Afghanistan's Hajj 2009: Transport Ministry and Ariana

UNCLAS KABUL 004029 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EEB/TRA, S/SRAP, SCA/FO, SCA/RA, SCA/A, NEA/ARP FAA FOR RAY SMITH E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: EAIR PGOV PREL AF SUBJECT: Afghanistan's Hajj 2009: Transport Ministry and Ariana Execute Well But Hajj Minister Under Investigation Ref: A) 08 Kabul 2977 B) 09 Kabul 3346 ¶1. Summary: In a marked improvement from last year's Hajj, logistics for the 2009 Afghan pilgrimage proceeded smoothly, due to extensive planning by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MOTCA). State-owned Ariana Airlines transported about 35,000 pilgrims, thanks to a last-minute deal between the Afghan and Saudi governments that allowed Ariana to land at Saudi airports. Behind MOTCA's success, however, looms a possible scandal at the Ministry of Hajj and Islamic Affairs where press rumors have surfaced that the Minister of the Hajj is under investigation for overcharging Hajj pilgrims and pocketing the money. End Summary. Hajj Pilgrims Returning - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. As of December 14, 8,050 out of a total of about 35,000 pilgrims have returned from the Hajj to Kabul and Kandahar airports. MOTCA formed a steering committee earlier this year and tasked it to enhance preparations for the 2009 Hajj to avoid a disastrous repeat of 2008, when the previous Minister was fired for alleged corruption and a contracted airline struggled to transport Afghanistan's pilgrims to Saudi Arabia (Ref A). The committee successfully advocated for round-the-clock operations at major airports and priority landing slots for Hajj-designated aircraft. When Kabul International Airport (KIA) closed to official traffic November 19 for President Karzai's inauguration, it remained open to Hajj aircraft. Saudi Government Relents on Ariana - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶3. Although Deputy Minister of Transport Raz Alami urged the Afghan Government to spread profitable Hajj passengers among different airlines, the Cabinet ultimately named Ariana Airlines the exclusive carrier of Hajj passengers this year. Ariana attempted to charter a Boeing 767 from rival Safi Air, but could not agree on a price and instead chartered an Airbus 310 from a United Arab Emirates-based airline (Ref B). The charter aircraft supplemented Ariana's four 310s, including two purchased this year with Ministry of Finance funding. ¶4. Ariana's new aircraft were a key point in negotiations between the Afghan and Saudi governments to allow the carrier into Saudi airports despite Saudi Arabia's recognition of the European Union safety "black list," including Ariana. Alami spent several days in Jeddah persuading regulators to allow the carrier to land, on the conditions that it use only new aircraft and that engineers be present on all flights. ¶5. Looking ahead, Alami, who is likely to remain as Deputy Minister, said he wants ISAF to vacate its office and ramp space at KIA next year to allow for a dedicated Hajj terminal. In addition, a German-funded runway improvement in Mazar-e Sharif will be complete in 2010 and allow for direct flights to Saudi Arabia during next year's Hajj. Hajj Minister Under Investigation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶6. The smooth logistics of the 2009 Hajj, however, has been may be overshadowed by scandal that threatens to erupt over the Ministry of Hajj and Islamic Affairs' alleged mismanagement of Hajji funds. Credible press rumors that high-level Hajj Ministry officials, including the Minister himself, were involved in overcharging Hajjis and pocketing the money appeared in late November. To date, however, there has been no warrant issued for the Minister's arrest. Comment - - - - ¶7. This year's Hajj preparations were entirely Afghan-led and resulted in the first Hajj in recent memory without a serious mishap. MOTCA does not publicize its accomplishments, although EmbOffs have encouraged DM Alami to consider holding a MOTCA ceremony in early January to welcome home the final pilgrims and highlight the ministry's role in orchestrating this major logistical success. End comment. EIKENBERRY