KUWAITI REQUEST FOR AIR MARSHALS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000480 SIPDIS STATE FOR EB/TRA/OTP STATE ALSO PASS TSA AND FAA ROME, BRUSSELS AND FRANKFURT FOR FAA/CASLO E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2013 TAGS: EAIR ASEC KU SUBJECT: KUWAITI REQUEST FOR AIR MARSHALS REF: 02 STATE 78755 Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires, a.i. Frank Urbancic for reason 1.5 ( b) 1.(C) On February 5, Embassy received a diplomatic note from the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting the issuance of 100 entry visas for armed Kuwaiti air marshals. Embassy informal translation of the text of the note reads as follows: (Complimentary Open) Because of the security condition the region is going through and the desire to provide air protection to Kuwait Airways, kindly issue entry visas for 100 armed air marshals, whose photocopies of their passports are enclosed herewith, to enable them to accompany the aircraft of that airline. We hope you will treat this as urgent. (Complimentary Close) 2.(U) Post notes the procedure to request air marshals outlined in reftel, and also recalls a May 2002 visit by CASLO Rome to Kuwait when a letter detailing steps to request air marshals was presented to Kuwait air security officials. The letter notes that foreign ministries must present a diplomatic note announcing their intent to begin such a program 30 days in advance of the start date and certifying that the proposed individuals are trained and authorized law enforcement officers, among other items. 3.(C) Post will follow up with Kuwaiti officials in the MFA, the Ministry of Interior, and Kuwait Airways soonest to collect information related to the air marshal program as outlined in reftel. Post would appreciate receiving any updated guidance that may be pertinent to this request. 4.(C) Comment: While TSA guidelines require a minimum 30-day notice for the start-up of an air marshal program, the urgency of the Kuwaiti request is understandable. We hope TSA can work with the Embassy and the GOK to expedite SIPDIS approval of this request. URBANCIC