QATAR PETROLEUM'S CONFIRMATION OF SECURITY PROCEDURES

UNCLAS DOHA 000201 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (ADDING TAG AND EDITING SUBJECT) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG EPET ETRD ASEC QA SUBJECT: QATAR PETROLEUM'S CONFIRMATION OF SECURITY PROCEDURES REF: STATE 17146 ¶1. Saad al-Kaabi, director of oil and gas ventures at Qatar Petroleum (QP),submitted by e-mail the following document in response to reftel. The QP document confirms, line by line, all of the security procedures noted during the January 31 videoconference between QP and U.S. energy, transportation, and security officials. The QP document also adds, in the final line, "All RLC [Ras Laffan City] Port security staff receive ISPS Port Security training by professional accredited ISPS Training Institution which includes Global Marine UK." The full text of the document is in paragraph 4. ¶2. Al-Kaabi's email included an invitation for the U.S. Coast Guard to visit Ras Laffan port as part of ISPS Code clarification. The text of al-Kaabi's email follows in paragraph 3. ¶3. Text of February 22 email from Saad al-Kaabi to Embassy Doha Pol/Econ Chief. In response to the inquiry which came from the US Government addressed to Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in turn to Qatar Petroleum, attached is QP/RLC's confirmation. Our intention is to respond to each point raised in the inquiry. Note, however, as we informed you during the video conference, some of our responses must refer you to the Qatar Ministry of Interior should you need further information on certain points. As also discussed by phone, QP/RLC welcomes the U.S. Coast Guard to once again pay a visit to Ras Laffan Port should more clarification on the ISPS and/security [sic] plan be required. Please direct any such planned visit directly to the Director of Ras Laffan City and Port, Ras Laffan Industrial City Directorate, Mr. Misnad Abdulla Ali Al-Misnad, Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar, Phone +974-4733501, Fax +974- 4733509, e-mail: almisnad@qp.com.qa. ¶4. Text of QP Port Security document. SUBJECT: CONFIRMATION OF QP/RLC PORT SECURITY SCREENING PROCEDURE With reference to the video conference held on January 31, 2007 with U.S. experts on energy, transportation, and port security from the department of Homeland Security, Energy, Transportation, Treasury, and State with representatives from Qatar Petroleum (QP) / Ras Laffan Industrial City (RLC),the following can be confirmed: (1) It is our understanding that when individuals enter Qatar from a foreign country they are screened by Qatari government officials for derogatory information prior to their admission. We understand that foreigners who pose a security threat are denied entry by officials of the Qatar Interior Ministry. However, the Qatar Ministry of Interior would be a better source of information on the applicable policy. (2) QP/RLC has a multilayered approached to personnel screening at the Ras Laffan Industrial Complex where LNG is loaded onto vessels destined for foreign Ports. -- QP/RLC and its affiliates screen all personnel before they are hired. -- QP/RLC personnel are screened via the Qatar Ministry of Interior which, we understand makes use of databases. QP/RLC personnel are re-screened periodically, even after they have been hired. (3) If the screening process reveals derogatory information about these individuals, QP/RLC and its affiliates conduct an investigation of the relevant personnel to determine the suitability of the individual as an employee. -- Depending on the investigation's outcome, individuals can/or have been dismissed from QP/RLC in cases where the suitability of the employee is in question for what ever reason (Security Performance related etc.) -- Individuals can be and/or have been deported from Qatar as and when a foreigner is dismissed or he/she is in violation of the country's law and regulations. (4) Personnel access to the Ras Laffan facility is limited. -- Access to Ras Laffan Industrial City is limited and access to the Port is further limited to those that have a valid security permit. -- Currently there is only one access gate to the Port itself and vehicle and personnel access to the Port facilities are tightly controlled. -- QP/RLC screen all individuals who are required for performing work inside the Port area regardless whether they are QP/RLC or other company's personnel. They are subject to permit screening each time they enter Ras Laffan Industrial City, and again when they enter the Port area. -- QP/RLC is running an online 72-hours pre-arrival notification and clearance system for vessel access. -- Currently only LNG and Petrochemical related products and related supplies and materials are loaded at the Port. (5) QP/RLC utilizes Global Marine, a UK-headquartered firm, for consulting services that include training of security personnel. Security training is an ongoing process. -- All RLC Port security staff receive ISPS Port Security training by professional accredited ISPS Training Institution which includes Global Marine UK. Regards, [End text.] UNTERMEYER