YEMEN IMPLEMENTATION OF BOYCOTT STATUTES

UNCLAS SANAA 001343 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, EB, L, TREASURY, COMMERCE/BIS/OAC AND USTR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KBCT ABLD PHUM SUBJECT: YEMEN IMPLEMENTATION OF BOYCOTT STATUTES REF: SECSTATE 66895 ¶1. In response to the Department's request for updated information on Republic of Yemen (ROYG) adherence to the Arab League Boycott of Israel, post conducted a review of ROYG enforcement and compliance practices in place regarding the boycott. The results of that review are as follows, and are keyed to reftel questions. ¶2. The ROYG, represented by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT),regularly takes part in the ALB annual meetings in Damascus. In 2004, Yemen took part in the meeting of the Islamic Bureau Boycott in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Officially, MOIT maintains a blacklist of Israeli companies and foreign companies that contribute to Israel's defense or economic development. Any U.S. firm can conduct business in Yemen unless they are blacklisted. MOIT requests ALB certificates from companies currently or previously blacklisted by the ALB. ¶3. The ROYG does not as a matter of policy, practice, or contract request that U.S. firms comply with boycott requirements or provide information regarding such compliance. ¶4. Suppliers, vendors, and service providers with whom post typically does business in Yemen are known to comply with the ALB or international boycotts. ¶5. There are no boycott laws in Yemen. ¶6. There is no agency or office representing the ALB or any boycott organization per se in Yemen. However, the MOIT has on its premises a designated ROYG employee, working in the Foreign Relations Department, who looks after ALB issues in Yemen. He follows up on all ALB-related business, gathers data requested by ALB, distributes ALB recommendations to respective bodies, and reports to ALB on all relevant issues. ¶7. The ROYG does not take steps to correct or prevent instances of attempted boycott enforcement by government agencies or ALB compliance requests by private entities. Khoury