UNSC COTE D'IVOIRE SANCTIONS COMMITTEE GROUP OF

UNCLAS STATE 090813 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER UNSC XY SUBJECT: UNSC COTE D'IVOIRE SANCTIONS COMMITTEE GROUP OF EXPERTS REQUEST REF: S/AC.45/2009/GE/OC.111 ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is requested to send a letter through the UN Secretariat to the Group of Experts for the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) concerning Cote d'Ivoire ("the Cote d'Ivoire Sanctions Committee" - www.un.org/sc/committees/1572/index.shtml) with the information found in para 4 below in connection with ammunition shipped from the United States and seized in France. -------------- STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE -------------- ¶2. The strategic objective is for the United States to comply with its international obligation to implement the UN arms embargo on Cote d'Ivoire as described in paragraph 7 of UN Security Council resolution 1572 (2004). In that resolution, the UN Security Council decided that all States shall take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer to Cote d'Ivoire, from their territories or by their nationals, or using their flag vessels or aircraft, of arms or any related materiel, in particular military aircraft and equipment, whether or not originating in their territories, as well as the provision of any assistance, advice or training related to military activities. Additionally, in paragraph 15 of resolution 1842 (2008) the UN Security Council urged all States to cooperate fully with the Cote d'Ivoire Sanctions Committee, the Group of Experts, the United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire, and the French forces, in particular by supplying any information at their disposal on possible violations of the arms embargo, travel ban, and asset freeze (imposed by paragraphs 7, 9, and 11 of resolution 1572 (2004)) or the diamond ban (imposed by paragraph 6 of resolution 1643 (2005)). -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶3. The Group of Experts, established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1842 (2008) concerning Cote d'Ivoire, has requested any information the United States Government has on a shipment of ammunition, which was seized in Paris, France on 9 February 2007. The parcel was shipped by UPS Freight Express and declared as "computer and audio equipment." The parcel was scanned in Paris and was found to contain 3,900 7.65 mm (short) cartridges. The consignor was recorded as "Jack" of Windridge Road; Atlanta, Georgia; USA. The consignee was indicated as "Claude Stephane," Building N 1232; Marcory, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. Accompanying documents also list "Embassy of the Ukraine, Abidjan." -------------- LETTER -------------- ¶4. The United States Government thanks the Group of Experts established pursuant to Security Council resolution 1842 (2008) concerning Cote d'Ivoire for drawing to our attention the shipment of 3,900 7.65 mm (short) cartridges from Atlanta, Georgia USA to Abidjan, Cote d,Ivoire in contravention to the UN arms embargo. The United States Government regrets that it does not have information to provide the Group of Experts at this time. However, we have referred this incident to the appropriate law enforcement authorities. If any information comes to light that can be shared with the Group of Experts, we will provide it promptly. END LETTER. ¶5. Department appreciates Mission's efforts. CLINTON