Cablegate: Eu Code of Conduct for Space Objects Proposed

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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6345
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
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UNCLAS LISBON 002604

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KACT KTIA MCAP PARM PO PREL TSPA EUN
SUBJECT: EU CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SPACE OBJECTS PROPOSED

1. (U) Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Security and
Disarmament Division representatives passed us a draft Code
of Conduct for Space Objects, on which the EU has been
working for several months. The draft paper covers
activities to avoid collisions and deliberate explosions, to
develop safer traffic management practices, to provide
reassurance through improved information exchanges, and to
adopt more stringent space debris mitigation measures.

2. (U) The MFA interlocutors noted that, while this is being
developed as an EU Code of Conduct, it would be available to
all states to join. For this reason, they hope to engage
spacefaring nations such as the U.S., Russia, and China to
incorporate their views. On that note, they informed us that
the EU would convene a working group of experts in early
November to expand upon the principles reflected in the draft
paper. For this reason, the Portuguese would appreciate USG
comments on the draft paper by October 31.

3. (SBU) According to the Portuguese, the issue is being
handled by the Working Group on Global Arms Control (CODUN),
but expects the ad hoc experts group to develop the full
proposal. The EU, noted our interlocutor, has also
established an e-gateway to further engage member
governments. The Portuguese also noted that EU consensus has
not yet been reached as France is still weighing its own
domestic policies in regard to its goals in space.

4. (U) The draft paper was forwarded to EUR/WE and other
offices by e-mail on October 9. Should any recipients of
this message wish to review the draft Code of Conduct, please
contact EUR/WE Kevin Opstrup (opstrupkr@state.gov) or Embassy
Lisbon's Troy Fitrell (fitrelltd@state.gov).
Hoffman

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