UAEG STRICT LIMITS ON PRIVATE WEAPONS POSSESSION

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000761

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EEB/TRA/OTP (HAYWOOD) AND PM/ISO (FREDERICK)
USCG FOR JOHN KOEPPEN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT KHLS ASEC KOMC MARR PARM PREL PHSA CASC AE
SUBJECT: UAEG STRICT LIMITS ON PRIVATE WEAPONS POSSESSION

REFS: A) STATE 45331
B) ABU DHABI 607 (NOTAL)
C) ABU DHABI 583 (NOTAL)


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The UAEG has strict laws regarding private
possession of weapons and ammunition. Americans have been arrested
and jailed for transporting such weapons and equipment, even in
cases where airline and U.S. authorities allowed shipment on a
U.S.-originating flight. Although diplomatic clearances for
official arms are easily facilitated, UAE officials state that there
are no official procedures for private entities to obtain such
permission. Given the UAE's laws and the lack of an official
permission mechanism, Post does not/not recommend U.S. citizens or
companies attempt to transit the UAE with weapons and/or ammunition.
End Summary.


2. (SBU) The answers below are keyed to Ref A questions:

-- 1. and 2. UAE laws ban private individuals from bearing arms and
possessing ammunition. UAE authorities will confiscate any weapons,
weapon parts, ammunition, body armor, handcuffs, and/or other
military/police equipment transported to or through a civilian
airport. Americans have been arrested and jailed for transporting
such weapons and equipment, even though airline and U.S. authorities
allowed shipment on a U.S.-originating flight. UAE officials report
there are no existing procedures to grant private individuals and/or
entities permission to bring weapons or ammunition into the country,
including for transit.

-- 3. Post is able to obtain MFA approval for USG security personnel
to bring in weapons and ammunition. U.S. naval vessels regularly
enter UAE ports with all weapons securely stored and prior
diplomatic clearance.

-- 4. There is no difference in clearance procedures for military
and civilian USG personnel.

-- 5. UN Convention on the Law of the Sea procedures provide the
basis for the UAE response to piracy. The exact UAEG response would
depend on the circumstances of the specific case.

-- 6. Responsible UAE government entities include the Ministry of
Interior, State Security, Critical National Infrastructure Authority
(Coast Guard),National Transport Authority and individual emirates'
police and customs officials.


3. (SBU) COMMENT: Given the UAEG's demonstrated sensitivity to these
issues (Refs B and C),post strongly recommends that no/no U.S.
vessels or security teams transit UAE territory, by air, land or
sea. We further advise that no USG entity attempt to facilitate
efforts by U.S. entities to do so. End Comment.
GREENE