GOE SEEKS CLARIFICATION OF FAA PLANS

UNCLAS CAIRO 005333 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS BRUSSELS FOR FAA -- TONY FAZIO, KURT EDWARDS ABU DHABI FOR FAA ATHENS FOR TSA FAA NATL HQ WASH DC FOR EMULLIKIN, AEU-10 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PREL EG SUBJECT: GOE SEEKS CLARIFICATION OF FAA PLANS Sensitive but unclassified. Not for internet distribution ¶1. (U) This is an action cable. For action requested, see paragraph four. ¶2. (SBU) On August 6, econoff learned from Chairman of the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) General Samir Abdel Maboud that a courtesy call by FAA desk officer Leeann Hart on the Egyptian Ambassador in Washington was misconstrued on the part of the GOE. The Egyptian Ambassador appears to have understood that a general discussion of FAA's International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program was a notification by the FAA that the USG plans an IASA in Egypt in the near future. Details of the meeting were forwarded back by the Embassy in Washington to the MFA, and then on to the Egyptian CAA. CAA chairman Maboud was angry about what the FAA is reported to have told the Egyptian Ambassador; that is, that there is concern about the CAA's institutional capacity to oversee aviation safety. Furthermore, the letter notes that the FAA will be in direct contact with the GOE about plans for the IASA review. For an informal Embassy translation of the internal GOE letter see para ¶4. ¶3. (SBU) We have been told by the regional FAA rep with responsibility for Egypt that although Egypt may be in line for an IASA review, one is not scheduled at this time. ¶4. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Please clarify whether or not FAA plans an IASA for Egypt in the near future. We also request that any further communication with the GOE, including notification of a pending IASA, go through formal channels to the US Embassy in Cairo, rather than directly with the Egyptian Embassy in Washington. ¶5. (U) Begin Text: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Minister for American Affairs No. 1710 Date: July 17, 2006 Eng. Mohamed Abdul Monem Al Kordi Head of the Central Directorate for the Office of the Minister of Aviation Greetings and Appreciation, In the framework of cooperation and coordination with your honorable Ministry, and following the book of the American Sector number 1637 dated July 4, I would like to inform you that our Ambassador in Washington met with Mrs. LeeAnn Hart, the responsible officer for Europe and the Middle East in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),where the following was tackled: ¶I. The American officer pointed out that the FAA inspectors expressed their concerns about the Egyptian Civil Aviation's capability in guaranteeing the technical security for aircrafts flying from Egypt to the United Sates. She hopes that the Egyptian side would cooperate and facilitate sending an FAA delegation to examine the situation, ensure the implementation of the security measures stated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO),and correct the deficiencies cooperatively, which allows for handling the pitfalls without announcing them publicly. Whereas, a single action from the FAA's side in reviewing the procedures requires announcing the results of its investigation publicly, that will negatively affect the general image even if means of handling the problem is agreed on. II. Regarding this subject matter, the Ambassador asked whether the FAA addresses the ICAO or the country whose flights' security are to be investigated, and if the subject carries an institutional aspect rather than technical. The American official stated that they usually contact the country of concern directly. She also said that the American inspection team is composed of four technicians, of whom a lawyer is specialized in the civil aviation law, who stay for five days, to ensure the security of aircrafts flying to the U.S. The delegation will write its notes in a comprehensive report which includes a joint plan with the Egyptian side. Hart explained that the FAA's concern is related to the Egyptian Civil Aviation's capability in guaranteeing air security from the institutional aspect, which means its regulatory laws and available capabilities, that is, not related to EgyptAir as an air courier. III. The Ambassador asked whether the FAA has contacted the Egyptian Authorities in this regard and the American officer mentioned that they have already done that with the Egyptian side and they also got an initial response. Yet, when it came to the $40,000 investigation cost, both parties stumbled. The FAA officer said that the CAA should bear it. Hart also added that the FAA representative at the American Embassy in Cairo is Kevin Roland and I notified her that I will investigate the issue in Cairo. Please lookup and warn accordingly, Thank you for your positive cooperation, Respectfully, Ambassador Dr. Sallama Sahker Assistant Minister for American Affairs Ricciardone