TRANSFER OF RUSSIAN SA-10 TO ARMENIA

S E C R E T STATE 107312 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2029 TAGS: ETRD ETTC MARR MCAP PARM PREL SUBJECT: TRANSFER OF RUSSIAN SA-10 TO ARMENIA REF: IIR 6 942 0066 09 Classified By: EUR/PRA Acting Office Dir. Matthew Hardiman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request, see paragraph 5. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶2. (S//NF) The U.S. has information indicating that Armenia is in the process of acquiring a total of 144 S-300/SA-10 missiles from Russia. While we have no indication that the intended end-use is other than Armenia, given Armenia's past illicit arms transfers to Iran, Washington would like to discuss this acquisition with the Government of Armenia (GOAM). In particular, we would like to know what the end-use of these missiles is in Armenia; what stockpile security measures are being put in place to ensure these items are not stolen and illegally exported out of Armenia; and remind the GOAM of its commitment in paragraph 4 of the Joint Action Plan to consult with the U.S. before considering the re-export of these items to any country under a UN arms embargo, other countries of concern (which we understand to be Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, and Cuba per the nonpaper handed over 15 days after signing the Joint Action Plan),and any recipient if there is an unacceptable risk that the items could be diverted to such countries or to terrorist. We would also like to discuss MoD,s plans for future arms purchases in order to keep track of them, given their past history. This discussion should not suggest any future U.S. sales or increase of mil-to-mil engagement. END OF BACKGROUND. -------------- ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶3. (S) Department requests Embassy Yerevan approach appropriate host government officials to draw on talking points in paragraph 5. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶4. (S) Embassy Yerevan should seek to pursue the following objectives: -- Request the GOAM provide information on the end-use for the SA-10 missiles it is purchasing, as well as clarification of the end-user arrangements and stockpile security management; and -- Request the GOAM provide information on plans for future arms purchases in order to keep track of them. -------------- TALKING POINTS -------------- ¶5. (SECRET//REL ARMENIA) Begin talking points: -- We have information that Russia has shipped multiple SA-10 missiles to Armenia within the past month. -- As part of our shared interest in regional stability and desire to promote transparency in arms purchases, we would appreciate learning what the end-use of these missiles is in Armenia. We also would appreciate understanding what stockpile security measures are being put in place to ensure these items are not stolen or illegally exported out of Armenia. -- Additionally, we would like to remind the GOAM of its commitment in paragraph 4 of the Joint Action Plan to consult with the U.S. before considering the re-export of these items to any country under a UN arms embargo, other countries of concern (which we understand to be Iran, North Korea, Syria, Sudan, and Cuba per the nonpaper handed over 15 days after signing the Joint Action Plan),and any recipient if there is an unacceptable risk that the items could be diverted to such countries or to terrorists. While Armenia can consider any export, the U.S. would emphasize that in some cases such transfers are prohibited by UNSCRs. -- Also in the spirit of promoting transparency in arms purchases, and working together with the Joint Action Plan, we would appreciate an update on the MoD,s plans for future arms purchases. END TALKING POINTS. -------------- POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶6. (U) Washington point of contact for follow up is Lou Ganem, ISN/CATR. ¶7. (U) Department thanks Post for its assistance. Please slug all responses for ISN, EUR, PM and T. CLINTON