HUNGARY STILL CONSIDERING ATTENDANCE AT AUSTRALIA

S E C R E T BUDAPEST 000790 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/NCE MICHELLE LABONTE, ISN/CB, EUR/PRA E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2032 TAGS: PARM PREL HU SUBJECT: HUNGARY STILL CONSIDERING ATTENDANCE AT AUSTRALIA GROUP PLENARY INFO EXCHANGE AND EXPERTS ENFORCEMENT MEETINGS REF: SECSTATE 58355 Classified By: Pol/Econ-C Eric V. Gaudiosi. Reasons: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) The MFA is "still considering who will represent the Government of Hungary" at the upcoming Australia Group (AG) plenary meeting in Paris. The GoH is "well aware of the meeting" but due to "staffing gaps and transfers" the Department of Security and Non-proliferation Policy still does not know who will attend according to desk officer Zoltan Papp. The Head of the Non-proliferation Policy office normally attends AG meetings, though the position is currently vacant. The MFA is searching for a representative to attend the AG meeting, but has yet to make a decision. Likewise, the search for a full-time incumbent as Department Head is underway. ¶2. (S) Mr. Papp said he expects a decision regarding attendance "within a week." He would not comment on whether or not the GoH would make a presentation at the event nor did he have any official assessment of the effectiveness of Russia's export controls. Unofficially however, Mr. Papp said that Hungary is "likely inclined to follow the EU consensus" which does not "shine favorably" on Russia's membership in the AG. FOLEY