OPIC INQUIRY RE: BALTIMORE DREDGES

UNCLAS BAGHDAD 001283 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON EINV ETRD KPRV IZ SUBJECT: OPIC INQUIRY RE: BALTIMORE DREDGES REF: STATE 50643 ¶1. This cable responds to OPIC reftel request for Embassy comments regarding OPIC insurance support for a bid bond provided by Baltimore Dredges on a contract to sell dredging equipment to the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR). ¶2. In general, we do not know of any adverse issues that OPIC should be concerned about regarding this project. The Iraqi public and government would likely have no negative sentiment toward the project. The project would directly support the economic objectives of Iraq and would not conflict with U.S. policy interests. The potential environmental impacts of the dredging are unknown, but in general, dredging operations tend to have localized and short-term impacts. The MoWR is responsible for adhering to all applicable environmental and worker health and safety standards while conducting dredging operations. KHALILZAD