Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09VALLETTA456
2009-10-14 16:04:00
SECRET
Embassy Valletta
Cable title:  

UPDATE: STATUS OF CONTAINERS SEIZED BY FROM M/V

Tags:  PARM PREL MNUC IR UK LY EG GM MT 
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VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHVT #0456 2871604
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 141604Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY VALLETTA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2368
INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN IMMEDIATE 0036
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

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