RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY SUPPORT OF THE BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 044858 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR AMBASSADOR DAVID HALE FROM ACTING PM A/S AMB STEPHEN MULL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC JO SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY SUPPORT OF THE BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM: DEBORAH WINTERS AND ALICA LEJLIC ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officer Deborah Winters and political officer Alica Lejlic in supporting the Blue Lantern program during the last year. As you know, Blue Lantern is the Department's primary instrument for monitoring the end-use of exported defense articles, technology, and services. This program is indispensable to PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Ms. Winters took the lead in organizing and executing a very successful Blue Lantern outreach visit in Jordan in February 2008, which included meetings with Jordanian Armed Forces officers, the chairman of the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau, and your country team. Before and after the visit, Ms. Winters and Mr. Lejlic have demonstrated dedication, thoroughness, and professionalism in efficiently managing several Blue Lantern cases and working to strengthen our bilateral defense trade relationship with Jordan. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Ms. Winters and Mr. Lejlic, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. RICE