UPDATE: STATUS OF CONTAINERS SEIZED BY FROM M/V

S E C R E T VALLETTA 000456 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR, ISN, NEA, P AND T E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2019 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC IR UK LY EG GM MT SUBJECT: UPDATE: STATUS OF CONTAINERS SEIZED BY FROM M/V HANSA INDIA REF: A. STATE 104749 ¶B. VALLETTA 437 ¶C. VALLETTA 444 ¶D. EUR/PRA MATT HARDIMAN EMAIL TO VALLETTA TOM YEAGER OF OCTOBER 10 Classified By: AMB Douglas Kmiec for reasons 1.4B, C and D ¶1. (S) This cable provides addtional information in response to Ref A and amplifies Refs B and C. During Ambassador's initial courtesy call on Maltese PM Lawrence Gonzi October 13, Gonzi stated that the decision to seize and sequester the Hansa India cargo was a "burdensome" decision for Malta to take (because of concern for its commercial shipping interests, among other reasons),but expressed his strong opinion that it was "clearly" the right course of action. Malta, Gonzi emphasized, was "proud to be a solid and reputable partner" of the U.S. and would continue to carry out its responsibilites under U.N. Security Council Resolutions and applicable international law. ¶2. (S) The eight (8) containers seized from the Hansa India are now located in the customs warehouse (built with U.S. funding) located adjacent to the Malta Freeport under Malta Police guard, having been transferred there on 13 October. Malta Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Cassar is currently drafting a detailed report of the detention, inspection and seizure of the cargo. Cassar has assured post that the report will be completed this evening. ¶3. (S) The GOM interagency sanctions committee will draft Malta's report of a sanctions violation to the Chair of the UN Security Council's 1737 Committee following receipt of the police report. Pol-Econ chief spoke with the MFA's legal department representative on the committee, Dr. Sharon Scicluna, who is aware of the deadline and was pleased to receive the sample report provided with Ref D. Scicluna opined that Malta would meet the UNSCR 1803 deadline of five working days for submitting the report. Pol-Econ chief also spoke with Office of the Prime Minister Director for Defense Matters, Vanessa Frazier, another member of the GOM sanctions committee, who advised that the committee still needed to meet to discuss the issue. ¶4. (S) At this point, there is no indication that Malta's report will contain anything other than a clear statement that Iran's shipment of the materials seized was a violation of UNSCR 1747. ¶5. (C) As indicated in Ref C, post would appreciate any guidance from the Department as to the eventual disposition of the materials seized, as we expect queries from the GOM on this matter and possibly a request for assistance. KMIEC