, the USG has said no to future deployments and rejected a Fiji offer to send troops to Iraq. The regional PKO proposal has merit and the USG could entertain a PI force minus Fiji.

Cuba

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9. (C) McGann and DepSec McArthur discussed Cuba's request to open a diplomatic mission in New Zealand, and Cuban assistance efforts in the Pacific region. McArthur explained that the Cuban FM has been on a charm offensive, and the Cuban government has a request for agrement in with MFAT. The GNZ delayed a response until after the US-NZ Forum, he said, adding that the GNZ will respond by September 21. Cuba, he continued, looked to establish a mission either in Australia or New Zealand. In choosing New Zealand, the Cuban FM reportedly told the GNZ that Australia was "unfriendly" and working on behalf of the USG at UNGA. Cuba has an odd history of people-to-people programs in New Zealand, such as an agreement with Maori University where there have been 2,000 graduates of a Cuban-taught course. New Zealand will
watch the Cubans closely, indicated McArthur, and work closely with relevant USG agencies. In Timor Leste, the medical corps outside Dili is Cuban, and the Cubans have shown interest in other parts of the Pacific. McGann responded that the USG has no concerns about Cuba providing humanitarian medical assistance; it's what comes with it that
raises Washington concerns.

Defense/Security Meetings

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10. (C) McGann discussed a range of security issues with MFAT Deputy Secretary John McArthur, Paul Sinclair, head of the International Defense Relations Branch at the MOD, and Wayne Higgins, Director of the Defense Policy and Planning Unit within Paul Sinclair's office. Sinclair reviewed the substance of the BGen Toolan and DASD Clad meetings, and Sinclair reiterated GNZ desire for a better relationship with PACOM, while noting GNZ capacity constraints. McGann observed that USG-GNZ security cooperation within the Pacific is central to the bilateral relationship, and the key will be to sustain current momentum. Sinclair stated that the recent visits to New Zealand have been the most substantive discussions with DOD since the mid-1980s. McGann said that the USG appreciates the resource and personnel limitations of the NZ armed forces, but urged the GNZ to find more opportunities to say "yes," particularly on high-profile issues of importance to the USG. MFAT Deputy Secretary McArthur agreed that the GNZ needs to go the extra mile, particularly on the defense side. Paul Sinclair assured McGann that the GNZ commitment in Afghanistan will be maintained, and that the GNZ is considering strengthening their non-military contribution towards the police. New Zealand may also lift its diplomatic contribution and is examining NZAID's role. McGann reinforced A/S Hill's suggestion that the GNZ provide training assistance to the Afghan National Army.

11. (C) MFAT Deputy Director for International Security/Disarmament Paul Ash reviewed New Zealand's recent Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) efforts, emphasizing that the GNZ values PSI on its own merits but also for exchanges on counterproliferation issues in general. He noted that the GNZ is trying to persuade some Pacific islands to adopt the PSI Statement of Principles. New Zealand has found the PSI exercises useful and believes they will be helpful to other countries in the region. Mike Shaw added WELLINGTON 00000704 004 OF 005
that New Zealand was pleased to be participating in the PSI exercise hosted by Japan, and was glad that the USG supported GNZ inclusion.

12. (C) On peace support operations, Ash echoed MOD officials regarding the increased tempo of operations, the long-term constraints represented by the Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Afghanistan, and the implications for governance as well as security. Ash said that New Zealand would welcome more dialogue on lessons learned from similar types of interventions and operations. Regarding the Solomon Islands in particular, Ash shared his pessimism as the SI government's agenda runs counter to that of the international community and RAMSI. McGann reported on his conversations with Taiwanese officials with respect to the SI. Paul Sinclair said that interventions for peace support are long
term; any expectation that they can be done quickly is unrealistic, citing Tonga as an example. McGann observed that there are no external threats to the Pacific islands, only internal threats to stability -- Sinclair agreed.

13. (C) Americas Desk Director Carl Worker said New Zealand remains keen to promote an alliance of civilizations/interfaith dialogue initiative to counter radicalism within the region. Although the Pacific region's Muslims are generally moderate, there is potential for change. The GNZ sees its initiative as a means to engage large blocs of moderate leaders in a softer manner, which is a better fit for a small country like New Zealand. Paul Ash noted that New Zealand has engaged in this type of work domestically, now it is time to extend it further into the region. McGann welcomed the GNZ work in this area, particularly in how it may apply to Southeast Asia.

Visits

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14. (C) McGann, Carl Worker, and MFAT Deputy Secretary John McArthur discussed timing for a possible FM Winston Peters visit to Washington. Although the dates keep slipping for a Peters visit to North Korea, McGann offered that a swing through Washington after such a visit could be useful and that there are other offices in Washington besides the State Department where Peters could have productive meetings. The FM could also present a speech before the Asia Society; such a visit would continue the positive bilateral momentum but not cloud the electoral processes underway in both countries, offered McGann. Worker noted that the FM has not made plans to be in New York for the UNGA; if Peters had not met with the Secretary in Sydney, he would have gone to New York.
Both Worker and McArthur encouraged greater law enforcement cooperation, adding that DHS visits have been very useful and the GNZ is willing to increase engagement. Worker said that the GNZ would also be receptive to greater engagement and discussion with USG counterparts on internal disaster management and relief work.

Trilateral PIF Lunch

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15. (C) Over lunch, McGann and DCM joined DepSec Williams and Patrick Coles from Australia,s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to review Pacific Island issues before the PIF meeting in October. McGann invited Australia and New Zealand to send representatives to New York for a meeting of the Core Partners. He stressed that there was a need for the Post Forum Dialogue to focus on real issues facing the Pacific Islands, including regional architecture and Fiji. Both Coles and Williams responded that their countries would be eager to participate in the proposed Core Partners meeting. Coles urged that the partners take a maximalist approach in their ambitions for the RIF, while recognizing that there were significant financial and legal questions
remaining to be resolved. McGann responded that the U.S. philosophically favors RIF, but we need to see the details. We must keep the focus on achieving greater efficiency within existing resources.

16. (U) EAP/ANP Director McGann has cleared this message.

MCCORMICK