IMO COUNCIL CANDIDACY: DUTCH REQUEST RECIPROCAL

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002960 SIPDIS IO/S DAVID LEIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON NL EWWT IMO SUBJECT: IMO COUNCIL CANDIDACY: DUTCH REQUEST RECIPROCAL SUPPORT REF: STATE 281005 ¶1. In response to ref demarche, the GONL sent post a diplomatic note offering Dutch support for U.S. IMO Council candidacy in return for USG support for Dutch candidacy under Category B of IMO Council elections. ¶2. The following is the text of the diplomatic note: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the U.S.A. and has the honour to confirm receipt of the Embassy's Note of 10 October 2003, concerning the candidature of the Government of the U.S.A. for membership of the IMO Council under Category A, at the elections to be held during the 23rd General Assembly in November 2003. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the honour to propose an arrangement of reciprocal support whereby the Netherlands will support the above-mentioned candidature of the Government of the U.S.A., on the understanding that the Government of the U.S.A. will support the candidature of the Netherlands for membership of the IMO Council under Category B, at the above-mentioned elections. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be grateful for confirmation from the Government of the U.S.A. that an arrangement on these lines is acceptable. The Hague, 20 November 2003 ¶3. Post's contacts on IMO Council matters are Bart de Jong and Marja Tiemens of the Ministry of Transport, Tel: 31 70 351-1969. SOBEL