IMO GRANTS MATADI SIX MONTH GRACE PERIOD

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001316 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON ETRD EWWT CG SUBJECT: IMO GRANTS MATADI SIX MONTH GRACE PERIOD REF: KINSHASA 1251 ¶1. (SBU) Reftel reported that the Port of Matadi had not met the July 1 deadline set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for port security improvements. The National Transportation and Port Authority (ONATRA) reports that the IMO has granted a six month grace period to the Port of Matadi to complete the required improvements. Approximately 80-85 percent of the improvements have been completed to date. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT. A six month grace period may be too much of a cushion for ONATRA and the Port of Matadi. The current conditions were achieved in a five month period under strong pressure from the IMO. Follow-through is not always the best attribute of Congolese government services. Post will continue to monitor the improvements as the grace period expires. END COMMENT. SCOTT