PORTUGUESE REPLY ON MTCR AND HCOC DEMARCHES

C O N F I D E N T I A L LISBON 001343

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR ISN/MTR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/27/2016
TAGS: KSCA PARM PREL ETTC TSPA PT
SUBJECT: PORTUGUESE REPLY ON MTCR AND HCOC DEMARCHES

REF: A. SECSTATE 81264


B. SECSTATE 95368

Classified By: Dana M. Brown, Pol/Econ Officer, State Department
Reason: 1.4 (b)


1. (C) Pol/Econ officer delivered reftel demarches and
followed up with MFA's Deputy for Security and Disarmament
Pedro Sousa Abreu on June 23. He said Portugal welcomed the
letter from Undersecretary Joseph (ref a) and thanked the
U.S. for conveying its intentions for the upcoming October
meeting.


2. (C) Sousa Abreu had no objections to the concept as
outlined in the letter, however he requested more detailed
information about the USG proposal as soon as it is available
to allow a technical review and policy consideration in
advance of the meeting. Portugal is open to discussing
revisions to the current MTCR technical criteria but seeks to
fully vet any proposal.


3. (C) Regarding HCOC (ref b),Sousa Abreu said the U.S.
agenda was similar to the GOP agenda but that it was more
involved. He inquired whether we were concerned that our
"New Triad" agenda might be in conflict with weapons control
efforts, but said he would wait to hear more about plans. He
also requested more information on the U.S plans as they
become available regarding HCOC.
Hoffman