BENIN: VISIT OF USN AND USCG VICE ADMIRALS FOCUSES ON

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000552 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA ROTTERDM FOR ROB KEITH NAVEUR FOR MORALES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MASS EWWT PREL BN SUBJECT: BENIN: VISIT OF USN AND USCG VICE ADMIRALS FOCUSES ON MARITIME COOPERATION REF: COTONOU 389 COTONOU 00000552 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. SUMMARY: Vice-Admiral John D. Stufflebeem (U.S. Navy) and Vice-Admiral David Peterman (U.S. Coast Guard) visited Cotonou on May 22, 2007. They had productive meetings with top military, transportation and Autonomous Port of Cotonou (PAC) port officials and were able to tour and see firsthand the challenges faced by PAC officials in complying with ISPS standards. END SUMMARY MEETING AT DEFENSE MINISTRY -------------- ¶2. VADM Stufflebeem and VADM Peterman, along with the Ambassador, met with the Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense, General Hessou (appointed Interior Minister on June 19). Stufflebeem applauded the USG/GOB mil/mil cooperation, Benin's efforts generally to enhance regional security, and specifically co-hosting the November 2006 Maritime Awareness and Security Conference in Cotonou. Referring to the USCG report on the Cotonou Port, he expressed appreciation for GOB efforts to comply with international standards, stating that treatment of foreign vessels at US ports depended largely on previous ports they had visited. The PAC's security was important to protecting the global supply chain in addition to its key role in regional and Benin's economic development. VADM Stufflebeem noted USG plans to establish an AFRICOM in which the USCG would play an important role. VADM Stufflebeem described an October 2007 U.S. naval mission to West Africa for training various coast guards and navies and hoped Benin would participate. He said Beninese peacekeepers are highly respected for their professionalism and expertise and asked for patience with regard to restoration of IMET funding for Benin. VADM Peterman expressed appreciation for GOB hospitality, noting long-standing cooperation with the GOB Navy. ¶3. General Hessou said the US and Benin shared common objectives, including those related to counterterrorism and welcomed the October naval training mission and AFRICOM as a more practical way to enhance existing good cooperation with EUCOM. Benin had not received any invitation to a follow-on maritime security conference from Angola but planned to attend one in early June on coastal security issues in Togo organized by the French. Hessou welcomed �00A;future USCG "professional reinforcement" of Benin's navy and said that Benin peacekeepers' professionalism is due in large part to "solid USG experience and training," which he hoped would continue. MEETING WITH TRANSPORT MINISTER -------------- ¶4. In opening remarks, the Ambassador introduced the Vice Admirals' visit as a follow-up to the November 2007 maritime security conference, August 2006 USCG mission's subsequent report on the Port of Cotonou, and an opportunity to exchange views on mutual issues of interest. VADM Peterman took the lead on the meeting with Minister of Transportation and Public Works Richard Senou and Port officials. (NOTE: Minister Senou was dismissed from his position in the June 19 government reshuffle. END NOTE.) VADM Peterson highlighted the importance of cooperation on regional security issues and offered to host a US visit by GOB officials to see how USCG works. VADM Stufflebeem noted that illegal fishing, piracy, and drug trafficking impact us all. VADM Peterman stressed the need for the PAC to comply with ISPS minimum standards as outlined in the Coast Guard's recent report (Ref C). Minister Senou agreed that these items were important and reminded the American delegation that they are important to the Beninese as well. He also emphasized the need for close cooperation between the two parties. ¶5. Transport Minister Senou said that Benin was more concerned than the US about international standards of security and competitiveness of the Port and already were taking measures to respond to the USCG report. The Port's Director General made the same point, referring to the Ambassador's demarche. He said that they had a "lot to learn from the Americans" and would be happy to receive one of the four USCG co-authors of the report (Lieutenant Commander Keith) after the delegation's departure. He pledged to work with the Ambassador to send Port agents to the US for training. The Port DG noted that some problems were outside of the Port's control, notably frequent power cuts, and hoped for a short-term solution by installation of generators with support from the Americans. Although the ecologists were unhappy about it, they planned to cut the trees bordering the Port's wall on the Marina Road. Completion of the fence, COTONOU 00000552 002.2 OF 002 controlling access to the Port, institution of an ID system, and training were immediate actions to be taken. ¶6. Director of Maritime Affairs, Mrs. Anki Dossou, mentioned that the Government of Benin had an action plan to correct the deficiencies noted in the ISPS demarche, but it was not available for review at the meeting. Ms. Anki Dossou and Minister Senou also informed the American delegation of several steps (including the formulation of the action plan) that had already been taken in accordance with the recommendations of the Coast Guard team that performed the assessment in August. To implement a recommendation from the November Conference, Benin is establishing a national marine security committee, according to Mrs. Dossou. In addition, she said after the MFA legal office's review of the proposed committee there would be a working session in June. Benin was acquiring AIS to enhance coastal security. She had no information on a marine security conference in Angola but expected to participate if invited. DIFFILY