USUN INSTRUCTION: LIBERIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE

UNCLAS STATE 023139 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN ETTC KTFN LI PREL PTER UNSC SUBJECT: USUN INSTRUCTION: LIBERIA SANCTIONS COMMITTEE FOCAL POINT DELISTING REQUESTS REF: A. SCSOB/DL/2008/OC.179 ¶B. SCSOB/DL/2009/OC.21 ¶C. SCSOB/DL/2009/OC.47 ¶1. This is an action request. Prior to the No Objection Deadlines USUN is requested to object to the Focal Point delisting requests for Tupee Taylor, Mohamed Salame, and Irbis Air Company. ¶2. Prior to 22 March 2009, USUN is requested to object to the Focal Point delisting request for Tupee Taylor. Tupee Taylor, the ex-wife of former Liberian President Charles Taylor, continues to pose an ongoing threat to the peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion. Given her ongoing ties to Taylor, we need further independently verified information regarding Tupee Taylor's current activities. Tupee Taylor's petition for delisting does not provide sufficient, credible evidence to warrant delisting. Tupee Taylor should remain subject to the travel ban and asset freeze imposed by paragraph 4 of UN Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003). ¶3. Prior to 27 April 2009, USUN is requested to object to the Focal Point delisting requests for Mohamed Salame. Mohamed Salame continues to pose an ongoing threat to the peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion. Given his ongoing ties to Taylor, we need further independently verified information regarding Tupee Taylor's current activities. Mohamed Salame's petition for delisting does not provide sufficient, credible evidence to warrant delisting. Mohamed Salame should remain subject to the travel ban and asset freeze imposed by paragraph 4 of UN Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003). ¶4. Prior to 16 April 2009, USUN is requested to object to the Focal Point delisting requests for Irbis Air Company. Irbis Air Company continues to pose an ongoing threat to the peace and stability in Liberia and the subregion. Bank records indicate that Irbis Air Company has continued to conduct business with companies owned by Viktor Bout, who acts on behalf of former Liberia President Charles Taylor. Irbis Air Company's petition for delisting does not provide sufficient, credible evidence to warrant delisting. Irbis Air Company should remain subject to the asset freeze imposed by paragraph 4 of UN Security Council Resolution 1521 (2003). ¶5. Department appreciates Mission's efforts. CLINTON