USUN INSTRUCTIONS: BLOCK SALAME FOCAL POINT

UNCLAS STATE 060579 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC PREL EFIN KTFN PTER UNSC LI SUBJECT: USUN INSTRUCTIONS: BLOCK SALAME FOCAL POINT DELISTING REQUEST REF: SCSOB/DL/2008/0C.29 ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is requested to block the focal point delisting request for Mohamed Ahmad SALAME (SALAMI). SALAME (DOB: 22 Sep 1961; Nationality: Lebanese; Lebanese PPT: 1622263) should continue to be listed subject to the measures imposed by paragraph 4 of UN Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003) concerning Liberia, which include a travel ban and asset freeze. We consider SALAME to pose an ongoing threat to the peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion. Given his role as Special Envoy to former Liberia President Charles Taylor and lingering concerns about his record as an arms trafficker, we need further independently verified information regarding SALAME's current activities. SALAME's most recent petition for delisting does not provide sufficient, credible evidence to warrant delisting. ¶2. The Department appreciates the Mission's efforts. RICE