U.S. RESPONSE TO BULGARIA REGARDING THE TRANSFER

S E C R E T STATE 003581 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/11/2018 TAGS: PARM PREL MASS ETTC BU SUBJECT: U.S. RESPONSE TO BULGARIA REGARDING THE TRANSFER OF MANPADS COMPONENTS TO EGYPT REF: A. E-MAIL FROM JOSHUA HUCK SENT: FRIDAY JANUARY 04 ¶B. 2008 5:54 PM Classified By: EUR/PRA, Dir. AFriedt, Reason 1.4 (b/d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 4. -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶2. (S) As part of an agreement between the U.S. and the Government of Bulgaria (GOB),the GOB is to consult with the U.S. prior to selling man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) and their components (with the exception of such transactions to NATO or EU member states). Bulgaria recently notified the U.S. of a follow-up transfer of MANPADS components to Egypt (ref e-mail),which has been reviewed by Washington; no objections were raised. -------------- WASHINGTON'S POSITION -------------- ¶3. (S) Washington has reviewed the notification from Bulgaria of the transfer of 125 sets of mechanical parts for the grip stocks of MANPADS to the government of Egypt (ref e-mail). This will enable new electronics packages in the grips to operate the upgraded seekers on the rebuilt SA-7s for the exclusive use of the Egyptian Army. Egypt owns and operates this type of MANPADS; there is little evidence to indicate Egypt is planning to sell MANPADS or that countries are approaching Egypt to purchase MANPADS. In light of this review, we do not object to Bulgaria providing these components to Egypt. -------------- ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶4. (S/REL BULGARIA) Post is asked to approach appropriate GOB officials and provide the U.S. Governement response to the transfer of MANPADS components to Egypt. Response should indicate that we do not object to the proposed transaction. Post may draw upon the following point. -------------- BEGIN TALKING POINT -------------- S/REL BULGARIA -- We have reviewed the information provided on the transfer of 125 sets of mechanical parts for the grip stocks of MANPADS to the Government of Egypt. We believe this transaction to be consistent with the needs of the Ministry of Defense of Egypt and support this sale. End of Talking Point. ¶5. (U) Post's assistance is greatly appreciated. RICE