ITALY REFUSES PERMISSION TO DOE TEAM

UNCLAS ROME 003536 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA KNNP ENRG PTER GM IT SUBJECT: ITALY REFUSES PERMISSION TO DOE TEAM REF: STATE 194562 ¶1. (SBU) Econoff delivered reftel request to General Alberto Ficuciello, Military Advisor to Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Ficuciello was familiar with the details of this case, and pleasantly, but firmly stated that the GOI did not need, nor would it accept at this time, DOE's offer to send a team with specialized equipment. Ficuciello thanked DOE for the offer and held open the possibility of Italy requesting assistance at a later date. ¶2. (SBU) Polmiloff spoke separately to MFA Disarmament, Arms Control, and Non-Proliferation Office Director Fillipo Formica. Formica confirmed that Italy was arranging inspection of the boats through established PSI procedures. All channels of communication were functioning well within the terms of those procedures, Formica said, and Italy does not expect to need assistance from DOE personnel. Formica stressed that PSI mechanisms are working well in this case. He finished by requesting that the U.S. consult well in advance with Italy before making plans to send special personnel in the event of a future similar case. SPOGLI