2004 ANNUAL CHIEF OF MISSION MANAGEMENT

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001167 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF - ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY SNYDER AF/EX AND OBO/REPM/RPM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ABLD SUBJECT: 2004 ANNUAL CHIEF OF MISSION MANAGEMENT CONTROL STATEMENT OF ASSURANCE FOR KINSHASA REF: STATE 119327 From COM Aubrey Hooks to Acting Assistant Secretary Charles Snyder. ¶1. As Chief of Mission for Kinshasa, I am cognizant of the importance of management controls. I have taken the necessary measures to assure that an evaluation of the systems of management control for Kinshasa has been conducted in a conscientious and thorough manner, in accordance with the Department's Internal Control Directive, to determine whether our systems of management control comply with the standards prescribed by the Comptroller General. ¶2. The objectives of the systems of management control of the Department of State are to provide reasonable assurance that: -obligations and costs comply with applicable law; -assets are safeguarded against waste, loss, unauthorized used or misappropriation; -- revenues and expenditures applicable to agency operations are recorded and accounted for properly so that accounts and reliable financial and statistical reports may be prepared and accountability of the assets may be maintained; and -- programs are efficiently and effectively carried out in accordance with law and management policy. ¶3. The results of this evaluation and any risk assessments, OIG or GAO inspections and/or audits, management evaluations, and other pertinent reviews performed in accordance with departmental instructions and other relevant criteria, indicate that the systems of management control for Kinshasa in effect during the period ended June 30, 2004, taken as a whole, provide reasonable assurance that the referenced management control objectives were achieved. ¶4. The evaluation, however, did disclose the continuing reportable condition in our management controls: --Deficiencies in the current configuration of our consular section impede the efficiency and could threaten the integrity of the visa issuance process. ¶5. I have reviewed the results of the most recent risk assessments conducted at post, as well as the actions taken to correct identified weaknesses. I certify that the actions taken/proposed will adequately correct the weakness identified and strengthen this post's management controls. ¶6. I have reviewed the certification provided to me by the post single real property manager, and have satisfied myself that appropriate procedures for the acquisition and assignment of residential properties are in place, in accordance with 6 FAM 700. Specifically, post management policies are in accordance with regulations; the post interagency housing board properly executes its functions; OBO approval is requested for waivers that are necessary exceptions; and property reports to OBO are accurate. ¶7. Enclosed with the letter version of this message will be an update of the plans for correcting the reportable condition mentioned above. HOOKS