MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR): U.S.

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 110013 SIPDIS PARIS FOR EST: HELEN SMITH CANBERRA FOR CAROL HANLON E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/14/2033 TAGS: MTCRE PARM PREL KSCA TSPA ETTC FR AS SUBJECT: MISSILE TECHNOLOGY CONTROL REGIME (MTCR): U.S. REPORT ON CONTACTS WITH NON-PARTNERS (C) Classified By: ISN/MTR Director Pam Durham. Reasion 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2. ¶2. (C) Action request: The non-paper in paragraph 3 below provides a brief summary of Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR)-related contacts between the U.S. and non-MTCR countries since the November 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. As part of our preparation for the November 2008 Canberra MTCR Plenary, we request all MTCR Partner country embassies provide a copy of this non-paper to appropriate host government officials. Embassy Paris also should provide a copy to the French MTCR Point of Contact (POC) for posting on ePOC as a Plenary report and distribution to the Partners as a POC document. Request Embassy Canberra also provide a copy to the Australian MTCR Plenary Chair and/or appropriate staff. ¶3. (C) Begin Non-Paper: Confidential/Rel MTCR Countries: U.S. Contacts with Non-Partners since the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary ///////////////////////////////////// Since the November 2007 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Plenary in Athens, the U.S. has discussed the MTCR and related missile nonproliferation issues, such as the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC),with many relevant non-Partner countries. We are hopeful that through continued outreach to non-members, the Partners can promote a greater understanding of the MTCR,s nonproliferation goals and stimulate further interest in global missile nonproliferation and unilateral adherence to the MTCR Guidelines. Explanatory Notes: General U.S. export control contacts are carried out under the Department of State,s Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Program. The EXBS Program is designed to help prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD),their delivery systems, radiological material, conventional weapons, and related items by assisting foreign governments to establish and implement effective export control systems that meet international standards. The EXBS program comprises a range of nonproliferation export control assistance, from legal/regulatory and licensing workshops to border control infrastructure, to inspection and detection equipment and training for border control agencies. &Update 20078 was hosted by the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) on October 31 ) November 2, 2007, while &Update 20088 was held on September 29 ) October 1, 2008. &Update8 is a conference that gives the exporting community the opportunity to learn first-hand from senior U.S. Government (USG) officials about current issues and trends in export control policies, regulations, and practices. It also provides the unique opportunity to network with colleagues in the export control industry, interact with U.S. and foreign government officials, and learn about programs and services offered by the USG and industry exhibitors. Contacts with Non-Partners: Albania /////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Albania substantial border enforcement equipment. From February ) September 2008, Albanian officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training courses: -- Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) Threat Management; -- Maritime Law Enforcement Instructor Training and Joint Boarding Officer course; -- Maritime Incident Command System course; -- Border Enforcement and Controlled Delivery training for Customs and Border Police Officers; -- International Counterproliferation Program Advanced training; -- Commodity Identification Training and End Use ) End User training focused on methods of examining proposed international transfers of controlled goods; -- Trans-border Law Enforcement Cooperation Against Weapons Smuggling training; and -- Targeting and Risk Management training. Afghanistan /////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. continued to work with the Government of Afghanistan through the EXBS program to build and strengthen border security and Customs enforcement and systems. In late November 2007, the USG hosted a three-day Senior Policy Exchange with Afghanistan, focusing on the importance of nationally-based strategic trade control systems. In May 2008, EXBS held a Proliferation Awareness Training Workshop for Afghan officials, which focused on International Conventions on Non-Proliferation, Control Lists, and the threats associated with nuclear technologies. Algeria /////// In May 2008, officials from Algeria participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Armenia /////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Armenia substantial border enforcement equipment. In January 2008, Armenian officials participated in a Rail Interdiction Training course. In September 2008, the USG held an EXBS-sponsored National Control List Workshop in Yerevan. Azerbaijan ////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Azerbaijan substantial border enforcement equipment. From February ) July 2008, Azerbaijan officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training activities: -- Two On-the-Job Non-Intrusive Inspection (X-Ray) courses; -- Air Cargo Interdiction course; and -- Safe Boats training course. Bahamas /////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged the Bahamas to subscribe to the Hague Code of Conduct Against Ballistic Missile Proliferation (HCOC). Bahrain /////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Bahrain of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In April 2008, the U.S. urged Bahrain to subscribe to the