Cablegate: Unifil: Previously Requested Notifications for Visits

VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLB #1211 2311435
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 181435Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIRUT
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2755

UNCLAS BEIRUT 001211

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PTER ASEC KPKO UNSC LE
SUBJECT: UNIFIL: PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED NOTIFICATIONS FOR VISITS
TO THE EMBASSY NO LONGER NECESSARY

REF: BEIRUT 998; USUN 00732

1. (SBU) U.S. Embassy Beirut appreciates the efforts of USUN
in bringing the issue of the suspicious incidents involving
representatives of the Indian contingent of UNIFIL to the
attention of the Asia and Middle East Director in the Office
of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) detailed in reftel. In a
meeting on July 21, 2008, POL officers from USUN delivered a
message to DPKO asking that "Prior to any appointment at the
U.S. Embassy, UNIFIL members should send an e-mail to
DRSOBeirut@state.gov stating the time, date, and vehicle
information". After a detailed review of existing consular
and security procedures, post has determined that the
information requested in that message can be obtained from
alternate sources, and that rescinding this request will help
avoid a double standard treatment of UN diplomatic personnel
in Lebanon.

2. (SBU) Based on above determination, U.S. Embassy Beirut
requests that USUN contact DPKO to express the Embassy?s deep
appreciation for its assistance in handling these incidents.
Post would also like to inform the DPKO Middle East Director
that the Embassy has developed alternate procedures in order
to obtain the previously requested information, and that
advance submissions of information regarding visits of UNIFIL
personnel to the Embassy are no-longer necessary.

GRANT

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