FMCT: ITALY WELCOMES U.S. PROPOSAL BUT STICKLER ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002962 SIPDIS GENEVA FOR CD DEL E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2014 TAGS: KNNP AORC PARM PREL TSPA IT CDG SUBJECT: FMCT: ITALY WELCOMES U.S. PROPOSAL BUT STICKLER ON VERIFICATION REF: A. SECSTATE 163883 ¶B. ROME 2192 ¶C. GENEVA 2148 Classified By: A/POLMINCOUNS PAULA THIEDE FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) POLMILOFF on July 29 conveyed ref A points to MFA Nonproliferation/Arms Control Office Director Filippo Formica. Formica welcomed the U.S. proposal, noting that it was an important evolution in the USG's approach to nonproliferation. He said that it was essential to move forward with negotiating a Cutoff Treaty given the risk that fissile material could fall into the hands of terrorists. ¶2. (C) Formica appreciated the fact that the U.S. was not calling immediately for a revision of the Shannon mandate. He stressed that the principle of verification is central to Italy's approach to nonproliferation and disarmament matters. Treaties without verification mechanisms are treaties without teeth," he said, adding that, "It is hard for me to imagine a FMCT without them." Nevertheless, Italy would adopt a pragmatic approach in the CD, and listen closely to U.S. national security concerns and its views on the effectiveness of treaty verification. Formica assured POLMILOFF that he would share additional views on our proposal once he had a chance to consult with Italy's CD delegation. (Note: We will follow up with Formica once he returns from vacation later this month. End Note.) ¶3. (U) Formica asked that the Embassy discuss the U.S. proposal on persistent landmines with one of his office colleagues, Paulo Cuculi, who will return to the office on August 2. We will report septel Cuculi's reaction to our proposal. Visit Rome's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/rome/index.cf m SEMBLER NNNN 2004ROME02962 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL