Cablegate: Airbusqsyria Talks On Aircraft Lease

VZCZCXRO8364
PP RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN
RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHFR #1771 2661507
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 221507Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4358
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY

UNCLAS PARIS 001771

SENSITIVE

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EIND ECON ETRD EAIR PREL FR
SUBJECT: AIRBUSQSYRIA TALKS ON AIRCRAFT LEASE

1. (U) This is an action cable. See paragraph 3.

2. (SBU) Recent press reporting has speculated on the
possible sale or lease of Airbus aircraft to Syria's
state carrier. While the GOF has downplayed the
reports, speculation has centered on ways in which a
deal could be structured to sidestep U.S. sanctions,
possibly through lease and purchase of several Airbus
aircrafts through a private third-party.

3. (SBU) We will meet or encounter EADS and Airbus
officials on several occasions over the next two to
three weeks. Embassy requests specific guidance on
the restrictions imposed by U.S. legislation on sales
to Syria, including as relates to possible third-party
lease agreements.

Stapleton

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