YEMEN REQUESTS EXTENSION IN TIME FOR BLUE LANTERN

UNCLAS SANAA 002483 SIPDIS STATE - PASS TO PM/DTCC PETER DADE. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC YM SN AE US SUBJECT: YEMEN REQUESTS EXTENSION IN TIME FOR BLUE LANTERN END-USE CHECK ON YEMEN AIR FORCE SUPPLIERS: ASTON AVIATION, TRANSWORLD AVIATION, AND SEGERS REF: SECSTATE 153143 ¶1. Post requests an extension of 60 days to conduct the Blue Lantern end-use check on the Yemen Air Force Suppliers Aston Aviation, Transworld Aviation, and Segers. (reftel) ¶2. Emboffs met with Yemen Air Force (YAF) on 22 August but were not able to discuss the matter with the appropriate YAF officials. On 29 August, Emboffs contacted YAF Lieutenant Colonel Jamil Nehmi, who promised to look into the matter and respond to the Blue Lantern inspection request. ¶3. In past Blue Lantern checks with YAF, Post made repeated telephone calls, sent numerous diplomatic notes, and requested meetings with YAF officials without receiving sufficient response to the Blue Lantern questions. We anticipate a similar slow response time with the reftel Blue Lantern check request. As such, Post requests an additional 60 days to make the necessary efforts to perform the check. Krajeski