SERBIA INTENDS TO SEEK MEMBERSHIP IN WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT

UNCLAS BELGRADE 001008 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL PTER KGIC KNNP SR SUBJECT: SERBIA INTENDS TO SEEK MEMBERSHIP IN WASSENAAR ARRANGEMENT ¶1. (SBU) Serbia intends to seek membership in the Wassenaar Arrangement within the next several months, MFA Director for Weapons Control Ambassador Branka Latinovic told us on September 24. She said the government had already taken the decision to start the process and hoped to finalize "internal procedures" by November, and then formally seek membership. She asked for unspecified U.S. support and technical assistance in conforming to Wassenaar standards and said she would inform us as details emerge. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Serbia's initiative to seek Wassenaar membership is a good sign of its commitment to nonproliferation as well as its intention to more actively engage in international fora, to the benefit of both Serbia and the region. Post stands prepared to offer any assistance to Serbia which Washington believes is appropriate. End Comment MUNTER