JORDAN: AIR MARSHALS PROGRAM, ACTION REQUEST

UNCLAS AMMAN 005994 SIPDIS SENSITIVE ROME FOR CASLO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PTER JO SUBJECT: JORDAN: AIR MARSHALS PROGRAM, ACTION REQUEST REF: STATE 78755 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. ¶1. Action Request: Post received via a diplomatic note from the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs the following letter regarding new U.S. procedures pertaining to foreign air marshals programs. The note and letter formally request U.S. government permission to allow Royal Jordanian Airlines (RJ) to operate flights to the United States with armed law enforcement officers on board. We understand from the Jordanian Civil Aviation Authority(CAA) that RJ and CAA have separately discussed such procedures with Civil Aviation Security Liaison Officer (CASLO) in Rome. Please advise on next steps. ¶2. Begin text of letter. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has used air marshals to provide extra security aboard all Royal Jordanian (RJ) flights for a number of years (since 1971). Therefore, Air Marshal policies and procedures pertaining to unlawful interference and security of passengers, crew and the aircraft on international routes are well established by the Jordan Civil Aviation Authority who had delegated this role to the Jordan Armed forces/Special Aviation Security and protection unit. We strongly believe and based on our experience for over 30 years that our Air Marshal program is well organized and no violations were reported by any officials at International Airports on this program including USG agencies and TSA. Due to the new regulatory requirements for an air marshal program set by the USG after September 11, we would like to inform you that it is the intention of the Government of Jordan to use armed air marshals and we certify that our armed air marshals are duly trained and authorized law enforcement officers. The Government of Jordan kindly request the USG permission for our National Carrier (RJ) to operate direct flights into the United States with armed law Enforcement Officers (LEO) onboard. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. End text. GNEHM