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