USG QUESTIONS ON PAKISTAN DECEMBER 18 NOTICE ON

UNCLAS STATE 004206 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP IR PREL PARM SUBJECT: USG QUESTIONS ON PAKISTAN DECEMBER 18 NOTICE ON BANK SEPAH REF: A. A) NOTE VERBALE ¶B. 18 DECEMBER 2007 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶2. (U) On 18 December, Pakistan notified the UNSCR 1737 Sanctions Committee of its intention to authorize-under paragraph 15 of UNSCR 1737-payments due under contracts with Bank Sepah entered into prior to the listing of Bank Sepah in Annex I of UNSCR 1747. Washington would like to request that Pakistan provide more information to the Committee and the U.S. regarding these payments and the underlying contracts in order to confirm that the authorization of such payments is fully consistent with the terms of paragraph 15 of UNSCR 1737. ¶3. (U) In accordance with paragraph 15 of UNSCR 1737 and paragraph 4 of 1747, Pakistan may authorize these payments as early as January 18. We wish to immediately convey our request to the GOP, prior to the payment of any funds, and ask the GOP to delay authorization or withdraw its notification until more information is provided on the origin of money used to process these payments. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶5. (U) Washington requests Mission approach appropriate Pakistani government officials to discuss this issue drawing from paragraphs 2 and 3 and the objectives outlined below. -- Inquire about the origin of the $1.3 million that will replenish Bank Sepah's account in Pakistan. -- Determine whether the country of origin of this $1.3 million will also notify the 1737 Committee, as required by operative paragraph 15 of UNSCR 1737. -- Ask for additional details - prior to the payment of any funds - about the recipient of the goods in question and whether it has links to any UNSCR-sanctioned entities. -------------- REPORTING DEADLINE -------------- ¶6. (U) Mission should report results within seven (7) business days of receipt of this cable. Please slug replies for ISN, IO, T, TREASURY, EUR, SCA, and NEA. Please include SIPDIS in all replies. -------------- POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶7. (U) Washington point of contact for follow-up information is Kevin McGeehan, ISN/CPI, (202) 647-5408, McGeehanKJ@state.sgov.gov. ¶8. (U) Department thanks Post for its assistance. RICE