Yemen


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EU

May 14, 2012 – Council conclusions on Yemen – The Council adopted the following conclusions:

  1. “The European Union reaffirms its full support for a peaceful and orderly transition process in Yemen, ahead of the Friends of Yemen Ministerial meeting on 23 May in Riyadh. On that occasion, three months after the Yemeni people elected President Hadi, the EU will, along with the international community, express its support to the process of comprehensive reform and renewal on which the Yemeni government and Yemen’s transitional institutions have now embarked.
  2. The EU welcomes the efforts of President Hadi to implement the provisions of the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and implementation mechanism. The EU encourages the President to rapidly take forward the national dialogue. It welcomes the appointment of a Liaison Committee and urges him to establish a fully inclusive Preparatory Committee without delay, bringing in representatives from all strands of Yemeni society. The EU calls upon all relevant Yemeni stakeholders to contribute actively to this process. The EU, alongside other international partners, will continue to support the government in this crucial endeavour, as the basis for constitutional reforms and lasting reconciliation.
  3. The EU is deeply concerned by all attempts to derail Yemen’s transition. It calls on all parties to abide by the undertakings set out in the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and implementation mechanism, in good faith. President Hadi has demonstrated his determination to implement the initiative. The EU is therefore committed to assist him, exploring all available options to ensure compliance from any individuals who persist in undermining or opposing the political transition in Yemen. In this connection, the EU recalls United Nations Security Council Resolution 2014, which calls on all parties to commit to a political settlement based on the Gulf Cooperation Council initiative and implementation mechanism.
  4. The EU is alarmed by the serious deterioration of the humanitarian situation. In particular food insecurity, notably for women and children, is of major concern. Moreover, the continuing insecurity in all areas of the country has compounded the humanitarian situation and led to a further increase of internally displaced persons. A strong and coordinated humanitarian mobilisation is therefore necessary. The EU is committed to strengthening its humanitarian engagement in Yemen.
  5. The EU condemns the attack in Sana’a on 12 May that injured the Bulgarian Ambassador to Yemen, which represents evidence of the fragile security situation in the country. The EU calls on the Yemeni authorities to do their utmost to investigate the incident.
  6. Once again, the EU affirms its readiness to continue and reinforce its support to the government and people of Yemen. It looks forward to continued engagement with the authorities, alongside the international community, in order to address the humanitarian, development and security needs of all the Yemeni people.”

EU Press Release

EU (Foreign) Terrorist Organizations

July 18, 2011 – The EU Council has concluded that the following groups and entities listed have been involved in terrorist acts within the meaning of Article 1(2) and (3) of Common Position 2001/931/CFSP, that a decision has been taken with respect to them by a competent authority within the meaning of Article 1(4) of that Common Position, and that they should continue to be subject to the specific restrictive measures provided for therein.

  • Al-Aqsa Foundation

More information on the EU FTO page.

US

February 09, 2013 – Yemeni Government Investigation into Iranian-Supplied Weapons Cache

The United States commends the Government of Yemen for its successful and significant interdiction of a vessel attempting to smuggle a large cache of Iranian-supplied weapons, explosives, and other munitions into Yemen. At a press conference in Sana’a earlier today, Yemeni Government officials noted that their investigation thus far shows that these weapons were loaded onto the vessel in Iran and were intended for armed insurgents operating in Yemen. Yemen’s decision to bring this incident to the attention of the United Nations Security Council underscores its vigilance in countering threats to its sovereignty, its ongoing political transition, and the region’s stability.

According to Yemeni Government officials, their initial investigation has revealed that the vessel was carrying a large shipment of explosives, mortars, rocket-propelled grenades, IED precursors, and most disturbingly, man-portable anti-aircraft missiles. These weapons are clearly designed to cause significant damage with the highest possible number of casualties and are a threat to both Yemen and the region. Paragraph 5 of UNSCR 1747 expressly prohibits Iran from exporting arms and related material, and, in light of this evidence, the United States encourages the UN Sanctions Committee to respond immediately to the Yemeni Government’s request to send a Panel of Experts to examine the seized weapons and bring its findings to the Security Council.

The origin of the vessel and weapons underscores Iran’s ongoing evasion of six relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Iran continues to defy the international community through its proliferation activities and support for destabilizing action in the region. The international community must continue to speak with one voice and work to ensure that Iran adheres to all of its international obligations.

