Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BUDAPEST130
2007-01-31 15:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Budapest
Cable title:  

HUNGARY REQUEST FOR USG OPINION ON SALE OF

Tags:  MARR PREL HU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0028
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUP #0130 0311542
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 311542Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0693
C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000130 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

EUR/NCE MICHELLE LABONTE, NES/I, PM/SA/LW

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2022
TAGS: MARR PREL HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARY REQUEST FOR USG OPINION ON SALE OF
ANTI-TANK MISSILE SYSTEMS TO IRAQ


Classified By: POL/C Eric V. Gaudiosi. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BUDAPEST 000130

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

EUR/NCE MICHELLE LABONTE, NES/I, PM/SA/LW

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/31/2022
TAGS: MARR PREL HU
SUBJECT: HUNGARY REQUEST FOR USG OPINION ON SALE OF
ANTI-TANK MISSILE SYSTEMS TO IRAQ


Classified By: POL/C Eric V. Gaudiosi. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) This is an action request. See paragraph 4.


2. (C) On January 31 Security Policy and Non-proliferation
Department desk officer Zoltan Papp provided the following
non-paper to poloff and requested our assistance regarding
the sale and transfer of armor piercing anti-tank missiles to
the Government of Iraq. On 23 January Security Policy and
Non-proliferation Department Head Andras Toth told poloff
that the MOD "may request a USG opinion and assistance
ascertaining interest on behalf of the Iraqi government, for
the sale of man portable anti-tank missiles." Toth
speculated that if there is no interest in the sale or
transfer of these items, "the MOD will probably destroy the
missiles because they want to get rid of them." He
specifically indicated that no official request had been
received from the MOD at that time, therefore he could
provide no further details. The GOH requests that the Embassy
review the non-paper and provide our informal input "at our
earliest convenience."


3. (C) BEGIN NON-PAPER TEXT:
METISZ (METIS) man portable anti-tank missile system
comprising:
- launchers (80 units);
- anti-tank missiles (1.200 live missiles and 400 units for
training purposes)
- accessories, spare parts

Manufactured in Russia in March/June 1997, provided to
Hungary as part of the repayment of Soviet state debt.
Please note that their operational warranty expires in ten
years, that is during spring and summer of 2007

Under the terms of the re-export permission issued by
the Russian Federation, Iraq is the sole destination where
Hungary is authorized to re(sell) these items to.

We would like to make sure that no objections would be
raised against such a a transaction (if realised) by the
Unites States, and would also highly appreciate any
information regarding potential interest in Iraq, from the
part of Iraqi authorities, to buy the above military
equipment. In short a reliable official end-user is
required. END TEXT.


4. (C) The Embassy requests the Department's guidance on
how best to advise the GOH on this matter. Please contact
POL Nicholas Griffith at griffithnc@state.sgov.gov or POL/C
Eric Gaudiosi at gaudiosiev@state.sgov.gov.
FOLEY