DRC ARMS EMBARGO: FRANCE CONSIDERING

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARIS 003273

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL DR FR
SUBJECT: DRC ARMS EMBARGO: FRANCE CONSIDERING
MODIFICATIONS BUT NOT YET READY TO SUPPORT USG PROPOSAL

REF: A. STATE 105643


B. USUN 637

Classified By: Political Minister-Counselor Josiah Rosenblatt,
1.4 (b/d)


1. (C) In response to ref A demarche, MFA Acting DRC Desk
Officer Claude Blevin said on August 2 that the GOF was
considering ways to modify the arms embargo affecting the DRC
under the UNSC's sanctions regime, but that France was not
yet ready to support the USG proposal. Blevin was familiar
with the details of the discussion, based on the reporting of
France's UN delegation. He said that the situation in the
eastern DRC remained very tense and that it was therefore
necessary to consider carefully any change to the present
arms embargo. France would take a "cautious and prudent
approach," he said.


2. (C) Blevin agreed that circumstances in the DRC since
the elections warranted a change in the arms embargo and he
understood the rationale behind the USG position, but he
noted that the situation in-country remained fragile,
referring to the events of March 22 as an example of the
volatility and potential for break-down in the DRC. He said
that the GOF was considering how best to address the issue of
modifying the arms embargo and would certainly take into
account U.S. views in formulating a position. At present,
however, he said that until the review is completed, France
could not at this time adopt the USG position.



Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/paris/index.c fm


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