Cablegate: Signing of Hotline Consolidation Agreement

VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #0623 2901800
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 161756Z OCT 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 5255

UNCLAS STATE 110623

SIPDIS
MOSCOW FOR IMO AND POL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL RS
SUBJECT: SIGNING OF HOTLINE CONSOLIDATION AGREEMENT

REF: STATE 101760

1. This is an action request. Post is requested to convey,
under cover of a diplomatic note, the information at para 2
to appropriate host government officials. Post assistance is
appreciated.

2. Text of diplomatic note:

Complimentary opening ...and has the honor to refer to the
Embassy's previous note number MFA/113/08, dated September
29, 2008. The Embassy notes that the Russian proposal to
modify the last sentence of Article 5 of the proposed
Agreement is acceptable to the U.S. side. The sentence
should thus read, "The activities of the Parties under this
Agreement are made subject to the availability of funds
appropriated for such purposes."

The Embassy further notes that Under Secretary for Political
Affairs, William J. Burns, will sign the Agreement with the
Russian side in Washington, DC at the Department of State on
Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 10:45. Please convey the name
of the representative who will sign for the Russian side.
Complimentary closing
RICE

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