Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE82138
2008-07-30 19:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

SOMALIA UN AMB RESIDENCE

Tags:  OFDP PREL SO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #2138 2121938
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 301934Z JUL 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2644
UNCLAS STATE 082138 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OFDP PREL SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA UN AMB RESIDENCE

REF: USUN 611

UNCLAS STATE 082138

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OFDP PREL SO
SUBJECT: SOMALIA UN AMB RESIDENCE

REF: USUN 611


1. This is an action request. Please see para 2.


2. Reftel reports the request of the city of New Rochelle,
New York (CNR) to &lift immunity8 from a dilapidated
property owned by the Government of Somalia to mitigate
public safety hazards on the premises. In view of previous
unsuccessful attempts to persuade GOS to make repairs,
Mission should advise the Permanent Mission of Somalia to the
UN to execute a limited waiver of inviolability for the
purpose of allowing CNR to make necessary repairs to mitigate
health and safety hazards on the property. If the Somali
Mission is unable to provide such a waiver, Department will
revisit the diplomatic status of the property, including its
inviolability and exemption from property taxes.

Begin text of note:

The United States Mission to the United Nations presents its
compliments to the Permanent Mission of Somalia to the United
Nations and has the honor to inform the Permanent Mission
that it has received an urgent request from the City of New
Rochelle to address the public safety hazards at the former
Somali Permrep residence at 250 Elk Avenue, New Rochelle.

As the Permanent Mission is undoubtedly aware, the grounds
are in disrepair and have attracted considerable negative
attention from local residents, government officials, and the
media. Most recently, trespassers broke into the unsecured
property on June 29.

The City of New Rochelle's Buildings Department has issued
several citations to the Permanent Mission for hazards
related to broken windows, broken doors, an unsecured house
and pool area, vegetation overgrowth, and an abandoned
vehicle on the premises. The deadline of 10 days from the
June 25 issuance of these citations has passed, and these
hazards must now be remedied on an urgent basis.

If the Permanent Mission is unable to secure these areas, the
United States Mission requests that the Permanent Mission
formally waive the inviolability of the property for the sole
purpose of allowing the City of New Rochelle to enter and
make necessary repairs to mitigate existing health and safety
hazards. The City will then send an abatement bill to the
Permanent Mission for the cost of the repairs, which the
Mission is urged to pay promptly.

If the Permanent Mission is unable to provide such a waiver
within 30 days from the date this note is delivered, the
United States Mission will have to reconsider the diplomatic
status of the property, including its inviolability and
exemption from property taxes.

Complimentary close.

End text.
RICE