BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK COMPLETED

UNCLAS SAN JOSE 000154 SIPDIS DEPT FOR PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETTC KOMC CS SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK COMPLETED ON LICENSE 050114240 REF: STATE 1515 ¶1. On February 2, we met with Carlos Quesada, a representative of Fuego de Indios (the foreign end-user),and conducted the post-shipment check on export license 050114240 of a UH-1H Bell Helicopter that was exported to Costa Rica in May, 2009. Post confirms the bona fides of Fuego de Indios and that it is dedicated to the mining and development of hydroelectric projects in areas of limited ground access in the Talamanca Mountains in the Atlantic province of Limon. We assess Fuego de Indios to be a reliable user of United States Munitions Lists items. We reminded Quesada that no other company may use the helicopter, nor may it be exported, without an approved license from State Department; he acknowledged this and was familiar with end-user responsibilities. ¶2. The Huey helicopter, which is housed at a hangar at the Pavas Airport (one of San Jose's local airports),has not yet been used for its intended purpose because mining permits have not yet been issued by the Costa Rican Ministry of the Environment. The last flight in its log was a maintenance flight before it left the United States. The company expects the mining permits to be issued soon and to begin work this year. ¶3. We verified that the helicopter had been demilitarized that that all "hard points" had been removed; we also verified the serial number as matching the one listed in reftel. Attached to this cable are some pictures and further documentation (in Spanish) verifying the bona fides of this company. BRENNAN