CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUTHORITY INTEREST IN USCG, DHS

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000765 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT KHLS ASEC KOMC MARR PARM PREL PHSA AE SUBJECT: CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AUTHORITY INTEREST IN USCG, DHS COOPERATION ¶1. (SBU) On July 26, the Ambassador received a letter (text in para 2) from the Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Critical National Infrastructure Authority (CNIA) Sheikh Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan requesting formal and ongoing cooperation with the US Coast Guard and Department of Homeland Security. Sheikh Ahmed specifically requested: 1) assigning two USCG officers to CNIA; 2) establishing a joint CNIA-USCG Working Group to develop plans for joint exercises, training and procurement; 3) discussing opening a USCG base in the UAE; 4) stationing a TSA liaison officer in the UAE; and 5) creating an immigration and customs (CBP) pre-clearance program at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Post has requested a meeting with CNIA officials to obtain specific details about these areas of interest and will report the results of that meeting septel. ¶2. (SBU) Begin lyZQV5OTQdQlQQtates. We had productive meetings with representatives of the National Security Council, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, Energy and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Now our government wishes for CNIA to proceed to: Q Conclude aQw?]R!\,-lQr basing in the Gulf, including the possibility of a base here. Q Establish a liaison officer here from the Transportation Security Agency. Q Discuss with Homeland Security the creation of a Customs and Immigration pre-clearance program at the Abu Dhabi International Airport. My Staff is available to work with the Embassy to move these proposals forward in a timely manner. With best regards Staff Brigadier Pilot Ahmed bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Chairman CNIA End Letter Text. PIKE