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