FINLAND: RESPONSE AUSTRALIA GROUP PROMOTING

C O N F I D E N T I A L HELSINKI 000281

SIPDIS

ISN/CB FOR ANDREW SOUZA, EUR/NB FOR MIGUEL RODRIGUES

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/25/2019
TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC CBW FI
SUBJECT: FINLAND: RESPONSE AUSTRALIA GROUP PROMOTING
PARTICIPATION

REF: STATE 67207

Classified By: Acting Pol/Econ Chief Wendy Kahler for reasons 1.4 (c) a
nd (d)


1. (C) PolOff delivered reftel points to Finnish MFA First
Secretary Marja Rosvall in the Unit for Arms Control,
Disarmament and Non-Proliferation on July 23. She noted in
particular that in her opinion, Russia approaches
participation in the Australia Group ambivalently, desiring
to participate but not necessarily comply with group
requirements.


2. (C) Rosvall also said that the open Finnish proposal
(dated April 2008) to close the Australia Group export
control loophole concerning related software could resurface
for discussion in the September meeting. The proposal
specifically notes that certain equipment with upgraded
software could be exported without export license even though
the software and/or the equipment changes the functionality.
Finland proposes Wassenaar Arrangement type controls over
related software in toxic gas monitoring, chemical
manufacturing and chemical and biological equipment. She
commented that Wassenaar type controls would unite the two
current export control systems.
BUTLER