US embassy cable - 03KUWAIT966

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000966 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EB/ESP 
USDOC FOR 3131, FCS/OIO REGIONAL DIRECTOR, OEA/532 S.T. 
WADDY/MICHELE ZAGER 
USDOC FOR PATRICIA GONZALEZ, BOBBETTE ORR 
ROME FOR CUSTOMS ATTACHE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: BEXP, ETRD, ETTC, KU 
SUBJECT: PRE-LICENSE CHECK - MISR COMPANY FOR MECHANICAL 
AND ELECTRICAL PROJECTS 
 
REF: USDOC 00844 
 
1. Reftel requested a pre-license check to determine the 
reliability of Misr Co. for Mechanical and Electrical 
Projects, Kuwait Branch as the recipient of sensitive 
U.S.-origin technology.  Misr was listed on application 
number D305395 as the proposed consignee of quantity one (1) 
Flir Systems, Inc. Model Thermacam P40 Thermal Imaging System 
including parts and accessories to support it (320x240 
uncooled microbolometer, 8-12 micron, ECCN 6A003B.4).  The 
application was submitted by Flir Systems Inc., 16505 SW 72nd 
Ave., Portland, OR 97224. 
 
2. PolEconOff/Acting FCS officer Constantinos Nicolaidis 
conducted a pre-license check  at subject firm's offices at 
Sour St., Helalia Bldg., 1st Floor, Kuwait City, Kuwait on 
March 5, 2003.  General Manager and Engineer Sayed Mahmoud 
explained that the firm had a contract for above-ground 
electrical line maintenance with the Kuwaiti Ministry of 
Electricity and Water (MEW), and would be using the Thermal 
Imaging Camera for the purpose of conducting line checks on 
mid-span joints and connectors on 300 KV, 132 KV and 33 KV 
overhead lines.  Addressing concerns raised in reftel over 
the use of the camera in other Gulf states in which Misr has 
contracts, Mr. Mahmoud assured the camera would be for use in 
Kuwait only.  Mr. Mahmoud gave a detailed account of his 
professional experience as an electrical engineer, his prior 
work for MEW, and previous work with Misr. Co. at its 
Egyptian headquarters.  He provided Acting FCS Officer with 
copies of MEW's tender, in both English and Arabic, and other 
documents relating to the purchase, including the purchase 
order and bank letters of credit. 
 
3. Recommendation: Post recommends Misr. Co. for Mechanical 
and Electrical Pojects, Kuwait Branch, as a reliable 
recipient of U.S.-origin commodities. 
JONES