URGING SIGNATURE AND RATIFICATION OF THE 2005 SUA

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000602

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR ISN/RA, L/LEI, NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT PHSA PTER PARM PREL MNUC KTIA MU
SUBJECT: URGING SIGNATURE AND RATIFICATION OF THE 2005 SUA
PROTOCOLS, TERROR CONVENTIONS

REF: A. STATE 59099

B. MUSCAT 232


1. (SBU) During the course of an April 16 meeting with MFA
International Organizations Department Chief Ambassador Talib
Miran al-Raisi on other matters (septel),Ambassador
encouraged Oman's signing and ratifying the 2005 Protocols to
the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of Unlawful
Acts Against the Safety of Maritime Navigation (SUA) and its
related protocol on Fixed Platforms (ref A),as quickly as
possible. Al-Raisi undertook to study the issue more
closely, but on first blush, said that SUA appeared fully
consistent with ongoing Omani government efforts to upgrade
its maritime and port security regime. He noted that Oman
was undertaking a comprehensive review of all of its maritime
laws.


2. (SBU) The Ambassador also inquired as to the ratification
status of two outstanding UN conventions on Suppression of
Terrorist Finance and Suppression of Terrorist Bombings (ref
B). Al-Raisi said that he understood both conventions had
passed legal review and were awaiting approval by the Council
of Ministers. He offered no timeline for that action.
GRAPPO