Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE43610
2009-04-29 20:36:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

GUIDANCE ON RESPONDING TO REPORT OF POTENTIAL

Tags:  AF ASEC KCRM KNNP MNUC PARM PINR PREL PTER ET XA XW 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0027
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #3610 1192055
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 292036Z APR 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA IMMEDIATE 7318
INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA IMMEDIATE 4844
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAORC/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 0742
RHMFIUU/NRC WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 3881
RUETIAA/DIRNSA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD IMMEDIATE 2150
RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 6547
UNCLAS STATE 043610 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AF ASEC KCRM KNNP MNUC PARM PINR PREL PTER ET XA XW
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON RESPONDING TO REPORT OF POTENTIAL
NUCLEAR MATERIAL IN ADDIS ABABA

REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 000963

B. DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SERVICE SPOT REPORT (4/23/09)

C. STATE 030541

UNCLAS STATE 043610

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AF ASEC KCRM KNNP MNUC PARM PINR PREL PTER ET XA XW
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON RESPONDING TO REPORT OF POTENTIAL
NUCLEAR MATERIAL IN ADDIS ABABA

REF: A. ADDIS ABABA 000963

B. DIPLOMATIC SECURITY SERVICE SPOT REPORT (4/23/09)

C. STATE 030541


1. (U) This is an action request for Embassy Addis Ababa.
Please see paragraph 3.


2. (SBU) BACKGROUND: Per REF A, on 23 April 2009, Post
alerted Washington that it had received an e-mail with
photographs indicating a potential incident of illegal
nuclear and/or radioactive material smuggling. The e-mail
was received in the PAS mailbox (PASAddis@state.gov) at
approximately 1519 hours on 23 April 2009. It had arrived
from kgashu@yahoo.com, according to REF B. The photographs
showed a yellow cylindrical container with a radioactive
warning sign and a "Made in USSR" marking in English. REF B
indicated the RSO will obtain header information from the
e-mail and request information on the location from which the
e-mail was sent, via NISS and the Ethiopian Federal Police.


3. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: Post is requested to inform the GOE
that after examining the photos in question, Washington
believes this is likely a scam but will continue to provide
support if additional information comes to light. However,
even if this is a scam, Washington encourages the GOE to
prosecute any individuals involved and remove the containers
from circulation if possible, because such scams drain
law-enforcement resources and increase demand for such
materials. Washington encourages Post to take the follow-up
steps outlined in REF B and disseminate any future
information to Washington. Additionally, Post should note
that PM/ISO/PMAT has not received the e-mail referred to in
REF A and that the guidance cable listed as REF B in ADDIS
ABABA 00963 has been replaced by REF C of this cable.


4. Washington appreciates Post's assistance.
CLINTON