SYRIAN MISSILE ENTITY SEEKING MACHINE TOOL PARTS

S E C R E T STATE 041047 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2034 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL SW SY SUBJECT: SYRIAN MISSILE ENTITY SEEKING MACHINE TOOL PARTS AND RELATED TRAINING FROM SWEDISH FIRM (S) Classified By: ISN/MTR DIRECTOR PAM DURHAM FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(D),AND (H). ¶1. This is an action request. Embassy Stockholm, please see paragraph 4. ¶2. (S) Background: The United States has information indicating that the Syrian firm Handasieh recently sought to replace or exchange broken parts of a milling machine from the Swedish firm Abene Machine AB. We also understand that Syrian representatives may be planning to travel to Sweden for training on this machine. Handasieh is a cover for Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC),the organization responsible for overseeing Syria's ballistic missile and WMD development efforts. ¶3. (S) Objective: We want to alert the GOS to this information and encourage them to use all appropriate measures to ensure that companies in Sweden are not acting as suppliers of machine tools and related technology to entities associated with Syria's ballistic missile program. ¶4. (S) Action Request: Request Embassy Stockholm approach appropriate host government officials to deliver talking points/non-paper in paragraph 5 below and report response. Talking points also may be provided as a non-paper. ¶5. (S) Begin talking points/non-paper: (SECRET REL SWEDEN) -- We would like to raise with you a matter of proliferation concern and request your government's assistance in investigating this activity. -- The United States has information indicating that the Syrian firm Handasieh recently attempted to exchange/replace broken parts of a milling machine from the Swedish firm Abene Machine AB. Representatives from Syria may be planning to travel to Sweden for training associated with the same or similar machine. -- We are bringing this matter to your attention because we are concerned that this milling machine is being used to support Syria's indigenous missile development efforts. -- You will recall at the 2005 Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Information Exchange (IE) in Madrid, a Spanish presentation noted that Handasieh, which is also known as the General Organization for Engineering Industries, is often used as a procurement cover for Syria's Scientific Studies and Research Center (SSRC). As has been discussed at a number of MTCR IE meetings, the SSRC is the organization responsible for overseeing Syria's ballistic missile development efforts. -- We hope you will investigate this activity and use all available measures to ensure that companies in Sweden are not providing machine tools and associated technology to Syrian ballistic missile development organizations. -- We look forward to continued cooperation on nonproliferation issues and to hearing of any actions your government takes in response to this information. ¶6. (U) Washington POC is ISN/MTR John Paul Herrmann (Phone: 202-647-1430). Please slug any reporting on this issue for ISN/MTR, EUR/PRA, and EUR/NB. ¶7. (U) A word version file of this document will be posted at www.state.sgov.gov/demarche. CLINTON