US embassy cable - 04ROME2962

C O N F I D E N T I A L ROME 002962 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
GENEVA FOR CD DEL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/30/2014 
TAGS: KNNP, AORC, PARM, PREL, TSPA, IT, CDG 
SUBJECT: FMCT: ITALY WELCOMES U.S. PROPOSAL BUT STICKLER ON 
VERIFICATION 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 163883 
     B. ROME 2192 
     C. GENEVA 2148 
 
Classified By: A/POLMINCOUNS PAULA THIEDE FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D) 
 
1. (C) POLMILOFF on July 29 conveyed ref A points to MFA 
Nonproliferation/Arms Control Office Director Filippo 
Formica.  Formica welcomed the U.S. proposal, noting that it 
was an important evolution in the USG's approach to 
nonproliferation.  He said that it was essential to move 
forward with negotiating a Cutoff Treaty given the risk that 
fissile material could fall into the hands of terrorists. 
 
2.  (C) Formica appreciated the fact that the U.S. was not 
calling immediately for a revision of the Shannon mandate. 
He stressed that the principle of verification is central to 
Italy's approach to nonproliferation and disarmament matters. 
Treaties without verification mechanisms are treaties without 
teeth," he said, adding that, "It is hard for me to imagine a 
FMCT without them."  Nevertheless, Italy would adopt a 
pragmatic approach in the CD, and listen closely to U.S. 
national security concerns and its views on the effectiveness 
of treaty verification.  Formica assured POLMILOFF that he 
would share additional views on our proposal once he had a 
chance to consult with Italy's CD delegation. (Note: We will 
follow up with Formica once he returns from vacation later 
this month.  End Note.) 
 
3.  (U) Formica asked that the Embassy discuss the U.S. 
proposal on persistent landmines with one of his office 
colleagues, Paulo Cuculi, who will return to the office on 
August 2.   We will report septel Cuculi's reaction to our 
proposal. 
 
Visit Rome's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/rome/index.cf m 
 
SEMBLER 
 
 
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	2004ROME02962 - Classification: CONFIDENTIAL