KUDOS FOR VISIT OF U.S. COAST GUARD PORT

UNCLAS TEGUCIGALPA 001546 SIPDIS PERSONAL FOR COMMANDANT FROM THE AMBASSADOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER HO SUBJECT: KUDOS FOR VISIT OF U.S. COAST GUARD PORT SECURITY TEAM ¶1. I want to personally thank you for accepting the Honduran government's invitation to send a U.S. Coast Guard port security verification team to assess this country's considerable efforts to implement the IMO's ISPS. The Honduran government was extremely pleased by the results of the visit and the suggestions made by your team. ¶2. I would like to commend the work of the entire team, which was effectively and ably led by Lieutenant Commander Joseph Lo Sciuto. LTCDR Lo Sciuto demonstrated the finest traditions of U.S Coast Guard professionalism in his interactions with Honduran government officials during a brief exchange with Honduran President Ricardo Maduro at a reception and his presentation of the U.S. Coast Guard International Port Security Program to four Cabinet Ministers. The team made efficient use of the time available for this visit and was able to visit all of the major Honduran ports. ¶3. Finally, your team's visit helped our Embassy advance significant U.S. national interests and supported our year long effort to convince the Government of Honduras of the importance and necessity of adopting the highest port security standards. All in all, the visit was a complete success. We will be reporting separately on the details and specific results of the visit. Best regards. Palmer