UAE INTEREST IN TIP/PISCES SYSTEM

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 002123 SIPDIS SENSITIVE FOR S/CT, NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER CJAN AE SUBJECT: UAE INTEREST IN TIP/PISCES SYSTEM REF: S/CT FOSTER-QUINN MAY 16 E-MAIL ¶1. (SBU) On May 8, 2006, DCM and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Attache met with Colonel (now Brigadier General) Nassar Al Nuaimi, Chief of Staff for UAE Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nayhan, regarding UAE participation in a U.S.-sponsored Terrorist Interdiction Program (TIP). ¶2. (SBU) A basic presentation was made regarding the benefits accorded to the UAE if it decides to participate in the program which utilizes PISCES hardware and software at select ports of entry which would include international airports and major land-border crossings. The program enables the host government to identify suspect travelers against a current watch list for both inbound and outbound passengers. The program would enable UAE officials to use the system to analyze passenger data for criminal investigative purposes and trends. ¶3. (SBU) Al Nuaimi was receptive to the program but stated the Interior Ministry would need a detailed presentation in order to make an assessment of UAE participation. Of particular interest would be the capacity of PISCES to mesh with UAE's state-of-the-art iris scanners. Post understands per ref e-mail that an in-country demonstration is not likely until FY-07. ¶4. Action Request: To maintain movement on PISCES initiative, post requests early booking on in-country demonstration schedule. SISON