HCOC. Belarus /////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Belarus of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Bosnia and Herzegovina ////////////////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Bosnia and Herzegovina substantial border enforcement equipment. From April ) September 2008, Bosnian officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training courses: -- International Counterproliferation Program Advanced course; -- End Use - End User seminar, focusing on methods of examining proposed international transfers of controlled goods; -- Border Enforcement course; -- Undercover Operations/Controlled Delivery course; -- Basic Small Boat Operations course for Bosnian Border Police; and -- Maritime Boarding Officer course. EXBS also provided the Tracker Automated Licensing System (Tracker) and trained Bosnian officials on the use of the system to help Bosnia and Herzegovina improve its strategic trade control system. Brunei ////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Brunei to subscribe to the HCOC. Chile ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Chile of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In July 2008, the EXBS program funded a seven-day International Seaport Interdiction Training course for Chilean officials in the U.S. In August 2008, the U.S. briefed Chilean government and industry officials on MTCR, Wassenaar Arrangement (WA),and Australia Group (AG) export controls during a nonproliferation seminar in Santiago. China ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed China of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Also in January 2008, the USG held an EXBS-sponsored Export Control forum on Industry-Government Relations in Beijing. Representatives from China participated in &Update 2008.8 The U.S. has continued to raise a variety of missile nonproliferation-related issues with China, including discussions related to Chinese entities, involvement in procurement efforts by programs of concern. Croatia /////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and Croatia have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. The U.S. continues to assist the GOC with revisions to its export control legislation and criminal code, as well as provide guidance on procedures for verifying end users and export license application information. In late November 2007, the U.S. provided to Croatian officials a Waterside Port Security course. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Croatia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In February 2008, EXBS provided a final Tracker Customization and Instructor training in the U.S. for Croatian officials. In April 2008, Croatia participated in an International Counterproliferation Program Advanced training course. Cyprus ////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Cyprus of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In February 2008, Cypriot officials participated in a Counterproliferation Awareness course. Egypt ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Egypt of the results of the 2007 Athens Plenary. Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has discussed with the GOE issues related to activities of programs of missile proliferation concern. Estonia /////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Estonia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Georgia /////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Georgia substantial border enforcement equipment. From December 2007 ) August 2008, Georgian officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training activities: -- International Border Interdiction course; -- Targeting and Risk Management course; -- WMD Commodity Identification workshop; -- Incident Command System Workshop course; -- WMD Commodity Identification Train-the-Trainer course; and The USG also sponsored two Georgian officials, attendance at the University of Georgia,s Export Control Academy in the U.S. Hong Kong ///////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and Hong Kong have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Hong Kong of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In February 2008, the USG sponsored a Commodity Identification Training course in Hong Kong. Representatives from Hong Kong participated in &Update 2008.8 India ///// The U.S. and India have an ongoing and cooperative dialogue on export control issues. Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and India have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. In January 2008, the U.S. informed India of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In April 2008, Indian representatives participated in a &Customs Curriculum Development Exchange8 in New Delhi. The U.S. and India held bilateral export control talks in March and August 2008. Representatives from India participated in &Update 2008.8 Indonesia ///////// In March 2008, Indonesian officials participated in a WMD Commodities Identification Training workshop and a Legal/Regulatory Workshop. In April 2008, the USG sponsored a WMD Commodity Identification Training workshop for Indonesian officials. In May 2008, Indonesian officials participated in the U.S.-Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Also in May 2008, the U.S. organized an export control awareness briefing to assist the GOI in developing a better understanding of nonproliferation standards and best practices. Israel ////// The U.S. and Israel have an ongoing dialogue on export control issues, and regularly consult on a wide range of nonproliferation issues. