GOJ CALLS FOR END TO ADMIN FEES AT TREBIL BORDER

UNCLAS AMMAN 004404 SIPDIS SENSITIVE CPA FOR AMBASSADOR RAPHEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD PBTS IZ JO SUBJECT: GOJ CALLS FOR END TO ADMIN FEES AT TREBIL BORDER THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST; SEE PARA 3. ¶1. (sbu) Jordanian Minister of Planning Bassem Awadallah sent a letter to the Ambassador July 13 to voice concern over administrative processing fees imposed at the Trebil border crossing. Text of letter follows: ¶2. (sbu) Begin text: (complimentary opening) Kindly note that we have become aware of the recently imposed levying of administrative fees at the Trebil Border which applies to all transportation excluding diplomatic and humanitarian assistance convoys. These administrative fees are only levied at the Jordanian-Iraqi border crossings and will as such significantly affect the overall flow of goods from and through Jordan into Iraq, in addition to adversely affecting Jordan's efforts to facilitate the movement of vehicles and goods through this border crossing point. It would be greatly appreciated if this arrangement is reconsidered in order to ensure that Jordan receives similar treatment as compared with other neighboring countries. (complimentary closing) End text. ¶3. (u) Action request: We would appreciate a formal response from CPA to forward to the GOJ outlining the purpose of the fee and its applicability, if appropriate, at other (non-Jordanian) border crossing points. Many thanks. ¶4. (u) Baghdad minimize considered. HALE