Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More

Search

 

Cablegate: Blue Lantern Level 3: Post-Shipment End-Use Check Completed

VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSJ #0154 0361904
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 051857Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0350
INFO RUEHSJ/AMEMBASSY SAN JOSE

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

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
World Headlines