RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 034965 SIPDIS SANTIAGO FOR AMBASSADOR PAUL SIMONS FROM ACTING PM A/S FRANK RUGGIERO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC CI SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF OUTSTANDING SUPPORT OF BLUE LANTERN PROGRAM: JENNIFER SPANDE ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic officer Jennifer Spande for her exemplary support of the Blue Lantern program in Chile during the past year. As you know, the Blue Lantern program 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 in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. Demonstrating exemplary professionalism and expert ability to leverage local contacts, Ms. Spande took the lead in organizing and executing a very successful Blue Lantern outreach visit for PM/DDTC to Santiago in September 2008. She subsequently applied her knowledge of the program in producing several well-researched, timely, and insightful responses to Blue Lantern requests. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Ms. Spande, which have demonstrably contributed to the security, strength, and integrity of our bilateral defense trade relationship with Chile. CLINTON