(S) UPDATED SCHEDULE OF FLIGHT OF POSSIBLE

S E C R E T STATE 043804 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2033 TAGS: KNNP PREL PARM KN SY SUBJECT: (S) UPDATED SCHEDULE OF FLIGHT OF POSSIBLE MISSILE-RELATED CARGO OF PROLIFERATION CONCERN FROM NORTH KOREA TO SYRIA: REQUEST TO CONDITION OVERFLIGHT Classified By: ISN PDAS Patricia McNerney for Reasons 1.4 b and d. -------------- SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶1. (S/Rel Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan) Posts are instructed to immediately approach appropriate host government officials to alert them to a rescheduling of a previously discussed Air Koryo flight from April 11 (Ref A) to April 28 and request that they continue to make approval of overflight requests contingent on full inspection of the aircraft and its cargo. Posts should also reiterate the request that host government officials detain any suspicious cargo for further investigation to ensure it is not in violation of UNSCR 1718 or could otherwise contribute to a program of proliferation concern in Syria. Posts should thank host government officials for their cooperation and diligence regarding our earlier request. Posts should provide non-paper in para 4 and draw on objectives in para 3 as necessary. -------------- OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. (S) Posts are requested to pursue the following objectives: -- Approach host government officials and alert them to a schedule change to a planned Air Koryo charter flight from April 11 to April 28. -- Remind host government that we continue to believe that this flight may be carrying missile-related cargo in violation of UNSCR 1718. -- Remind host government that UNSCR 1718 requires governments to ensure that their territory, including air space, is not used to support North Korean proliferation activities. -- Remind host government that Syria and North Korea have a history of cooperation on missile-related projects, and have transferred missile-related goods to one another before. -- Indicate that this is not a regularly scheduled flight and that charter flights such as these are unusual and are a cause for concern. -- Reiterate our request that host government provide over-flight clearance contingent on full inspection of the aircraft and its cargo. -- Reiterate our request that host government grant any requested fuel stop by this flight and prepare to inspect the cargo immediately upon landing. -- Request host government to detain any suspicious cargo for further investigation to ensure it is not in violation of UNSCR 1718 or could otherwise contribute to a program of proliferation concern in Syria. -- Request that host government report back with any information that they find regarding this flight. -- Thank host government for its cooperation. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. (S/Rel Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan) Since February Washington has been tracking an Air Koryo charter flight, which has been rescheduled multiple times, , intending to fly from Pyongyang, North Korea to Damascus, Syria (Refs A, B, C). Washington continues to have concerns about this activity and believes that continued diplomatic efforts are warranted to further deter North Korea from using such flights to transport illicit cargo. -------------- NON-PAPER -------------- ¶4. (S/Rel Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan) -- In the spirit of our cooperation as Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) partners, we would like to bring to your attention new information regarding a North Korean-origin flight of serious proliferation concern that may request overflight of your territory as it transits to and from Syria and that may be in violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718. We have raised this flight with you before; and that it continues to be rescheduled. --According to our latest information, the Il-62 transport aircraft belonging to the North Korean airline Air Koryo is scheduled to depart North Korea for Iran and Syria on 28 April 2008. The call sign for this flight is JS621. -- The aircraft is due to depart Syria on 1 May 2008 and stop again in Iran en route back to the DPRK. The call sign for this flight is JS622. -- The suspected time-table for these flights is as follows: -- Flight A; Il-62 Call Sign JS621. --28 April 2008, 0001, Depart Pyongyang --28 April 2008, 0941, Arrive Tehran --28 April 2008, 1140, Depart Tehran --28 April 2008, 1420, Arrive Damascus -- Flight B; Il-62 Call Sign JS622 --1 May 2008; 0900, Depart Damascus --1 May 2008; 1130, Arrive Tehran --1 May 2008; 1330, Depart Tehran --1 May 2008; 2220, Arrive Pyongyang -- Information regarding past flights of a similar nature indicate that this flight could be carrying cargo in violation of UNSCR 1718. -- We request that you provide overflight clearance contingent upon full inspection of the aircraft and cargo and grant any fueling stop by this flight and prepare to inspect the cargo immediately upon landing. End non-paper -------------- POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶5. (U) Post should report results by April 28, 2008. Washington point of contact for follow-up information is Matthew Zartman, (202) 647-7588, zartmanml@state.sgov.gov. Please slug all responses for EAP, SCA, EUR, ISN, NEA, and T. Washington appreciates Post's continued assistance on this matter. RICE NNNN End Cable Text