SWEDISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE REQUEST ON

UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000313 SIPDIS STATE FOR (JFREDERICK AND DHAYWOOD) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KOMC EWWT ASEC MARR PARM PREL PHSA SW SUBJECT: SWEDISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE REQUEST ON ARMS/SECURITY TEAMS ABOARD MERCHANT VESSELS REF: A. STOCKHOLM 295 ¶B. STATE 45331 ¶1. Jonatan Bergstrom Jurisoo, Desk Officer, Security Policy Department, Peace Support Operations Section, the Swedish MFA told post on May 26 that Sweden welcomes the efforts made by the ship-owners and insurance companies regarding their work with risk awareness, lessons learned and best practices. In replying to questions 1-4, however, he stated that Sweden supports the International Maritime Organization (IMO) position, which strongly discourages the carrying and use of firearms for personal protection or protection of a ship. ¶2. Bergstom Jurisoo stated that under the Swedish Weapons Act, a license is required to possess firearms or ammunition, and similarly to bring firearms or ammunition into Sweden. Although there are a few exceptions to this Act that allow military personnel operating within the framework of international military cooperation or international crisis management, there are no exceptions designed to meet the questions the U.S. posed regarding armed guards aboard merchant ships, he added. Bergstrom Jurisoo explained that Sweden would require a license in "each individual case" to bring firearms into the country. The Swedish police would then review each application at the place where customs clearance would take place or at the location where the firearms would be brought into Sweden. ¶3. Regarding question 5 and the issue of how Swedish law would view anyone "detained" by crews or armed security teams, Bergstrom Jurisoo stressed that only Swedish authorities are allowed to exercise official authority in Sweden. Given certain conditions, he continued, any person may make a citizen's arrest, but must then hand the individual over to the nearest Swedish police officer. In reply to question 6, the Swedish National Police Authority is responsible for all such issues, Bergstom Jurisoo concluded. ¶4. The demarche was delivered to Jonatan Bergstrom Jurisoo, Desk Officer, Security Policy Department, Peace Support Operations Section, the Swedish MFA. Embassy Stockholm contact is Deputy Economic Counselor Richard W. La Roche, 468-783-5326, larocherw@state.gov. SILVERMAN