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Israel of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Jordan ////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Jordan of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Also in January 2008, the EXBS program donated to the Public Security Director of Jordan a mobile, non-intrusive imaging system to inspect trucks, containers, cargo, and passenger vehicles for contraband. In February 2008, the USG conducted a Maritime Crisis Management Seminar. In May 2008, officials from Jordan participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Also in June 2008, Jordanian border security officers participated in Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training in the U.S., providing skills necessary to assume responsibilities of emergency response at ports of entry. Kazakhstan ////////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Kazakhstan of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. EXBS conducted activities in Kazakhstan focused on the development of a comprehensive strategic trade control framework. EXBS continued to train Kazakhstani border security officials on interdiction techniques, and provided technical assistance in the area of WMD-related commodity identification. In April 2008, Kazakh officials participated in a WMD Crime Scene Skills Recertification course. In June 2008, the USG, in cooperation with the Kazakhstan Customs Control Committee, commissioned the first of eight sites outfitted with radiation detection equipment under the Second Line of Defense (SLD) program. Kuwait ////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Kuwait of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Kyrgyzstan ////////// EXBS conducted activities in Kyrgyzstan focused on the development of a comprehensive strategic trade control framework. EXBS continued to train Kyrgyz border security officials on interdiction techniques, and provided technical assistance in the area of WMD-related commodity identification. EXBS also provided training on the Tracker licensing system. Laos //// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Laos to subscribe to the HCOC. Latvia ////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Latvia of the results of the 2007 Athens Plenary. In mid-November 2008, members of the Latvian Coast Guard participated in an EXBS-funded, Maritime Operations Planning course held in Liepaja, Latvia. Lesotho /////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Lesotho to subscribe to the HCOC. Libya ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Libya of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In February 2008, an EXBS-sponsored EXBS Maritime Interdiction and Port Security training program was held for Libyan border and port security officials. In July 2008, the U.S. provided airport security training to Libyan customs, security, and counter-narcotics officials at Tripoli International Airport. Lithuania ///////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Lithuania of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Macau ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Macau of the results of the 2007 Athens Plenary. Macedonia ///////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Macedonia substantial border enforcement equipment, as well as provided the following training activities from February ) September 2008: -- WMD Threat Management course; -- Border Enforcement and Controlled Delivery training to Macedonian Border Police officers; -- International Counterproliferation Program Advanced course; -- Commodity Identification Instructor course; -- Trans-border Law Enforcement Cooperation Against Weapons Smuggling training in Florina, Greece; -- International Investigations Training course; -- Strategic Tracker training course; -- Delivery of inspection/detection equipment at border crossings and for the Radiation Safety Directorate; and -- Undercover Operations/Controlled Delivery course. The U.S. also continued to discuss with the GOM issues related to missile proliferation and effective enforcement of missile export controls. Malaysia //////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Malaysia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In May 2008, Malaysian officials participated in the U.S. ) Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Representatives from Malaysia participated in &Update 2008.8 The U.S. also continued to discuss with the GOM missile-related nonproliferation issues such as the involvement of Malaysian entities in procurement efforts by programs of concern. Malta ///// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Malta of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In May 2008, officials from Malta participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Mexico ////// Representatives from Mexico participated in &Update 2007.8 In February 2008, the EXBS program sponsored a Proliferation Awareness Forum and an Analysis of Strategic Commodity Transfers training course for Mexican officials. In May 2008, Mexican officials participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. In July 2008, Mexican officials participated in an EXBS-sponsored technical exchange with DOC officials focusing on export control licensing best practices. Moldova /////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Moldova with equipment and training seminars for an automated licensing system to improve transparency and efficiency in the licensing review process. Specifically, in April 2008, GOM licensing officials participated in Tracker User Training. Montenegro ////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided Montenegro substantial border enforcement equipment, as well as provided the following training activities from March ) September 2008: -- Targeting and Risk Management seminar to Customs officers; -- Tracker training course to Montenegro Border Police officers; -- Border Enforcement course; -- End Use - End User seminar, focused on methods of examining proposed international transfers of controlled goods; and -- Montenegrin Border Police officers participated in a regional Basic Small Boat Operations and Maritime Boarding Officers courses. EXBS provided the Tracker Automated Licensing System (Tracker) and trained Montenegrin