Ukrainian Firm to Sell Sudan Turbo Jets

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000319 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG DEPT PLS PASS USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP EAIR ETRD BEXP PREL UP SU SUBJECT: Ukrainian Firm to Sell Sudan Turbo Jets ¶1. On February 7, the Sudan Tribune web site posted an article dated February 6 from "Kharkiv" which indicates that the Kharkiv aviation plan in Ukraine has signed a contract in late 2005 to supply five AN-74 light turbo jet aircraft to Sudan. The multifunctional AN-74 is described as "intended for transportation of freights and people on airlines of average extent in any climatic conditions and on any attitudes, including conditions of Arctic and in high mountain regions." The contract is allegedly valued at 85 million, and will come into force in March 2006. The client was not indicated. ¶2. On February 7, a transcript of a news item from the "Kiev Unian," a major independent news agency, indicated that the Director General of Kharkiv, Pavlo Naumenko, had provided the same information in a press briefing. ¶3. Embassy Khartoum would be interested in obtaining further information Embassy Kiev might have regarding this aircraft sale. HUME