SHIELD S10-06: SAG DENIES CHEM-BIO GEAR IMPORTED

S E C R E T RIYADH 005317 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR ISN AND NEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2016 TAGS: PARM PREL ETTC CBW IR SA SUBJECT: SHIELD S10-06: SAG DENIES CHEM-BIO GEAR IMPORTED FROM IRAN REF: STATE 65268 Classified By: DCM Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) informed the Embassy via diplomatic note dated June 6, 2006 that the Ministry of Interior did not import chemical and biological items from Iran, per Reftel. However, the note did acknowledge that the SAG imported one sample protective vest and one sample gas mask. Post has thus far been unable to speak to officials in the MFA's Disarmament Unit to clarify these imports. We intend to contact the Riyadh-based contractor, AECOM Security, to further investigate the matter. ¶2. (SBU) The text of the diplomatic note is as follows: (Begin Text of Diplomatic Note) (Complementary Opening) In reference to the meeting of the Charge d'Affaires with the Minister of Foreign Affairs HRH Prince Saud al-Faisal regarding the information that the Kingdom imported chemical and biological items from Iran, such as protective vests and masks for the Ministry of Interior. The Ministry would like to inform you that these reports are incorrect. AECOM Security is an importer of a wide range of masks, shields, and protective vests, including gas masks and other items for protection against chemical and biological agents (manufactured in Iran). Only one sample of protective vests and another sample of gas masks were imported. The import license given to them for these items is only for the purpose of entering government competitions. (Complementary Closing) Date: June 6, 2006 (End Text of Diplomatic Note) OBERWETTER