US embassy cable - 05ABUDHABI3804

S E C R E T ABU DHABI 003804 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NP, NEA/ARPI RSMYTH 
OFAC FOR WERNER, LANGFORD 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2015 
TAGS: PARM, PREL, MNUC, TC 
SUBJECT: UAE NOTES COOPERATION ON COMBATING WMD 
PROLIFERATION 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 158275 
     B. ABU DHABI 3050 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). 
 
1. (C) Ambassador discussed the importance of FIU-FIU 
cooperation to combat WMD proliferation with MFA U/S Abdullah 
Rashid on Sunday September 4 and provided him with a copy of 
Executive Order 13382.  Abdullah Rashid reaffirmed the UAE's 
commitment to working with the United States on combating the 
proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 
 
2. (C) Econoff followed up on September 6 with Abdul Rahim Al 
Awadi, of the Central Bank's Anti-Money Laundering and 
Suspicious Cases Unit (AMLSCU - which is the UAE's FIU) and 
provided Al Awadi with the text of the letter from FINCEN, 
the background notes on the eight designated entities, and 
the explanation of the targeted financial measures.  Al Awadi 
agreed that FIU-FIU cooperation is essential in combating 
both terror financing and the proliferation of weapons of 
mass destruction.  Al Awadi did not recall seeing a letter 
from FINCEN, but said he would check with the Central Bank 
Governor to find out if he had responded to FINCEN's request 
for information.  Al Awadi promised to follow up, and we will 
report any substantive response septel. 
 
3. (S) Comment.  The AMLSCU's International Division has a 
close working relationship with FINCEN.  A representative 
from the AMLSCU attended the June 29 - July 1 Egmont Group 
Plenary in Washington.  When econoff provided Al Awadi with a 
copy of E.O. 13382 in July, Al Awadi noted that he thought 
Tanchon Commercial Bank had some accounts in the UAE.  At 
that time, he said he would forward the annex listing the 
eight designated entities to the Attorney General - ref B. 
Under Law #1/2004 -- the Counter Terror Law -- the UAE has 
the authority to freeze assets and investigate persons 
suspected of financing proliferation activities.  End 
comment. 
SISON