EXBS: EXPORT CONTROLS PROGRAM PLAN FOR OMAN

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000510 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI AND ISN/ECC (V. PIKOULAS) AMMAN FOR ECON (J. IRVINE) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KSCT PREL MU SUBJECT: EXBS: EXPORT CONTROLS PROGRAM PLAN FOR OMAN REF: A. SECSTATE 36972 ¶B. PIKOULAS-PLATH EMAIL 3/25/2006 ¶C. MUSCAT 449 ¶1. In response to the Export Controls Program Plan for Oman (reftel A),Embassy Muscat offers the following feedback: -- As EXBS programming moves forward in Oman, it may be worth reconsidering the Advanced Legal/Regulatory Training and the Export Licensing workshops tentatively scheduled for the spring OF 2007. Given the lack of clear direction for developing export controls in the Sultanate, another workshop on this topic is unlikely to be constructive at this time. The Embassy therefore requests ISN/ECC provide a comprehensive FY-07 plan that encompasses Omani requests for hands-on training, with more basic national control list programming later in the year. -- To the extent that it is possible, the Embassy suggests that EXBS programming focus on already identified vulnerabilities in transit and import, including training in inspection/interdiction techniques as well as targeting and risk analysis. Practical exercises offering hands-on opportunities in identifying, interdicting, and managing potential WMD illicit cargo will be very welcome. The Global Transshipment and Enforcement Seminar, as well as the Seaport Interdiction Training and Inspection and Detection Equipment will receive broad government support and meet already identified requests by the Royal Oman Police Customs. Whatever can be done to move away from the classroom, and into the ports and borders, will ultimately prove to be the most beneficial to the Omanis. Moreover, such programming will greatly enhance the tremendous groundwork laid by the Container Security and Megaports Initiatives. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶2. As pointed out in ref C, only when the Omanis feel confident that they know how effectively to recognize and respond to potential WMD material in their import and transshipment cargo will they shift their focus to regulating exports. Royal Oman Police Customs officers are particularly interested in hands-on exercises that will demonstrate how to verify import/export documents. They are also interested in the advanced computer software now available for research and identification, including the Product Identification Tool (PIT) and the Product Information Search Engine (PISE),that was introduced at the recently concluded Proliferation Awareness Training. Focusing on these identified areas complements the successful border security programming by several elements of our country team, including DoD. GRAPPO