officials on the use of the system to help Montenegro establish and improve its strategic trade control system. EXBS began assisting Montenegro with the development of its maritime safety and security legislation that will harmonize with international standards, European Union (EU) considerations, and applicable Montenegrin regulations. Morocco /////// In May 2008, Morocco co-hosted with the U.S. an International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco, that was attended by officials from 20 countries. Namibia /////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Namibia to subscribe to the HCOC. Nepal ///// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Nepal to subscribe to the HCOC. Oman //// In January 2008, under the auspices of the EXBS program, a United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1540 workshop was held for Oman officials. In addition, the EXBS program donated patrol vehicles to the Royal Oman Police/Customs. In March 2008, Omani inter-ministry officials participated in the Export Control Academy at the University of Georgia in the U.S., which focused on areas such as international nonproliferation treaties; multilateral export control regimes; concepts such as catch-all, intangible technology transfers, and deemed exports; and the basics of interagency licensing processes. In April 2008, the U.S. urged Oman to subscribe to the HCOC. In May 2008, Oman officials participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Also in May 2008, an EXBS-coordinated Export Controls and the Facilitation of Strategic Trade three-day workshop was held in Muscat. In June 2008, an EXBS-coordinated, three-day Legal/Regulatory Training workshop was held, which focused on assisting the Government of Oman draft/amend implementing laws and regulations to establish a comprehensive legal/regulatory and munitions export control framework consistent with the multilateral export control regimes. Pakistan //////// In November 2007, Pakistani officials participated in an EXBS-sponsored National Control List Workshop. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Pakistan of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In February 2008, Pakistani officials attended training on export control licensing sponsored jointly by the U.S. and the UK. In June 2008, participants from Pakistan,s enforcement community attended a WMD-Commodity Identification Training workshop in Amman, Jordan. In August 2008, Pakistani representatives attended the International Export Control Academy and participated in an EXBS coordination meeting. Philippines /////////// In December 2007, the USG sponsored International Seaport Interdiction training for Philippine customs and enforcement officials at the port of Manila. In February 2008, Philippine officials participated in a WMD Commodity Identification Training workshop in Manila. In May 2008, officials from the Philippines participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. In June 2008, the USG sponsored a National Control List Seminar and unveiled a web-searchable EU control list portal. Qatar ///// In March 2008, the U.S. urged Qatar to subscribe to the HCOC. Romania /////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Romania of the results of the 2007 Athens Plenary. Samoa ///// In 2008, the U.S. urged Samoa to subscribe to the HCOC. Samoa formally subscribed to the HCOC in May 2008. Saudi Arabia //////////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Saudi Arabia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Serbia ////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and Serbia have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Serbia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. The EXBS program continued to assist Serbia with its strategic trade control system through licensing training seminars. EXBS also provided the Tracker Automated Licensing System (Tracker) and trained GOS officials on the use of the system to help Serbia establish and improve its strategic trade controls. The U.S. also provided Serbia substantial equipment assistance, as well as provided the following training activities from May ) September 2008: -- End Use - End User Seminar focused on methods of examining proposed international transfers of controlled goods; -- Serbian Customs and Border Police officers participated in a regional Basic Small Boat Operations course; and -- Serbian Border Police and Customs officers participated in a regional Maritime Boarding Officer course. Singapore //////// In December 2007, the USG held a National Control List Technical Workshop in Singapore, which included a Wassenaar Arrangement (WA) Dual-Use Commodity Identification training workshop. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Singapore of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In May 2008, Singaporean officials participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Singapore Customs officials visited the U.S. in May 2008 to discuss Singapore,s expanded strategic goods control list and ongoing export control training programs with officials from the Departments of State and Commerce. In August 2008, Singapore Customs hosted a two-day, EXBS-sponsored workshop on changes made in 2006 and 2007 to the Wassenaar Arrangement control lists. Also, the U.S. and Singapore have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern since the 2007 Athens Plenary. Slovak Republic /////////////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed the Slovak Republic of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In June 2008, the U.S. provided Tracker Automated Licensing System training to Slovakian officials to improve their strategic trade control processes. Slovenia //////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Slovenia of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. The U.S. continued to work closely with the Government of Slovenia on the procurement of export control