UNSCR 1540 -- FRANCE ALL FOR PROMOTING 1540

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 005239 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2015 TAGS: KNNP PARM PREL MNUC FR SUBJECT: UNSCR 1540 -- FRANCE ALL FOR PROMOTING 1540 COMMITTEE MEMBERS' COOPERATION REF: SECSTATE 138291 Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt for reaso ns 1.4(b) and (d). (C) We delivered reftel demarche to Nicolas Roche and Yann Poincignon of the MFA nonproliferation directorate on July ¶27. In a follow up conversation with Poincignon on July 29 he explained that the French subscribe wholeheartedly to the sentiment put forth in the demarche. He said that the French would like to put forth "the maximum effort" on UNSCR 1540 adding that there is much work to be accomplished in little time. He said that their delegation in New York reported back that some members were holding up the process and that this was a concern to the French. He noted that the French believe the work of the experts is extremely important and should not be hindered; however, he added, the French feel strongly that the wording of any letters that are sent to states should be done by the committee and not by the experts. STAPLETON