US Department of State Press Release

OFAC

November 09, 2012 – Publication of Yemen Sanctions Regulations

On November 9, 2012, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (“OFAC”) issued the new Yemen Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 552, to implement Executive Order 13611 of May 16, 2012, “Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Yemen.” These regulations were published as a final rule at 77 FR 67276 (November 9, 2012). In keeping with its usual practice, OFAC published the regulations in abbreviated form at this time but intends to supplement this part 552 with a more comprehensive set of regulations, which may include additional interpretive and definitional guidance and additional general licenses and statements of licensing policy.

OFAC Recent Actions

May 16, 2012 – Executive Order Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Yemen

Today the President signed an Executive Order (E.O.), Blocking Property of Persons Threatening the Peace, Security, or Stability of Yemen. This E.O. provides the U.S. Treasury Department with a new authority to target individuals and entities posing a threat to Yemen’s peace, security, or stability, including those who are obstructing the implementation of the November 23, 2011, agreement that provides for a peaceful transition of power meeting the legitimate demands and aspirations of the Yemeni people.

This authority is designed to make it clear to those individuals in Yemen that are determined to undermine the country’s ongoing democratic transition that the United States will take the steps necessary to hold them accountable for their actions.

“This order gives Treasury important authorities to target those who threaten the peace, security, or stability of Yemen by disrupting its political transition,” said Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence David S. Cohen. “The United States will continue to stand with the Yemeni people as they take steps to realize a more secure, prosperous, and representative future.”

Upon Treasury’s identification and listing of a designated individual or entity under this E.O., any property in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons in which the individual or entity has an interest would be blocked, and U.S. persons would be prohibited from engaging in transactions with them.

The United States remains focused on working with its partners in Yemen, the region, and the international community to support a peaceful political transition in Yemen. To achieve long-term success, the Yemeni government must be free to implement the November 23, 2011, political agreement, which includes military and constitutional reform. It is essential that all Yemeni actors, including individuals from the previous government, play a constructive role in the political process. The United States will continue to monitor the situation in Yemen and Treasury stands ready to exercise the authority provided in today’s E.O. to hold accountable those persons who would obstruct Yemen’s transition.

For more information on this action please see the following fact sheet.

US Foreign Terrorist Organizations

September 28, 2012 – Delisting of the Mujahedin-e Khalq – The Secretary of State has decided, consistent with the law, to revoke the designation of the Mujahedin-e Khalq (MEK) and its aliases as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under the Immigration and Nationality Act and to delist the MEK as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under Executive Order 13224. These actions are effective today. Property and interests in property in the United States or within the possession or control of U.S. persons will no longer be blocked, and U.S. entities may engage in transactions with the MEK without obtaining a license. These actions will be published in the Federal Register.

With today’s actions, the Department does not overlook or forget the MEK’s past acts of terrorism, including its involvement in the killing of U.S. citizens in Iran in the 1970s and an attack on U.S. soil in 1992. The Department also has serious concerns about the MEK as an organization, particularly with regard to allegations of abuse committed against its own members.

The Secretary’s decision today took into account the MEK’s public renunciation of violence, the absence of confirmed acts of terrorism by the MEK for more than a decade, and their cooperation in the peaceful closure of Camp Ashraf, their historic paramilitary base.

The United States has consistently maintained a humanitarian interest in seeking the safe, secure, and humane resolution of the situation at Camp Ashraf, as well as in supporting the United Nations-led efforts to relocate eligible former Ashraf residents outside of Iraq.

US Department of State Press Release & OFAC Resource Center

September 21, 2012 – U.S. to remove Iran group (Mujahedin-e Khalq) from terror list, officials say WaPo News Item

Augustus 30, 2012 – Anti-Terrorism Designations (SDGT) – US designates eight Lashkar-e-Taiba leaders as terrorists, places sanctions

LET was designated by the Department of State as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and under E.O. 13224 as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist entity in December 2001. LET was added to the UN 1267/1989 Committee’s Consolidated List – its list of sanctioned terrorists – in May 2005.

