HOST GOVERNMENT REQUEST FOR SCANNERS AND METAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000908

SIPDIS

STATE FOR S/CT AND AF/E

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2014
TAGS: PTER ASEC EAIR PREL DJ
SUBJECT: HOST GOVERNMENT REQUEST FOR SCANNERS AND METAL
DETECTORS


Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE
FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (U) Action requested paragraph 4.


2. (C) Chief of National Security, Hassan Said Khaireh, has
requested of the Ambassador, in a letter dated June 21, 2004,
two mobile scanners and ten portable metal detectors "to
enable immigration and border police to control baggage
arriving at the international airport of Djibouti." Khaireh
stated that the request was being made in the context of the
struggle against international terrorism and the U.S. "Safe
Skies" program.


3. (C) Although the host nation has requested these items in
an effort to strengthen security measures at its airport,
Post believes the host nation lacks sufficient technical
knowledge to use and properly deploy the equipment requested.
The host nation has stated to RSO its great concern about
the lack of security aboard air carriers flying out of
Somalia and into Djibouti. The host nation considers it
highly plausible that an individual could carry weapons or
explosives aboard a flight originating in Somalia and
subsequently bring these items into Djibouti. Since the host
nation cannot affect appropriate security measures in Somalia
and the airlines lack resources to take on extensive security
measures to mitigate this threat, it is prudent of Djibouti
to seek other solutions. Unfortunately, the type of baggage
screening equipment it has requested does not appear to suit
its needs. Specifically, the type of portable x-ray scanners
the host nation has requested cannot properly screen baggage
on a continual basis because of their small size.


4. (C) Action requested: Post believes that the host
nation would be better off utilizing a belt-fed baggage
scanner that can be installed permanently. Should the
Department approve this request, consultations should be
conducted with the Transportation Security Administration
(TSA) to determine the proper equipment to deploy that can be
easily operated and maintained in this environment.
Instructors Lou Armour and Tracy Fields from the TSA
conducted an airport security management course in Djibouti
in December of 2002 and can provide a clear assessment of the
requirements.
RAGSDALE