CFE: JUNE 3 JCG PLENARY: A NON-EVENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L USOSCE 000146 SIPDIS STATE FOR VCI/CCA, EUR/RPM NSC FOR DOWLEY JCS FOR J5/COL NORWOOD OSD FOR ISA (PERENYI) E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/03/2018 TAGS: KCFE OSCE PARM PREL RS SUBJECT: CFE: JUNE 3 JCG PLENARY: A NON-EVENT ¶1. (SBU) The June 3 meeting of the Joint Consultative Group (JCG) was even briefer than expected with no delegation taking the floor on any substantive issue. Belgium was noticeably absent and thus did not present a planned briefing (announced last week) on the Belgian constitutional process as it applies to the ratification of the adapted CFE Treaty. Although Russian Chief Arms Control Rep Ulyanov was in town, he opted not to attend the plenary, sending Solomenko to lead the Russian del in his stead. (NOTE: On the margins prior to the meeting, Solomenko sought assurances from the USDel that the U.S. did not have any planned statements and noted that Ulyanov had intentionally remained &in his office.8 END NOTE) ¶2. (U) The next JCG Plenary, to be chaired by Kazakhstan, will take place on June 10 and will be preceded by a JCG-T on June 9. FINLEY