DORALE TRANSMITTER GOES LIVE; NEGLIGIBLE

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001435 SIPDIS RABAT/CASABLANCA PASS TO IBB/DAVID STRAWMAN; DARREL DUCKWORTH IN TANGIER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS ASEC KPAO KU DJ BBG SUBJECT: DORALE TRANSMITTER GOES LIVE; NEGLIGIBLE INTERFERENCE WITH DORALE PORT ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: A medium wave transmitter at the Radio Television Djibouti (RTD) station in Dorale was activated on November 4, marking completion of phase one of the RTD- International Board of Broadcasters (IBB) joint renovation of the station. Concerns that the transmitter may interfere with cranes at the Port of Dorale have thus far been unfounded. END SUMMARY ¶2. (U) On Thursday, Engineers activated the first of three to be installed by IBB at the RTD Dorale station. Another medium wave transmitter is scheduled for activation at the end of this year, and a short wave transmitter in the spring of 2005. ¶3. (U) The $1.2 million renovation of the station and installation of the transmitters is part of a bilateral agreement between the Government of Djibouti (RTD) and IBB for the long-term lease and licensing of the PK-12 site used for Radio Sawa broadcasting. ¶4. (U) There were some concerns that cranes at the new Port of Dorale, now under construction, would pick up energy from the transmitter, posing a potential danger to crane operators. However, thus far tests have showed no/no-marked effect on the Port. ¶5. (U) In a visit to the radio station on Thursday, Port representatives said they were unaffected by the transmitter but aware of the potential dangers. RTD has been and has said it will remain in regular contact with the Port about this issue, especially when the other two transmitters are activated. ¶5. (U) Comment: As this is an RTD facility and not a USG facility, all parties are aware that any problems and incidents will be handled by RTD, with reports passed to IBB and post. RAGSDALE