HCOC DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS MASERU 000198 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR ISN/MTR, ALSO FOR AF/S RANGOON FOR PATRICK MURPHY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MTCRE PREL MNUC KSCA ETTC TSPA LT SUBJECT: HCOC DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 64555 ¶1. Ambassador met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Monyane Moleleki April 25 to discuss points concerning support for the International Missile Non-Proliferation efforts by subscribing to the Hague Code of Conduct (HCOC). We indicated that we did approach the Government of Lesotho (GOL) previously and wanted to reaffirm our interest in the GOL's adherence as a subscriber in the region. The discussion included the following points: -- halting the spread of ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. -- the fact that the countries may subscribe as an executive act without parliamentary approval and ratification; and the fact that the 124 subscribing states include not only Western bodies such as the European Union, but significant countries from Africa, particularly SADC countries such as South Africa and Zambia. ¶2. The Foreign Minister was very impressed with the list of countries already subscribing to the HCOC. He stated that the goals and objectives of the Code of Conduct were indeed worthy and important for preservation of world peace. He was especially impressed with the participation of many large African countries and stated that Lesotho would become a subscriber to the HCOC. We provided a sample note that the GOL could use in submitting its subscription. ¶3. Post suggests that USUN delegation and others, as necessary, follow up with the representatives of Lesotho before the June 22-23 meeting. We will also remind the Foreign Minister of this commitment and the dates involved. PERRY