DEMARCHE ON AVIATION THREAT -- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 004943 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER ASEC EAIR DR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON AVIATION THREAT -- DOMINICAN REPUBLIC REF: STATE 258046 ¶1. EcoPol chief and Econoff delivered subject demarche on September 9 to Director General of Civil Aviation Carlos Alvarez, who undertook to convoke directors of airports in the Dominican Republic. Alvarez suggested further points of contact, which Embassy is pursuing. ¶2. Embassy has prepared letter requesting closer cooperation on aviation security, warning of the catastrophic effect on tourism to the Caribbean of any terrorist hijacking which might occur in the area. Letter includes specific request that all airport officials be instructed that airline personnel have the authority and legal obligation to refuse to carry undocumented or improperly documented persons. Letter cites specific cases from mid-August, in which intruders were necessarily aided by airport personnel and asks for investigation and prosecution of those abetting undocumented potential migrants. Embassy is sending letter on September 16 to directors of all airports, immigration, customs, and airport security services. HERTELL