BLUE LANTERN BROKER INQUIRY ON MARK A. DECOSTER,

UNCLAS BRUSSELS 001529 SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/WE AND PM/DTCC:RJOUBERT-LIN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC BE SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN BROKER INQUIRY ON MARK A. DECOSTER, CASE NO. K-2158 REF: SECSTATE 94230 ¶1. Summary. Pursuant to reftel request, Polintern met with Marc A. Decoster, president of Life Support Consulting, on 7 October 2009. The interview was not conducted at Decoster's place of business, because Decoster conducts his business out of his home, through his computer and mobile phone. Life Support Consulting is a small business that assists European government entities in buying protective and detective products (i.e. suits and detection devices) for civil defense and military purposes. The business also assists with making sure paperwork documenting sales transactions is processed correctly and coordinates transportation of products from manufacturer to buyer. Aside from the equipment mentioned, Marc Decoster also works in medical supplies consulting. End Summary. ¶2. Life Support Consulting possesses a standard business license from the Belgian government. According to the Belgian Government, neither Decoster nor Life Support Consulting has a license to sell or broker military items. As a consultant, Decoster contends he is not required to have such a license. Life Support Consulting does not buy, sell, handle or store any products on behalf of its clients. Decoster said that his registration with the State Department was requested by his clients. ¶3. Life Support Consulting was officially established in 2006 by Marc Decoster. The company's principals are Decoster's son and daughter, Dimitry F.D. Decoster and Natalie G.G. Decoster. Marc is the company's only employee but expects to hire his son in 2010. Although a relatively new company, Decoster has over 30 years of experience in detection of and protective techniques related to chemical, biological, and nuclear contaminants. ¶4. Life Support Consulting is essentially a consultant to the American companies CMS Field Products and OI-Corporation, who seek to sell their products to European government entities such as the French Government, Belgian National Police, the National Police of Netherlands, and the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Decoster mentioned that the products his clients sell are used in efforts to remove and neutralize active chemical weapons that remain in the Belgian countryside from World War ¶I. ¶5. Decoster said that he and his company understand the restrictions on USML items, including those relating to unauthorized re-transfers and re-exports. Decoster did not request any further clarification of the restrictions. ¶6. Comment. Post notes that the telephone number for Marc Decoster in reftel is incorrect. His correct phone number in Belgium is: 322 306 4173. End Comment. GUTMAN .