Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05COLOMBO1860
2005-10-27 11:02:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Colombo
Cable title:  

COLOMBO TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATION OFFICER

Tags:  EFIN ETTC KVPR PREL PTER KTFN CE LTTE 
pdf how-to read a cable
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS COLOMBO 001860 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETTC KVPR PREL PTER KTFN CE LTTE
SUBJECT: COLOMBO TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATION OFFICER
(TFCO)

REF: STATE 175637
UNCLAS COLOMBO 001860

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN ETTC KVPR PREL PTER KTFN CE LTTE
SUBJECT: COLOMBO TERRORISM FINANCE COORDINATION OFFICER
(TFCO)

REF: STATE 175637

1.The contact information for the TFCO for Colombo, Sri Lanka
is the following:

James F. Entwistle, Deputy Chief of Mission
94-11-244-8007 extension 2433
EntwistleJF@state.gov


2. The contact information for the TFCO deputy for Colombo,
Sri Lanka is the following:

Dean R. Thompson
94-11-244-8007 extension 2420
ThompsonDR@state.gov


3. Answers to reftel questions are below:


(c) Regional meetings with other TFCOs would be helpful, as
would a listing with classified email addresses of TFCOs and
backups. At times the issues are extra-regional (for
example, LTTE fundraising in Canada) and it would be useful
to have a
directory to help with information sharing and inquiries.

Econ chief will attend the TF training in Washington in
November and hopes to develop more insights into the
interagency coordination processes and enlarge our contact
network through this mechanism.

(d) Sri Lankans and Maldivians are generally very aware of
terrorism finance issues and press accounts have periodically
noted that the US recognizes LTTE affiliated entities such as
the Tamil Relief Organization (TRO). Post can easily arrange
for placement of public diplomacy articles, op-eds and other
media pieces in local media outlets.

(e) On a Sri Lanka specific matter, we have asked on several
occasions that Washington look into the finances of the Tamil
Relief Organization (TRO) USA. The UK recently banned the
TRO, not for terrorism links, but rather shoddy accounting
procedures and opaque bookkeeping. We believe, given the
links
between TRO and the LTTE, that the USG is entitled to ask for
explanation as to the ultimate disposition of TRO fundraising
efforts.

LUNSTEAD