RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 034961 SIPDIS BAGHDAD FOR CHARGE PATRICIA A. BUTENIS FROM ACTING PM A/S FRANK RUGGIERO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC IZ SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM: DAVID HOWELL AND NATALIE AHN ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of political-military officers David Howell and Natalie Ahn in supporting the Blue Lantern program. As you know, Blue Lantern is the Department's primary instrument for monitoring the end-use of exported defense articles, technology, and services. This program is indispensable to PM's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (PM/DDTC) in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Mr. Howell and Ms. Ahn have be integral to the Department,s implementation of new enhanced end-use monitoring measures required by Section 1228 of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2008. They took the lead on preparing and executing a Blue Lantern outreach visit to Baghdad in February 2009, which achieved its primary objective of ensuring the effective coordination of PM/DDTC, the Embassy team, and MNSTC-I. Throughout the visit, Mr. Howell and Ms. Ahn demonstrated professionalism in very hostile environments. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Mr. Howell and Ms. Ahn, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. CLINTON