EXBS RUSSIA MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE

UNCLAS MOSCOW 001768 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NP/ECC - ACHURCH DEPT FOR EUR/ACE - DMARTIN CBP/INA FOR PWARKER USDOE/NNSA FOR TPERRY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC MNUC PARM PREL KSTC KNNP UP RS SUBJECT: EXBS RUSSIA MONTHLY REPORTING CABLE JUNE 2009 Summary: This cable highlights activities of the Export Control and Related Border Security (EXBS) Russia Program Office for the period of June 01, 2009 to June 30, 2009. End Summary ¶1. EXBS contractor Commonwealth Trading Partners (CTP) through its Russian partner, the Center for Export Controls (CEC),conducted export controls training in Vladivostok June 9-10 for approximately 20 Russian Customs inspectors. Specialists from the Federal Service for Technical and Export Control (FSTEK),Customs, and CEC updated the audience on major Russian export controls laws and changes to those laws, as well as Russian government agencies' areas of responsibility in upholding export controls regulations. The training consisted of two parts: day one was devoted to Russian export rules and regulations; and day two consisted of hands-on computer work with the Product Identification tool (PIT). This software has been used by Russian Customs as a supplemental aid in identifying and classifying commodities presented for export. Seminar participants successfully used the PIT tool in day-long exercises meant to simulate real-life situations. ¶2. This was the last in a series of export controls training sessions for Federal Customs Service officers in Moscow and the regions. In July, CEC will present a training class on export controls tailored to industry representatives. ¶3. EXBS Russia Advisor Joan Agerholm participated in the annual EXBS Advisors conference in Tbilisi, June 2-4. In the opinion of this office, the meeting was of tremendous value in facilitating the exchange of ideas and information regarding programs and administrative issues, and in strengthening networks and working relationships. ¶4. On June 24, the EXBS Advisor and EXBS Program Coordinator held a long-awaited meeting with representatives of the export controls section within the Security and Disarmament Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry. It was the Advisor's first meeting with MFA, consisting of a meet-and-greet, brief summary of EXBS Russia activities to date, and ideas for future cooperation. MFA expressed interest in all of our ideas, but did not commit to any of them, and asked for additional information, which we have provided. ¶5. (Comment): In our view, the meeting with MFA accomplished several modest goals: maintained positive relationships with the export controls section of MFA; put forth program ideas which were not rejected; and introduced a new idea (possible partnership with an export controls training center in St. Petersburg). MFA agreed to meet with us again in August to review what we had discussed at our meeting and to hear any additional suggestions we might have. BEYRLE