US Army withheld promise from Germany that Ebola virus wouldn’t be weaponized

US Army withheld promise from Germany that Ebola virus wouldn’t be weaponized (RT, Oct 20, 2014):

he United States has withheld assurances from Germany that the Ebola virus – among other related diseases – would not be weaponized in the event of Germany exporting it to the US Army Medical Research Institute for Infectious Diseases.

German MFA Deputy Head of Division for Export Control Markus Klinger provided a paper to the US consulate’s Economics Office (Econoff), “seeking additional assurances related to a proposed export of extremely dangerous pathogens.”

Germany subsequently made two follow-up requests and clarifications to the Army, according to the unclassified Wikileaks cable.

“This matter concerns the complete genome of viruses such as the Zaire Ebola virus, the Lake Victoria Marburg virus, the Machupo virus and the Lassa virus, which are absolutely among the most dangerous pathogens in the world,” the request notes.

The Zaire Ebola virus was the same strain of Ebola virus which has been rampaging through West Africa in recent months.

“The delivery would place the recipient in the position of being able to create replicating recombinant infectious species of these viruses,” the cable notes.

However, it also points out that Germany has in place an “exceptionally restrictive policy,” adding that approval would not be granted to the export until US assurance was provided.

“A decision about the export has not yet been made. Given the foregoing, we would appreciate confirmation that the end use certificate really is from the Department of the Army and of the accuracy of the data contained therein,” the document stated.

There is no follow-up document available to confirm whether the US Army eventually provided Germany with the necessary guarantees.

Bioweapons were outlawed in the Biological Weapons Convention of 1972 and was signed and ratified by 179 signatories, including Germany, the US and Russia.

It dictates that signatories, “under all circumstances the use of bacteriological (biological) and toxin weapons is effectively prohibited by the Convention” and “the determination of States parties to condemn any use of biological agents or toxins other than for peaceful purposes, by anyone at any time.”

1 thought on “US Army withheld promise from Germany that Ebola virus wouldn’t be weaponized”

  1. Unbelievable.
    The US has a patent on it.
    It won’t cooperate with Germany…..
    It is a very short time before Germany, and the rest of the EU dumps the dollar in favor of the basket of currencies.
    The US seems to be insisting on being the rogue nation of the 21st century……and the world is fed up. This is why they have gone ahead to dump the dollar in favor of the basket of currencies. Technology makes conversion to any world reserve currency obsolete. The fact the US has abused its position, and its refusal to do anything decent…….it is becoming the world enemy.
    This is terrifying.
    Americans won’t hear about this on corporate media…….and when the response comes, they won’t know what hit them. It will be a shock to so many……and I have no sympathy for any of them.
    This is the worst story of the day……..

    Reply

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