Despite being banned by the Government of Pakistan in January 2002, LET continues to operate in Pakistan and throughout the region and engage in or support terrorist activities worldwide. LET has conducted numerous terrorist acts against Pakistani, Indian, Afghan, and U.S. interests and is responsible for the November 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed more than 160 people, including six Americans, and the July 2006 Mumbai train bombings that killed more than 180 people.

All of the individuals designated today pursuant to E.O. 13224 were designated for acting on behalf of or providing support either to LET itself or to previously designated members of LET. Today’s action prohibits U.S. persons from engaging in any transactions with these individuals and freezes any assets the designees have under U.S. jurisdiction.

The following individuals have been added to OFAC’s SDN List:

  • HAMZA, Amir (a.k.a. HAMZA, Maulana Ameer), Jamia Masjid, al Qadsia, Chauburji Chowk, Lahore, Pakistan; DOB 10 May 1959; POB Sheikhupura, Punjab Province, Pakistan; citizen Pakistan; Passport AB6217491 issued 01 Jun 2006 expires 01 Jun 2011; National ID No. 3520149847497 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • MIR, Sajjid (a.k.a. CHAUDARY, Sajid Majeed; a.k.a. CHUHDRI, Sajid Majid; a.k.a. MAJEED, Sajid; a.k.a. MAJID, Sajid; a.k.a. MAJID, Sajjid; a.k.a. MIR, Sajid); DOB 31 Jan 1976; alt. DOB 01 Jan 1978; POB Lahore, Pakistan; nationality Pakistan; Passport KE381676 (Pakistan) issued 14 Oct 2004; National ID No. 3520163573447 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • MUJAHID, Abdullah (a.k.a. ABDALLAH, Abu), Mohallah Markaz Tayyeba Street, Muridke, Lahore, Pakistan; DOB 15 May 1970; POB Bhalwal, Sargodha District, Punjab Province, Pakistan; citizen Pakistan; Passport DM1074371 (Pakistan) issued 30 May 2009 expires 29 May 2014; National ID No. 3540118204373 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • MUNTAZIR, Abdullah (a.k.a. KHAN, Abdullah; a.k.a. MUNTAZER, Abdullah); DOB 17 Jan 1974; POB Abbottabad, Pakistan; National ID No. 3520203526763 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • SAEED, Talha (a.k.a. SAEED, Hafiz Talha; a.k.a. SAEED, Mohammad Talha; a.k.a. SAEED, Tahil), 116-E Block, Johar Town, Lahore, Pakistan; DOB 25 Oct 1975; POB Sarghoda, Punjab Province, Pakistan; Passport BM5971331 (Pakistan) issued 24 Mar 2007 expires 22 Mar 2012 (individual) [SDGT].
  • SHEIKH, Qari Muhammad Yaqoob (a.k.a. SHEIKH, Qari Muhammad Yaqub; a.k.a. YAQOOB, Mohammad; a.k.a. YAQOOB, Qari Shaikh Muhammad); DOB 20 Dec 1972; POB Bahawalpur, Punjab, Pakistan; Passport BX5192361 (Pakistan) issued 04 Aug 2007 expires 02 Aug 2012; National ID No. 3120128002365 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • WALID, Hafiz Khalid (a.k.a. NAIK, Khalid; a.k.a. WALEED, Khalid); DOB 25 Oct 1974; alt. DOB 1971; POB Lahore, Pakistan; citizen Pakistan; Passport AA9967331 (Pakistan) issued 03 Jun 2006 expires 02 Jun 2011; National ID No. 3410104067339 (Pakistan) (individual) [SDGT].
  • YAQUB, Ahmed (a.k.a. GHANI, Hamad; a.k.a. YAKOOB, Mohammad); DOB 1966; alt. DOB 1967; POB Faisalabad, Pakistan; alt. POB Jeda Walah, Punjab Province, Pakistan (individual) [SDGT].

OFAC Recent Actions

May 24, 2012 – Terrorist Designations of the Abdallah Azzam Brigades

The Department of State designated the Abdallah Azzam Brigades (AAB) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) under Section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist under section 1(b) of Executive Order 13224. The Abdallah Azzam Brigades (AAB), a militant organization based in both Lebanon and the Arabian Peninsula, was formed in 2009. AAB is led by Saleh al-Qar’awi, who was designated by the Department of State under E.O. 13224. The Department of State also designated AAB’s bomb maker, Abu Jabal, under E.O. 13224 on November 22, 2011.

