RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE

UNCLAS STATE 034966 SIPDIS SEOUL FOR AMBASSADOR KATHLEEN STEPHENS FROM ACTING PM A/S FRANK RUGGIERO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPDC ETTC KOMC KS SUBJECT: RECOGNITION OF EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE ON BLUE LANTERN END-USE CHECKS: HEATHER GRELL ¶1. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the outstanding performance of economic specialist Heather Grell in supporting the Blue Lantern program during the past year. 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 in making informed licensing decisions, discovering illicit supply networks, and deterring diversions of U.S. military articles and technology. ¶2. In 2008 Ms. Grell made vital contributions to ensuring the success of the Blue Lantern program in South Korea by efficiently and effectively conducting 17 checks, one of the heaviest case loads worldwide. She even completed many pre-license checks within 10 days, well before the 30 day deadline, and provided helpful unsolicited updates on the status of pending cases. ¶3. The PM Bureau and the Department are grateful for the efforts of Ms. Grell, which have demonstrably contributed to the security and integrity of U.S. defense trade. CLINTON