COSTA RICA - RESPONSE TO ARMS TREATY DEMARCHE

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 001134

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR WHA/CEN AND PM/DTCP

E.O. 12958: N/A

TAGS: PREL PARM ETTC KOMS UNDC CS

SUBJECT: COSTA RICA - RESPONSE TO ARMS TREATY DEMARCHE

REF: STATE 63299


1. (U) On May 31, Pol/C and Poloff discussed USG position (Reftel)
on the proposed UN Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) with MFA Deputy Director
for Exterior Policy Alejandro Solis. We left a non-paper; noted
that the USG was presenting a demarche on the issue to a number of
host governments, including ATT co-sponsors; and asked that the GOCR
consider the USG position. Solis said he would get back to us. On
June 6, the MFA responded via Diplomatic Note (DGPE-DT-052-07)
covering a non-paper (see informal translation below).


2. (SBU) COMMENT: We were struck by how quickly the MFA responded
(a new record for here in San Jose),and the favorable tone of the
response, which stresses the general areas of agreement between the
proposed ATT and current USG practice and policy. However, given
the importance the Arias administration places on the ATT
initiative, we anticipate that the GOCR will be more inclined to
seek USG support for the ATT than to accept USG proposals (should
there be any) to modify the text. END COMMENT.


3. (U) BEGIN INFORMAL TRANSLATION OF GOCR NON-PAPER

COMMENTS REGARDING A NON-PAPER ON THE PROPOSAL FOR AN ARMS TRADE
TREATY (ATT)

Costa Rica, together with other Nations, has proposed the
negotiation of a legally-binding Arms Trade Treaty. This is a
further step in the process initiated by a proposal from Nobel Peace
Prize Laureate Oscar Arias-Sanchez -proposal adopted by the Group of
Nobel Laureates- for an international code of conduct on
international arms transfers. As meetings developed and new States
joined the proposal, it was concluded that, though the Treaty is a
slower negotiation mechanism, the Treaty will exert pressure, as no
other voluntary compliance mechanism would, on those countries
trading arms to governments and to irregular groups violating human
rights.

Within this context, we highly value the commitment of the United
States on the strict monitoring of exports, as well as the
cooperation offered to third countries to establish their own
monitoring mechanisms and legislation. Clearly, Costa Rica
encourages all countries to establish national laws to prevent or
reduce irresponsible arms trade.

Nonetheless, there is no contradiction between national efforts and
negotiations for an international treaty, but both could complement
each other. Costa Rica is aware that among the 24 countries that
abstained [from voting], some are main export countries, and their
incorporation into negotiations would probably be a slow and
complicated process. We faced the same experience with other
treaties designed to limit arms production and export, such as those
to ban anti-personal landmines.

Similarly, there is agreement regarding [arms] control, as it was
mentioned in the document, in such areas as:

-- Exporter and arms dealer registration;
-- [Arms export] control list, for those requiring an export
license; and,
-- Monitoring [measures] and compulsory national legislation.

Costa Rica urges all countries to participate in the United Nations
Group of Experts on an Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) in 2008. The mandate
on this subject is clear, and according to its terms, Costa Rica
will make all efforts to ensure that the results are simultaneously
inclusive and effective, for the purpose of eradicating or reducing
uncontrolled arms trade. Arms trade entails paying an unacceptable
high price for life, health and production in a lot of countries,
some considered among the less developed countries of the world.

END NON-PAPER

WEITZENKORN