ECUADOR DEMARCHE RESPONSE - U.S. PROGRAMS ON

C O N F I D E N T I A L QUITO 000138 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: TWENTY YEARS TAGS: PREL PARM MASS MCAP EAIR ETTC OAS PE EC SUBJECT: ECUADOR DEMARCHE RESPONSE - U.S. PROGRAMS ON ILLICIT ARMS TRAFFICKING IN AMERICAS REF: STATE 8062 Classified By: DCM Andrew Chritton for Reasons 1.4 (b&d) ¶1. (C) Embassy delivered reftel non-paper to the MFA Multilateral Affairs Directorate on January 30 and followed up with Multilateral Affairs Director General Lourdes Puma on February 13. Puma reiterated that the GOE fully supports efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking. PolOff noted that the Ecuadorian Air Force (FAE) notified the Embassy of its interest in destruction of MANPADS and light arms and munitions. Puma said that she would coordinate with the FAE on its request. She noted that other military services may also share an interest in the destruction of light arms and munitions, and promised to consult with Ecuador's Joint Command. Post will follow up with the MFA to determine next steps. HODGES