Eligibility of the Multinational Force and Observers To Receive Defense Articles and Defense Services Under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act

This determination finds that providing defense articles and services to the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO)—the peacekeeping force in the Sinai Peninsula—strengthens U.S. security and promotes world peace, thereby making the MFO eligible to receive such assistance under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit the determination and justification to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 81 FR 85835

Impact dates

Nov 16, 2016
Determination effective; Secretary of State to transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Key directives

Find that furnishing defense articles and services to MFO strengthens U.S. security and promotes world peace
Authorize and direct Secretary of State to transmit determination and memorandum of justification to Congress
Authorize and direct Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Determination takes effect upon signing; MFO becomes eligible for defense articles and services
Secretary of State to transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Continued U.S. security assistance to MFO peacekeeping operations in Sinai Peninsula
Potential ongoing defense transfers and services to MFO

Risks & tensions

Document does not specify volume or value of defense transfers, leaving scope of assistance open-ended
MFO operates in volatile Sinai Peninsula where security conditions have deteriorated; continued eligibility assumes sustained U.S. commitment to regional stability mechanism
Text is vague on whether this represents new eligibility or renewal of existing status