UKRAINE: POTENTIAL SALE OF CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L KYIV 004196

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR PM/RSAT, EUR/UMB AND EUR/PRA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2016
TAGS: PREL ETTC EAIR ETRD PARM MARR MASS VE UP
SUBJECT: UKRAINE: POTENTIAL SALE OF CIVILIAN AIRCRAFT TO
VENEZUELA

REF: A. STATE 174927


B. KIEV 3751

C. KIEV 3672

D. STATE 155336

Classified By: Political Counselor Kent Logsdon for reasons 1.4(b,d)


1. (U) This is an action request. See para 4.


2. (C) We provided ref A talking points November 6 to MFA
Arms Control and Military Technical Cooperation Department
Counselor Igor Kyzym, who said the information was timely
since he would be able to relay the USG position to the
interagency Presidential Committee on Export Controls and
Military Technical Cooperation, which meets in two weeks
(note: and which provides final approval for export
licenses). We stressed that we had no objection to a purely
civilian sale of AN-74 aircraft to Venezuela, but Kyzym
adopted a rather defensive posture, implying that this was an
important possible sale for Ukraine.


3. (C) Noting the dire straits of Ukraine's aviation industry
and the importance of a significant aircraft sale, Kyzym said
very little distinguished civilian and military versions of
the AN-74. We opined that, under such circumstances, the
identity of the end-user would be critical. Kyzym agreed and
noted our request for continued consultations regarding the
sale. The subject would be an appropriate topic for the next
U.S.-Ukraine nonproliferation working group (NPWG) meeting,
which should take place this time in Washington. Kyzym
inquired whether the U.S. side had proposed dates.


4. (C) Request guidance to respond to Kyzym's request for
proposed dates of the next NPWG session.


5. (U) Visit Embassy Kyiv's classified website:
www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/kiev.
Taylor