VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHSI #1792 2780509
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 050509Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY TBILISI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2270
UNCLAS TBILISI 001792
SIPDIS
PM/DTCC - BLUE LANTERN COORDINATOR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC KOMC IS GG
SUBJECT: GEORGIA: RESPONSE TO BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3 CHECK ON
LICENSE 050178881
REF: STATE 88038
1. Per reftel, Emboff made inquiries to representatives of
the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MOIA) to verify the purpose
of the transaction on license 050178881. Emboff first
approached the head of the Border Police, Zaza Gogava, who
did not have any knowledge of the transaction, despite the
license noting that the articles were to be used by the
Border Guards. Emboff then approached Natia Gvazava, Head of
MOIA's International Relations Division. Emboff asked
Gvazava the purpose of the grenades, if not for the Border
Police. Gvazava responded that the procurements were made by
the MOIA for law enforcement purposes.
LOGSDON