Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
03AMMAN7387 | 2003-11-12 16:47:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Amman |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 AMMAN 007387 |
1. (SBU) SUMMARY: In a discussion concerning a proposed export control and related security assistance (EXBS) program in Jordan, Jordanian Customs Department Director General Mahmoud Qteishat expressed to the DCM his government's gratitude and support for the program. Qteishat also gave assurances of the Government of Jordan's (GOJ) willingness to provide any and all assistance to Iraqi authorities as they re-establish their customs department. Next steps are proposed for the EXBS program and for support of closer GOJ-Iraqi ties. END SUMMARY. 2. (U) DCM met with DG Qteishat November 12 to discuss the EXBS program for Jordan outlined in Reftels (A, B), noting that we would follow up with the likely POC for the program in the Ministry of Planning. Qtesihat reviewed the steps that GOJ Customs was taking to modernize and expressed support for the EXBS program. IRAQ BORDER CUSTOMS -------------------------- 3. (SBU) When asked about Iraq-border operations, the DG noted that Jordanian customs had been doing the work of two customs departments at the Karahmeh-Trebil checkpoint. Since the U.S. Armed Forces took over at the border on the Iraqi side, he said, they have focused on security; the military has little experience in immigration or customs, he noted. Because of the volumes at the border, including for humanitarian shipments going into Iraq, the GOJ increased its customs manpower. The GOJ customs department is also focusing at the Iraq-Jordan border on security -- arms and munitions -- and also on the attempted smuggling of Iraqi historical and artistic artifacts. Qteishat expressed the GOJ's satisfaction with the level of interdictions at the border, noting the recent seizure of 15 Iraqi artifacts smuggled out of Iraq that were "thousands of years old." (NOTE: We have not seen this seizure reported in the press. END NOTE.) 4. (SBU) The DCM asked the DG if he had any contacts with Iraqi officials. Qteishat noted that he had unofficially met the Iraqi interior minister, had met his Iraqi customs counterpart a week ago, and would meet with him again in December. Jordan has invited Iraqi officials to attend the regional customs meeting in Abu Dhabi in January that Jordan would be chairing, he said. OFFER OF ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ CUSTOMS -------------------------- 5. (SBU) Qteishat expressed the GOJ's willingness to provide any and all assistance to Iraqi customs as it begins the process of reorganizing. The customs DG noted that the GOJ was respected in the region for its efficiency and effectiveness and had provided training in the past to Egypt, Libya, and Lebanon. The DCM noted that such cooperation to re-establish institutions in Iraq was welcome and suggested that the embassy would follow up on this offer with officials in Baghdad. BILATERAL CUSTOMS MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AGREEMENT -------------------------- 6. (SBU) Qteishat briefly mentioned that a U.S.-Jordan Customs Mutual Assistance Agreement (CMAA) was in the last stages of review and that he had received authority to sign such an agreement with the U.S. (COMMENT: He implied that the GOJ had not yet endorsed the latest round of suggested amendments by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, passed to Qteishat directly by CBP on October 30. END COMMENT.) NEXT STEPS -------------------------- 7. (SBU) IRAQ NEXT STEPS: Post's USAID AMIR Program (which focuses on economic policy initiatives, and has a program on customs reform and modernization) has limited funding to support a get-together between Iraqi and Jordanian customs officials. We understand that AMIR is in touch with CPA's Customs POC in Baghdad, LTC Ed Burley. Embassy strongly suggests that we expand the programs of cooperation and coordination in customs, especially since Iraqi customs is set to begin collecting tariffs on January 1, 2004. 8. (SBU) EXBS NEXT STEPS: Post is preparing to host a WMD Awareness course January 11-15. As noted Reftel C, because of the ambitious scope of the EXBS program in Jordan, we strongly urge the assignment and placement in Jordan of an EXBS advisor who could coordinate the program activities from Jordan. If we expect Jordanian officials to fulfill their security objectives, they will need training soon and this will require the presence of an advisor soonest. Post is grateful for Washington's cooperation and initiative in advancing EXBS measures in Jordan. 9. (U) CPA minimize considered. GNEHM |