Argentina Interested in Hosting Small Arms and Light Weapons

UNCLAS BUENOS AIRES 000076 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC MARR MCAP MOPS PARM PREL MASS AR SUBJECT: Argentina Interested in Hosting Small Arms and Light Weapons Conference, with Caveat REF: STATE 5185 ¶1. (U) Action request for Department in para 5. ¶2. (U) Deputy Pol Couns discussed the proposal (reftel) to co-host with Argentina a regional conference on small arms and light weapons (SA/LW) traffic with Alberto Dojas, Deputy Director for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Office on International Security, Nuclear and Space Affairs (DIGAN) and with responsible DIGAN officer Laura Zerillo. Dojas emphasized that Argentina had a strong interest in the issue and was disposed to work with the United States on such a conference. They had no immediate comments on the draft agenda. ¶3. (SBU) Dojas reacted with concern to the proposed list of invitees, however, saying that Argentina could not be co-host to a South America focused conference that included Brazil and all the Spanish-speaking countries except Venezuela. While he did not propose that the USG would have to extend funding for Venezuelan participation, he did say that Argentina would need to be able to invite that government. Dojas understood that we had grouped Guyana and Suriname into the Caribbean for a similar conference but suggested that Argentina might want to invite those countries as well. A DIGAN colleague also in the meeting mentioned that SA/LW traffic from Suriname to Brazil was a significant problem and that it would be worthwhile to include these countries. ¶4. (SBU) Dojas also suggested that the role of U.S. Southern Command in funding participation would need to be downplayed and that the Department of State's lead role on the USG-side emphasized. ¶5. (SBU) Action Request: Department guidance is requested on whether Argentina can extend invitations to Venezuela, Guyana and Suriname. If the answer on Venezuela is negative, we would recommend against pressing Argentina to co-host. MARTINEZ