Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07AMMAN4525
2007-11-12 05:06:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

BLUE LANTERN PRE LICENSE CHECK CASE 05-050070921

Tags:  ETTC KOMC JO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAM #4525 3160506
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 120506Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY AMMAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0854
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEPWJF/HQ BICE INTEL WASHDC
UNCLAS AMMAN 004525 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR (SABATINI) AND NEA/ELA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC JO
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN PRE LICENSE CHECK CASE 05-050070921

Sensitive but unclassified. Not for internet distribution.

REF: SECSTATE 151365

UNCLAS AMMAN 004525

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR (SABATINI) AND NEA/ELA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC JO
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN PRE LICENSE CHECK CASE 05-050070921

Sensitive but unclassified. Not for internet distribution.

REF: SECSTATE 151365


1. (SBU) EconOff met with Suleiman Aqarbeh, Security Director at the
Le Royal Hotel Amman, on November 8. At the site visit, Aqarbeh
verified his hotel's order for one Fido XT Handheld Explosives
Detector plus Starter Kit, with a license value of USD 24,012.
Aqarbeh confirmed that he placed the order with the help of the
DAHAB Company. He said he is currently working with hotel
management, including General Manager Antony Paton, to place an
order for a second Fido detector. Aqarbeh showed EconOff the main
hotel entrance and road where the equipment would be used.


2. (SBU) Aqabeh said he is working to improve the security situation
in the hotel. He explained that this explosive detection equipment
will be used in conjunction with already-acquired cameras, infrared
cameras, and bollards to screen vehicles and allow the hotel to
reopen its parking garage which has been closed since the 2005 Amman
hotel bombings. He said the equipment could also be used for
baggage and guests. Aqarbeh researched and tested multiple
screening devices, in consultation with Jordanian police, Special
Forces and intelligence officers before selecting the Fido detector
based on speed, accuracy, and portability. He said Le Royal would
be the first hotel in Jordan to use this equipment.

Background on Amman Hotel Bombings
--------------


3. (U) On November 9, 2005, a series of three coordinated hotel
bombings in Amman killed 60 people, including Americans, and injured
115 others. Al Qaeda in Iraq took responsibility. Pedestrian
suicide bombers wearing explosive vests carried the bombs into the
hotels. Since the bombings, hotels in Jordan, particularly four-
and five-star hotels like Le Royal, have increased their security
procedures significantly. In addition to hotel security procedures,
Jordanian security forces are also assigned to hotels with a
significant number of foreign customers.

Comment
--------------


4. (SBU) Aqabeh was extremely cooperative, and is eager for
equipment approval so that he can improve the security of Le Royal
hotel and open its garage. Post believes this equipment will be put
to excellent use; will improve the security of the hotel and of its
often American guests; and is entirely consistent with the hotel's
business. Embassy Amman has worked closely with this hotel, which
has an excellent reputation, on security questions for its own
events including an upcoming Marine Ball. Post is confident of the
legitimacy of the transaction and the reliability of the hotel
involved.



Visit Amman's Classified Website at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/amman

HALE