GAINING ARGENTINE SUPPORT FOR U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUENOS AIRES 000184

SIPDIS

FOR NP/RA EYTHAN SONTAG; L/NP JULIE HERR; AND L/LEI DENISE
MANNING

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/26/2015
TAGS: EWWT KNNP KTIA MNUC PARM PHSA PREL AR
SUBJECT: GAINING ARGENTINE SUPPORT FOR U.S.
NONPROLIFERATION AMENDMENTS TO THE SUA CONVENTION

REF: STATE 14491

Classified By: Ambassador Lino Gutierrez for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) Polcouns met on January 26 with Ambassador Carlos
Sersale, director of the Argentine MFA's Office of
International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs, to deliver
talking points in reftel. Also attending the meeting was
Ariel Gonzalez of the MFA Legal Advisor's Office who will be
representing the GOA at the upcoming International Maritime
Organization Legal Committee meeting.


2. (C) Ambassador Sersale was already well versed on the
substance of the U.S. amendments to the SUA and said the GOA
had the same objectives and was ready to provide support.
Sersale's only caveat to the dual-use transport amendment was
that it be worded in such a way that did not interfere with
legitimate international trade, giving as an example the
shipment of radioactive waste. He stated if the amendment
were not constructed properly, some countries might attempt
to use it as an excuse to deny passage of such material,
which Argentina considers a legitimate business.


3. (C) Sersale firmly supported the point that dual-use
transport offense should apply to both state and non-state
actors. He described the Indonesian proposal as
"nonsensical" and not consistent with UNSCR 1540.


4. (C) Sersale also added the GOA would push at the meeting
for a speedy resolution of the discussions. He said that
some nations (he mentioned India and Pakistan in particular)
were seeking a delay on amending the SUA until a consensus
could be reached. Sersale said the GOA would support moving
ahead even without consensus.
GUTIERREZ