Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
06AMMAN1788 | 2006-03-09 16:03:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Amman |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. 091603Z Mar 06 |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 AMMAN 001788 |
1. On February 13, the EXBS Advisor participated in a telephone conference with EXBS program managers from DOS and DOC to discuss future DOC EXBS events in Jordan. Scheduling training in legal infrastructure, licensing, enforcement and presentation of the DOC automated Product Identification Training will be put on hold pending expected decisions by the GoJ concerning their export control system. DOC will review the possibility of developing a targeted training course on licensing and enforcement for select representatives of the GoJ and the King Abdullah II Design & Development Bureau (KADDB.) (Advisor Note: This would be an excellent venue to create meaningful ties and procedures in an emerging Jordanian Industry-Outreach program. This training could also encourage the adoption of uniform `best practices' in the Jordanian export control system.) 2. During February 14-20, the EXBS Advisor continued refining the draft EXBS `Condition Precedent' for use with the GoJ during 2006. This `Condition Precedent' will be one of the requirements placed on the GoJ for the Economic Support Fund Cash Transfer. 3. During February 14-28, the EXBS Advisor assisted DOS to coordinate a country visit of representatives of the WISCONSIN PROJECT (WP). WP is an automated database of historical EXBS- related information, including `bad actors' in proliferation, dual-use and WMD related technologies, etc. This database is text-driven and written in English. The database can be extremely helpful if located where its information is available to support special licensing and investigative activities. Representatives of the WP plan to visit Jordan the week of 19 March 2006 to provide demonstrations of the database to appropriate GoJ officials. 4. During February 19-21, the EXBS Advisor completed final coordination with the Jordan country team and forwarded a formal invitation from the Front Office to the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) to visit Jordan and begin the process of including Jordan in its International Counterproliferation Program. The Jordan country team will coordinate DTRA efforts to ensure harmony with other activities and programs provided by the USG. 5. During February 16-28, the EXBS Advisor continued coordination with Front Office and DHS to prepare and forward a formal invitation from the Front Office to the DHS to visit Jordan and begin evaluation of Jordan for possible inclusion in the Container Security Program. 6. During February 19-28, the EXBS Advisor continued coordination and preparations as the Control Officer for the visit of Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security, David SIPDIS McCormick. The Under Secretary will visit Jordan March 7-8, 2006. He will meet with GoJ officials and select Jordanian business leaders. 7. During February 23-28, the EXBS Advisor, at the request of the Deputy Chief of Mission, coordinated the scheduling for a first meeting of a new working group composed of country team members from DAO, FCS, POL and EXBS. This working group will meet to discuss and coordinate Embassy approach to munitions issues likely to affect Jordan in the future. The group will meet for the first time on March 16, 2006. 8. On February 26 and 27, the EXBS Advisor, at the request of the Ambassador and the Deputy Chief of Mission, represented EXBS in meetings between the country team and Ambassador Henry Crumpton, Coordinator for Counterterrorism, DOS. 9. On February 28, the EXBS Advisor met with Mr. G.M. Mattingley, Jr., Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Practice, JBC International and Criss Jackson, Grants Compliance Manager, Office of State and Local Government Coordination & preparedness, DHS, to discuss "OPERATIONS SAFE COMMERCE" (OSC). OSC began its first test shipments of Jordanian goods and should complete this phase by late spring with a report to follow by summer 2006. According to Mr. Mattingley and Ms. Jackson, USG and GoJ officials processed the first shipment from Jordan with no problems. They anticipate this test phase will conclude successfully. The new `intruder' and sensor equipment appeared to be functioning well and withstanding the rigors of international maritime shipment. 10. During February 1-28, the EXBS Advisor assisted DOE and ISN/ECC, DOS to coordinate the future visit of a MEGAPORTS AND `CORE' - Second Line of Defense assessment team to Jordan. The team plans to visit Jordan during May 2006. The team will assess the port of Aqaba, visit selected border sites, and meet with Jordanian officials to discuss Jordan's interest in being included in the DOE MEGAPORTS and CORE/Second Line of Defense Initiatives. 11. During February 27 - March 1, the EXBS Advisor assisted the National Nuclear Security Administration, DOE and its contractors in providing their course, "Nuclear Export Control Workshop," to selected GoJ officials. This course was exceptionally well- received by the Jordanians. Given the relatively low level of automation at Jordanian borders (as compared with that of the US or EU,) the DOE Commodity Identification Training (CIT) and its hardcopy reference materials were particularly attractive to GoJ officials. GoJ officials commented repeatedly that these hardcopy materials would be of significant value to professionals assigned to duty at the borders, working in commercial portals and within select licensing, investigative and oversight organizations. Representatives of the following Jordanian organizations participated with the DOE training team and the EXBS Advisor in an after-conference roundtable discussion about the needs of Jordan with respect to DOE training: the Foreign Ministry, the Public Security Directorate, the General Intelligence Department, the Jordanian Armed Forces, the Customs Department, the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, and KADDB. As previously noted, representatives indicated the CIT provided by DOE was very helpful, essential for providing useful training and tools to those involved in EXBS. GoJ agency representatives requested that DOE provide detailed CIT courses as soon as possible with an "immediate" training course for those stationed at the Al-Kerameh Border Crossing with Iraq. DOE and the EXBS advisor agreed to coordinate this request via their respective organizations and the EXBS interagency working group. (Advisor Note: Although providing a training course at the Al-Karamah crossing presents some significant logistical challenges, it is possible, and the EXBS Advisor strongly recommends the Jordanian request for an "immediate" CIT course at this location be given the highest priority by ISN/ECC and the EXBS interagency working Group. This course will also dovetail nicely with the methodological training planned for Jordan by Customs and Border Protection, DHS.) B. TRAINING CONDUCTED DURING REPORTING PERIOD. 1. EXBS: February 27 - March 1, "Nuclear Export Control Workshop," Amman, Jordan. 2. OTHER: None. C. EQUIPMENT DELIVERED DURING REPORTING PERIOD. 1. EXBS: None. 2. OTHER: None. D. IMMINENT TRAINING OR EQUIPMENT STATUS UPDATE. 1. EXBS: Demonstration of WISCONSIN PROJECT, March 19-21, 2006. 2. OTHER: None. E. SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS IN EXPORT CONTROLS, NONPROLIFERATION, OR RELATED BORDER SECURITY. 1. NO CHANGE - Border Management Committee: Jordan is currently designing the structure and charter of this multi-agency committee. Jordanians expect this committee to be the executive- level body overseeing EXBS policy/law. 2. NO CHANGE - Border Management Task Force will conclude its service and disband in April 2006. F. OTHER SIGNIFICANT ISSUES/EVENTS. 1. EXBS: None. 2. OTHER: None. G. PRIMARY EXBS OBJECTIVES FOR COMING MONTH. 1. If possible, meet with at least one Jordanian official who is a member of the BMC. 2. Plan and execute the visit of Under Secretary McCormick to Jordan. H. STATUS OF LAST MONTH'S PRIMARY EXBS OBJECTIVES. 1. DOE workshop held in Amman, (see paragraph III.A.11 above.) 2. EXBS Advisor was unable to meet with BMC officials, but did meet with their senior representatives in the roundtable discussion, (see paragraph III.A.11 above.) IV. RED FLAG ISSUES. None. V. Any questions or comments can be directed to Joseph C. Irvine, EXBS Advisor to Jordan & the Middle East Region, Telephone:(962 6) 590-6550/6558, Fax: (962 6) 592-7653, Email: IrvineJC@state.gov. HALE |