Cablegate: Blue Lantern: Verifying Bona Fides for Broker

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DE RUEHEG #2256 3411049
ZNR UUUUU ZZH (CCY-ADXE7DA6F-MSI4183-413)
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FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4398
INFO RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
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UNCLAS CAIRO 002256

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SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ETTC MASS EG
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: VERIFYING BONA FIDES FOR BROKER
KAMAL H. ASAD - CASE NO. K-0893

REF: STATE 99502

1. (SBU) In response to reftel request, Pol Off met with
Habib Debs, President and General Manager of Sigma
International. Pol Off was unable to meet with the
individual listed as the broker, Kamal Asad. Debs said he
himself was the principal officer. Debs said that most of
his business was done through his American company, Advanced
Technology Systems Company. At the moment, Sigma was not
doing any business with American companies, but he maintained
the broker registration in case any new projects came up.
Debs confirmed that he was authorized by the Egyptian
Ministry of Defense to conduct brokering activities in Egypt.
Sigma does not physically handle or store any items on the
United States Munitions List (USML). The company was
established in the late 1970s. Debs confirmed that he was
familiar with restrictions on USML items, including the
unauthorized re-transfer and re-export of items.

2. (SBU) Debs said that one of Sigma's current projects was
to provide spare parts for 250 Russian armored personnel
carriers and their French engines for the Egyptian army.
Tueller

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