AAB carried out a July 2010 attack on the Japanese-owned oil tanker M/V M.Star in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a statement released online, AAB claimed that the attack was carried out by its Arabian Peninsula Branch, which calls itself the Yusuf al-’Uyayri Battalions of the Abdullah Azzam Brigades. AAB has repeatedly articulated its intent to carry out attacks against Western interests in the Middle East. In 2010, for instance, the group expressed an interest in kidnapping U.S. and British tourists in the Arabian Peninsula.

In addition, AAB is responsible for numerous indiscriminate rocket attacks on Israeli civilians. These attacks, which have been launched from within Lebanon by the Ziyad al-Jarrah Battalions of the Abdallah Azzam Brigades, have targeted population centers in northern Israel.

The consequences of these designations include a prohibition against knowingly providing material support or resources to, or engaging in transactions with, the Abdallah Azzam Brigades, and the freezing of all property and interest in property of the organization that are in the United States, or come within the United States, or the control of U.S. persons. The Department of State took these actions in consultation with the Departments of Justice and Treasury.

US Department of State Press Release

June 18, 2011 – Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTO) are foreign organizations that are designated by the Secretary of State in accordance with section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. FTO designations play a critical role in our fight against terrorism and are an effective means of curtailing support for terrorist activities and pressuring groups to get out of the terrorism business.

  • al-Qa’ida in the Arabian Peninsula

More information on the US FTO page.

ITAR

ITAR Based sanctions, see chapter on ITAR for more detailed information

  • August 8, 201176 FR 47990 – Amendment to ITAR §126.1. Denial policy, with certain exceptions.
  • December 16, 199257 FR 59852 – Case by Case but covers military items (“munitions” or “defense articles”), including goods and technology designed to kill people or defend against death in a military setting

FATF Warning List

February 22, 2013 – The FATF is not yet satisfied that Yemen has made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. Yemen has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies and has not made sufficient progress in addressing the deficiencies or has not committed to an action plan developed with the FATF to address the deficiencies. The FATF calls on its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with Yemen.

Note: Strategic Deficiencies Require Enhanced Due Diligence

The FATF calls on Yemen to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed timeframes. The FATF will closely monitor the implementation of these action plans and encourages its members to consider the information presented in the link.

October 19, 2012 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Yemen) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Yemen) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – October 19, 2012

June 22, 2012 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Yemen) has strategic AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Yemen) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – June 22, 2012

Yemen not making sufficient progress

February 16, 2012 – The FATF is not yet satisfied that the following jurisdiction (Yemen) has made sufficient progress on their action plan agreed upon with the FATF. The most significant action plan items and/or the majority of the action plan items have not been addressed. If these jurisdictions do not take sufficient action to implement significant components of their action plan by June 2012, then the FATF will identify these jurisdictions as being out of compliance with their agreed action plans and will take the additional step of calling upon its members to consider the risks arising from the deficiencies associated with the jurisdiction.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdiction (Yemen) is not making sufficient progress.

June 24, 2011 – The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is the global standard setting body for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT). In order to protect the international financial system from ML/FT risks and to encourage greater compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF identified jurisdictions that have strategic deficiencies and works with them to address those deficiencies that pose a risk to the international financial system.

As part of its ongoing review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF has identified that this jurisdictions (Yemen) has AML/CFT deficiencies for which it has developed an action plan with the FATF.

NOTE-1: Strategic deficiencies require Enhanced Due Diligence

NOTE-2: FATF members and other jurisdictions should apply counter-measures to protect the international financial system from the on-going and substantial money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF) risks emanating from the jurisdictions Iran and North Korea.

The FATF and the FSRBs will continue to work with this jurisdiction and to report on the progress made in addressing the identified deficiencies. The FATF calls on the jurisdiction to complete the implementation of action plans expeditiously and within the proposed time frames. All member states should treat this jurisdiction (Yemen) with vigilance FATF Public Statement – June 24, 2011

US FinCen – AML/CFT Deficiencies Warning List

July 13, 2011 – FinCen adopted the Financial Action Task Force Public Statement on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Risks and FinCen provided guidance on the subject. More detailed information FIN-2011-A011 and FIN-2011-A012

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