BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM ANNUAL UPDATE

UNCLAS QUITO 002592 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KOMC KSEP ETTC EC SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM ANNUAL UPDATE REF: A. SECSTATE 205022 ¶B. 03 QUITO 1058 ¶1. In response to Ref A, Post provides the following information on its Blue Lantern program: -- Principal Point of Contact: Political Officer Gregory Macris -- Telephone: 593-2-256-2890, ext 4409 -- Fax: 593-2-254-0712 -- Email: macrisgp@state.gov (unclass); macrisgp@state.sgov.gov (classified) -- Estimated Departure Date: 7/2005 ¶2. Due to Ecuador's proximity to Colombia and its historic role as a transit point for both northbound weapons and southbound narcotics, Post takes seriously its Blue Lantern (BL) responsibilities. Most BL requests cover firearm and ammunition imports - Ref B outlines weapons licensing procedures in Ecuador. Upon receipt of a BL telegram, Post conducts, at a minimum, the following namechecks on end users and middlemen: -- Regional Security Office (RSO) verifications -- Regional Affairs Office (RA) verifications -- Foreign Commercial Service (FCS) verifications ¶3. In addition, Post often verifies buyer bona fides with Ecuador's licensing office, a part of the military joint command, and requests assistance from local police to conduct site visits. Emboffs endeavor to visit personally sites in the Quito area; when funds (and time) allow, they will travel to outlying areas. The Front Office takes an active role in ensuring the accuracy and timeliness of Blue Lantern checks. KENNEY