PANAMA: MFA RESPONDS TO REQUEST FOR 505 AGREEMENT

UNCLAS PANAMA 001303 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PM/PPA, PM/RSAT, L/PM, L/T, WHA/PPC AND WHA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KTIA MARR MASS PGOV PM XK SUBJECT: PANAMA: MFA RESPONDS TO REQUEST FOR 505 AGREEMENT FOR 1206 PROGRAM REF: 06 STATE 115784 On July 30, Panama's Ministry of Foreign Relations provided the following response to the U.S. request seeking a 505 agreement with Panama that may apply to the 1206 program and other programs: Unofficial translation Republic of Panama Ministry of Foreign Relations Panama 4, Panama DT/265 The Ministry of Foreign Relations presents its compliments to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America on the occasion of referring to its Verbal Note No. 1152 dates July 24, 2007, which proposes the signature of an Agreement related to the furnishing by the United States of America to the Government of the Republic of Panama of defense articles, related training and other services, including pursuant to the United States International Military Education and Training Program, based on the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, as amended, or successor legislation, which would supersede the Agreements signed in 1962 and 1974. In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Relations informs the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America that, the mentioned note having been considered by the appropriate authorities of the Government of the Republic of Panama, it does not have any objections. Notwithstanding the above, the Ministry of Foreign Relations, upon request from the Ministry of Government and Justice, requests the Honorable Embassy to clarify if the furnishing of articles described in the proposal, is granted as loan or donation. Also, it request description of the scope of letter E, which authorizes the Government of the United States of America to review the use of articles and services furnished to Panama within the framework of this Agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Relations avails itself of this opportunity to reiterate to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America, the assurances of its highest consideration. Panama, July 30, 2007 To the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America Panama City Arreaga