Cablegate: Official Informal Number 63 (04-24-03)

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000708

SIPDIS

OFFICIAL INFORMAL

DEPARTMENT FOR SA/INS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CE MV AGMT
SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 63 (04-24-03)

Classified by E. Ashley Wills, Reasons 1.5 (b, d)

CONTENTS: POSSIBLE ROCCA VISIT
GSL INQUIRY ON TEA SALES TO IRAQ

POSSIBLE ROCCA VISIT
--------------------

1. (U) Devinda Subasinghe called Ambassador last night
mentioning a possible visit of A/S Rocca on May 11-12.
We would welcome her visit at that time. She should be
aware however, that Vesak, a major holiday, occurs during
that week (May 14 and 15), and many officials may be
unavailable for meetings. (ECON)

GSL INQUIRY ON TEA SALES TO IRAQ
--------------------------------
2. (U) The Minister of Commerce called the Ambassador
this morning asking for clarification about the rules
governing sales to Iraq under the Oil for Food Program
(or whatever the new incarnation of that program is
called). We understand these kinds of issues are
currently under discussion at the UN. Can you check with
IO or AID or the relevant office to help us answer two
questions: 1. Will tea be one of the commodity goods
approved for sale to Iraq under "Oil for Food"? 2. How
can the Sri Lankan government go about selling its tea to
Iraq under this program? We'd like to be responsive and
get back to GSL ASAP. (ECON)

WILLS

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