COTE D'IVOIRE: ICCAT CHAIRMANSHIP AND NEW

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 001861

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIS ETRD PHSA SENV AORC IV ICCAT IATTC
SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: ICCAT CHAIRMANSHIP AND NEW
REQUIREMENTS FOR IMPORTS OF BLUEFIN TUNA, SWORDFISH, AND
BIGEYE TUNA

REF: A. SECSTATE 199093


B. SECSTATE 202817


1. On October 7, econoff delivered ref A and B demarches to
Seraphin Dedi Nadje, Director of Fishery Production, Ministry
of Animal Production and Fishery Resources.


2. In response to ref A demarche, Mr. Dedi Nadje replied
that Cote d'Ivoire would be interested in supporting Dr.
Hogarth's candidacy as Commission chair if Dr. Hogarth would
encourage more cooperation between Cote d'Ivoire and the
United States. For example, Mr. Dedi Nadje cited a study on
developing the fishery industry in Cote d'Ivoire that was
financed by the European Union. In addition to developing
the fishery industry, Cote d'Ivoire would also welcome closer
cooperation with the United States in the areas of coastal
surveillance capability, research on sustainable development,
and statistical training such as estimating stock. Mr. Dedi
Nadje closed by expressing the personal view that a change in
ICCAT leadership would be good, but he cautioned that Cote
d'Ivoire has not yet made a final decision on whom it will
support for the chairmanship. He noted that Cote d'Ivoire
itself is unlikely to seek a leadership role in ICCAT this
year because of the country's ongoing political crisis.


3. In response to ref B demarche, Mr. Dedi Nadje explained
that currently Cote d'Ivoire exports these types of fish only
to the EU, and Cote d'Ivoire is in compliance with EU import
requirements. He said that Cote d'Ivoire would take careful
note of ref B requirements should it begin exporting these
fish to the United States in the future.
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