Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06CAIRO6191
2006-10-03 14:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
AIRLINE REPS HELD AT JFK SHIRK FUTURE US INVESTMENT
how-toVZCZCXYZ0001 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHEG #6191 2761406 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 031406Z OCT 06 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1804 INFO RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC RUEAHLC/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHDC RUEAORC/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION WASHINGTON DC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
UNCLAS CAIRO 006191
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ELA, EB/TRA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR BTIO BEXP BTRA CGEN EG
SUBJECT: AIRLINE REPS HELD AT JFK SHIRK FUTURE US INVESTMENT
UNCLAS CAIRO 006191
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ELA, EB/TRA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR BTIO BEXP BTRA CGEN EG
SUBJECT: AIRLINE REPS HELD AT JFK SHIRK FUTURE US INVESTMENT
1. (SBU) Egyptian representatives from AMC Airlines, one of
the country's largest and longest running private airlines,
were taken into secondary questioning at JFK International
Airport for more than 12 hours while en route to Seattle in
late August. Company representatives, including the
chairman's son, who is also a pilot for the Cairo-based
company, claim that while in secondary questioning they were
mistreated and subjected to body searches. All were
eventually admitted, but missed connecting flights to
Seattle, where they were arranging delivery of a new Boeing
aircraft to add to their fleet.
2. (SBU) After the incident, a Boeing representative
contacted FCS, protesting the incident. He told FCS that AMC
had informed them that they would reconsider their business
ties with US-based companies. FCS Counselor met with company
chairman El Sayed Saber the week of September 25, apologizing
for the incident and encouraging him to contact FCS before
future trips to the US so he could try to assure hassle-free
entry for legitimate business travelers.
3. (SBU) Last week, FCS coordinated with post's local Legatt
office to ensure that an Egypt Air delegation en route to
Seattle for another Boeing purchase did not face similar
obstacles. Legatt attach contacted FBI and DHS
representatives at the port of entry to alert them about the
representatives' arrival, and they were admitted without
incident.
4. (SBU) Comment. AMC's story is likely to circulate among
the local business community, who increasingly see the US as
an unwelcoming place to do business. Boeing is concerned
about the negative impact that incidents of this nature many
have on their exports to Egypt and the region. Post hopes
that the arrival of a new DHS visa security unit in Cairo,
expected in January, will help reduce these kinds of problems
before travelers board flights to the U.S.
RICCIARDONE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/ELA, EB/TRA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR BTIO BEXP BTRA CGEN EG
SUBJECT: AIRLINE REPS HELD AT JFK SHIRK FUTURE US INVESTMENT
1. (SBU) Egyptian representatives from AMC Airlines, one of
the country's largest and longest running private airlines,
were taken into secondary questioning at JFK International
Airport for more than 12 hours while en route to Seattle in
late August. Company representatives, including the
chairman's son, who is also a pilot for the Cairo-based
company, claim that while in secondary questioning they were
mistreated and subjected to body searches. All were
eventually admitted, but missed connecting flights to
Seattle, where they were arranging delivery of a new Boeing
aircraft to add to their fleet.
2. (SBU) After the incident, a Boeing representative
contacted FCS, protesting the incident. He told FCS that AMC
had informed them that they would reconsider their business
ties with US-based companies. FCS Counselor met with company
chairman El Sayed Saber the week of September 25, apologizing
for the incident and encouraging him to contact FCS before
future trips to the US so he could try to assure hassle-free
entry for legitimate business travelers.
3. (SBU) Last week, FCS coordinated with post's local Legatt
office to ensure that an Egypt Air delegation en route to
Seattle for another Boeing purchase did not face similar
obstacles. Legatt attach contacted FBI and DHS
representatives at the port of entry to alert them about the
representatives' arrival, and they were admitted without
incident.
4. (SBU) Comment. AMC's story is likely to circulate among
the local business community, who increasingly see the US as
an unwelcoming place to do business. Boeing is concerned
about the negative impact that incidents of this nature many
have on their exports to Egypt and the region. Post hopes
that the arrival of a new DHS visa security unit in Cairo,
expected in January, will help reduce these kinds of problems
before travelers board flights to the U.S.
RICCIARDONE