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.

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2004ROME02962 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL