ARGENTINA RECEPTIVE TO U.S. PROGRAMS ON SMALL ARMS

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000337

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ARM MASS ETTC OAS AR
SUBJECT: ARGENTINA RECEPTIVE TO U.S. PROGRAMS ON SMALL ARMS
DESTRUCTION; SEEKS COOPERATION WITH ATF

REF: State 8063


1. Summary: Argentina Minister of Justice Fernandez wrote Ambassador
March 2 in response to reftel demarche to describe current GOA
programs to address illicit traffic in small and light weapons and
to request specific collaboration with the Bureau of Alcohol,
Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Minister Fernandez requested the ATF
collaboration because the United States is the largest market for
Argentine-exported small arms. Embassy also received positive
interest from Argentine armed forces and law enforcement agencies
during a December 16-19 visit of the Defense Threat Reduction Agency
(DTRA). End Summary.


2. Ambassador Wayne wrote to the Ministers of Foreign Relations,
Justice, and Defense on February 5 to share the nonpaper contained
in reftel. Minister of Justice, Security and Human Rights Anibal
Fernandez responded on March 2, describing Argentine programs.
Fernandez' letter tracked closely with an internal communication he
had received (and included for us) from Dr. Andres Matias Meiszner,
Director of the National Arms Register (RENAR, which falls under the
Ministry of Justice).


3. Fernandez described the recent completion of Argentina's weapons
purchase program, in which citizens could turn in firearms and
ammunition under a general amnesty - and with payments for the
weapons. The program operated for approximately 380 days from 2007
to late 2008 (details can be found at www.desarmevoluntario.gov.ar).
Under the program, according to preliminary numbers, over 104,000
firearms and 747,000 pieces of ammunition were turned in, with over
almost 53,000 of the weapons destroyed to date.


4. Fernandez described other GOA efforts in the letter, including:
an inventory of weapons in the hands of armed forces and law
enforcement agencies; development of a national database; a process
of consular legalization for arms exports; and various trainings for
law enforcement agencies. Fernandez also noted Argentina's
ratification of the Interamerican Convention against the Illicit
Manufacturing and Trafficking of Firearms and the UN Protocol
against the Illicit Manufacturing and Trafficking of Firearms.



5. Pointing out that the United States is the principal destination
for small arms and light weapons' exports from Argentina, Fernandez
supported Meiszner's suggestion that the RENAR and the U.S. Bureau
of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms exchange experiences and consider
technical assistance programs. In general, Meiszner voiced support
for general cooperation with the USG in these areas as well.

DTRA Visit
--------------


6. From December 16 to 19, Embassy Military Group supported an
introductory visit by the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to
Argentina. The visit allowed DTRA to brief Embassy elements on
programs and to most importantly to reach out to Argentine services
and agencies. Among the specific calls were the Army Technical
Institute, the Army Research and Development Directorate, the
Gendarmeria (Border Guard) and Prefectura (Coast Guard),the
Argentine Nuclear Regulatory Agency, and the NGO "Global Security."


7. Argentine interlocutors were interested in further collaboration
with DTRA, and future DTRA visit may explore the utility of various
seminars and assistance visits, including: Customs Border Patrol
Tracking and Trail Marking, Small Arms and Light Weapons Reduction
Program, and the Nuclear Material Handling/Inspection or Executive
Level Seminar. Military Group is working to secure funding to
support these programs and has scheduled a follow-on assessment
visit by the Small Arms and Light Weapons Reduction Program for 27
April 2009.


8. Embassy Comment: Argentina has in many respects strong and
effective controls over weapons belonging to the armed forces of law
enforcement agencies. Its Customs Service takes a professional
approach to controlling the trade in weapons. Despite relatively
good standards, however, corruption and other institutional
weaknesses can cause slippage. Argentina's long and remote borders,
moreover, are vulnerable to contraband. Argentine citizens and
independent analysts perceive a growing problem of violent crime
associated with drug trafficking. U.S. support aimed at addressing
these challenges in Argentina is warranted and is likely to be
received well.

WAYNE