OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 63 (04-24-03)

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000708 SIPDIS OFFICIAL INFORMAL DEPARTMENT FOR SA/INS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CE MV AGMT SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 63 (04-24-03) Classified by E. Ashley Wills, Reasons 1.5 (b, d) CONTENTS: POSSIBLE ROCCA VISIT GSL INQUIRY ON TEA SALES TO IRAQ POSSIBLE ROCCA VISIT -------------- ¶1. (U) Devinda Subasinghe called Ambassador last night mentioning a possible visit of A/S Rocca on May 11-12. We would welcome her visit at that time. She should be aware however, that Vesak, a major holiday, occurs during that week (May 14 and 15),and many officials may be unavailable for meetings. (ECON) GSL INQUIRY ON TEA SALES TO IRAQ -------------- ¶2. (U) The Minister of Commerce called the Ambassador this morning asking for clarification about the rules governing sales to Iraq under the Oil for Food Program (or whatever the new incarnation of that program is called). We understand these kinds of issues are currently under discussion at the UN. Can you check with IO or AID or the relevant office to help us answer two questions: 1. Will tea be one of the commodity goods approved for sale to Iraq under "Oil for Food"? 2. How can the Sri Lankan government go about selling its tea to Iraq under this program? We'd like to be responsive and get back to GSL ASAP. (ECON) WILLS