and enforcement equipment and training to strengthen Slovenia,s border security integrity. Sri Lanka ///////// In May 2008, officials from Sri Lanka participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Swaziland ///////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Swaziland to subscribe to the HCOC. Taiwan ////// In January 2008, the U.S. informed Taiwan of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has continued working with Taiwan to improve its export control system. As part of this process, the U.S. regularly discussed with Taiwan issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern and routinely consulted with Taiwan on export licensing issues. In April 2008, a five-day Target and Risk Management training on identifying, targeting, and examining suspicious cargos and vessels was held in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. In June 2008, the USG held an Industry-Government Outreach Seminar in Taiwan. Tajikistan ////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has been working with Tajikistan to increase its export control enforcement. EXBS conducted activities in Tajikistan focused on the development of a comprehensive strategic trade control framework. EXBS continued to train Tajik border security officials on interdiction techniques, and provided technical assistance in the area of WMD-related commodity identification. In May 2008, the U.S. provided a WMD International Investigations training course in Dushanbe. This was followed in June 2008 by a WMD Criminal Investigations course. Thailand //////// From November 2007 ) September 2008, Thai officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training activities: -- Legal-Regulatory Technical Workshop to assist Thailand in developing a strategic trade control system; -- International Seaport Interdiction training session at Laem Chabang Port; -- Customs investigators attended a training course on Investigation of Nonproliferation Export Control Incidents; -- Technical Introduction to Strategic Trade Control Licensing Workshop in Bangkok, as well as a workshop on End-Use/End-User Analysis of Strategic Commodities Transfers; -- U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco; and -- National Control List Workshop. Three Thai officials also attended the Export Control Academy at the Center for International Trade and Security of the University of Georgia in the U.S. In April 2008, the U.S. urged Thailand to subscribe to the HCOC. Trinidad and Tobago /////////////////// In April 2008, the U.S. urged Trinidad and Tobago to subscribe to the HCOC. Turkmenistan //////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. has provided a variety of equipment and export control training to Turkmenistan to assist it in targeting and interdicting sensitive items. EXBS conducted activities in Turkmenistan focused on the development of a comprehensive strategic trade controls EXBS continued to train Turkmen border security officials on interdiction techniques, and provided technical assistance in the area of WMD-related commodity identification. United Arab Emirates //////////////////// On several occasions since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and UAE have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. In January 2008, the U.S. informed UAE of the results of the 2007 Athens MTCR Plenary. In June 2008, the U.S. held a two-day counter-proliferation workshop for prosecutors and judges in Dubai. In addition, a third day of discussions was held at the Sharjah Police Academy for UAE law enforcement officials, providing for the exchange of experiences, best practices, and challenges to effectively implement and apply export controls. Representatives from UAE participated in &Update 2008.8 Uzbekistan ////////// Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the EXBS program has worked to strengthen Uzbekistan,s control of strategic trade and border security capabilities, by conducting training for border and customs officials and providing enforcement-related commodities such as inspection equipment. Vietnam /////// From January 2008 ) April 2008, Vietnamese officials participated in the following USG-sponsored training activities: -- Three, User Training Sessions for the Tracker computerized strategic trade licensing system; -- International Seaport Interdiction Training session in Ho Chi Minh City; -- Export Control Legal-Regulatory Workshop in Hanoi; -- U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco; and -- Introduction to Licensing Workshop. In April 2008, the U.S. urged Vietnam to subscribe to the HCOC. As part of the EXBS program, the U.S. provided mobile X-ray equipment to Vietnam in May 2008, and in June 2008, delivered off-road vehicles to assist in border control. Yemen ///// In November 2007, the U.S. provided several workshops in Aden to assist the Yemeni Coast Guard with engineering and logistics support system necessary for vessels and support facilities conducting Coast Guard-like missions. Also, training focused on safe and effective operations of small boats, including first aid emergency procedures, navigation rules and techniques. In addition, in February 2008, EXBS funded additional training to the Yemeni Coast Guard in Aden. In January 2008, the U.S. informed Yemen of the results of the 2007 Athens Plenary. In April 2008, the U.S. urged Yemen to subscribe to the HCOC. In May 2008, Yemeni officials participated in the U.S. - Morocco co-hosted International Transshipment Conference held in Tangier, Morocco. Since the 2007 Athens Plenary, the U.S. and Yemen have discussed issues related to the transfer of sensitive items to programs of missile proliferation concern. End text of paper. ¶4. (U) Please slug any reporting on this or other MTCR issues for ISN/MTR. A word version of this cable will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. Department contact is ISN/MTR Sarah Ayers, phone: 202-647-1142, email: ayerssl@state.sgov.gov. RICE