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.

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Comment
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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