Cablegate: Goj Calls for End to Admin Fees at Trebil Border

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

UNCLAS AMMAN 004404

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

CPA FOR AMBASSADOR RAPHEL

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD PBTS IZ JO
SUBJECT: GOJ CALLS FOR END TO ADMIN FEES AT TREBIL BORDER

THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST; SEE PARA 3.

1. (sbu) Jordanian Minister of Planning Bassem Awadallah
sent a letter to the Ambassador July 13 to voice concern over
administrative processing fees imposed at the Trebil border
crossing. Text of letter follows:

2. (sbu) Begin text:

(complimentary opening)

Kindly note that we have become aware of the recently imposed
levying of administrative fees at the Trebil Border which
applies to all transportation excluding diplomatic and
humanitarian assistance convoys.

These administrative fees are only levied at the
Jordanian-Iraqi border crossings and will as such
significantly affect the overall flow of goods from and
through Jordan into Iraq, in addition to adversely affecting
Jordan's efforts to facilitate the movement of vehicles and
goods through this border crossing point. It would be
greatly appreciated if this arrangement is reconsidered in
order to ensure that Jordan receives similar treatment as
compared with other neighboring countries.

(complimentary closing)

End text.

3. (u) Action request: We would appreciate a formal
response from CPA to forward to the GOJ outlining the purpose
of the fee and its applicability, if appropriate, at other
(non-Jordanian) border crossing points. Many thanks.

4. (u) Baghdad minimize considered.
HALE

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