TFIZ01:TRACKING IRAQI ASSETS IN JORDAN

S E C R E T AMMAN 002467

SIPDIS

TREASURY FOR DAUFHAUSER/BFOX/BMURDEN/JZARATE/PASHIN
NSC FOR JMYERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2008
TAGS: EFIN ETTC JO IZ UNSC
SUBJECT: TFIZ01:TRACKING IRAQI ASSETS IN JORDAN

REF: A. STATE 98752

B. AMMAN 1914

Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm. Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (s) The GOJ has agreed to receive a small team of U.S.
Treasury experts. Prime Minister Ali Abu Ragheb told the
Ambassador on April 23 that Central Bank Governor Umayya
Toukan would cooperate and work closely with the team to the
extent consistent with Jordanian law. Abu Ragheb stressed
that the visit would have to be very discreet and that there
could be no publicity inside or outside of Jordan.


2. (s) Adding that he had consulted with Toukan (ECON/C had
previously passed the contents of the request to Toukan),Abu
Ragheb said there were portions of our request that they
could certainly support. He thought, however, that it might
not be possible to satisfy all of the expectations in reftel.
In particular, the types of action against Iraqi front
companies suggested in reftel might pose domestic legal
complications. Interviews with non-GOJ officials might also
be difficult to arrange. Nonetheless, Toukan and his
associates would be ready to discuss these issues with the
team.


3. (s) The embassy is likewise ready to work with a
Treasury team. Please advise on expected arrival dates via a
country clearance request. This request should also provide
security level information for team members and fiscal data
to cover the team's expenses (e.g., transportation, mobile
phones). We can provide temporary office space to accomodate
2-3 people in the economic section. The Jordanian workweek
is Sunday-Thursday. Please note that Sunday, April 27 is the
local Easter holiday during which Jordanian offices and the
embassy will be closed.
GNEHM