Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ABUDHABI431
2009-05-04 13:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

TFFLU01: UAE H1N1 PORK BAN

Tags:  EAGR ETRD PGOV KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO 
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VZCZCXRO5573
RR RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR
DE RUEHAD #0431 1241314
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 041314Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2430
INFO RUEHRC/DEPT OF AGRICULTURE WASHINGTON DC
RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 0907
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000431 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP
DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT (ARYAN)
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (BHALLA)
USDA/OSTA (CHAMILTON, CBEAN)
STATE PLEASE PASS USTR (JBUNTIN, JDOHERTY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD PGOV KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO
KSAF, KPAO, PREL, PINR, AMGT, TF, AE
SUBJECT: TFFLU01: UAE H1N1 PORK BAN

REF: STATE 44254

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000431

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP
DEPARTMENT FOR EEB/TPP/MTAA/ABT (ARYAN)
AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (BHALLA)
USDA/OSTA (CHAMILTON, CBEAN)
STATE PLEASE PASS USTR (JBUNTIN, JDOHERTY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAGR ETRD PGOV KFLU AEMR ASEC AMED CASC KFLO TBIO
KSAF, KPAO, PREL, PINR, AMGT, TF, AE
SUBJECT: TFFLU01: UAE H1N1 PORK BAN

REF: STATE 44254


1. (SBU) Although the FAS Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) engaged
early and proactively, the UAEG banned pork imports on April 27 in
response to the global spread of H1N1 influenza. Individual
emirates have applied the ban differently, with Abu Dhabi, Fujairah
and Ajman removing pork from shelves and/or ceasing pork sales.
Dubai has allowed pork shipped before April 25 to be sold. Sharjah
does not allow pork imports.


2. (SBU) ATO has repeatedly demarched federal and local authorities,
including the General Secretariat of Municipalities (GSM,
responsible for food safety),the Ministry of Environment and Water,
and Abu Dhabi and Dubai officials since April 26, providing reftel
details and additional information about the lack of a scientific
basis for such a ban. ATO is translating reftel points into Arabic
and will demarche key officials again in advance of a planned May 5
GSM meeting to review the ban. Senior UAEG officials have indicated
to EmbOffs that the initial ban may be rescinded, but not quickly.


3. (SBU) Econoff separately demarched Ministry of Foreign Trade
Director General (deputy minister-equivalent) Abdulla Al Saleh on
April 30. Al Saleh said the Ministry was not involved in the GSM
decision to announce an initial ban, as public health issues are not
within the scope of the Ministry's responsibilities. Post has also
requested a meeting with Ministry of Health Director General Dr. Ali
Al Shakar, head of the National Action Committee for Swine Flu, to
review reftel points and related issues.
GREENE