UNCLAS PANAMA 001669

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR STATE WHA/CEN - TELLO
FOR STATE EEB/TRA
FOR STATE IO/OIC

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT IMO IO
SUBJECT: PANAMA SEEKS USG SUPPORT FOR IMO COUNCIL SEAT
REELECTION


1. (U) On October 10, 2007, Post received a diplomatic note
from the GOP's Ministry of Foreign Relations requesting USG
support for Panama's reelection to the International Maritime
Organization's (IMO) Member Council during the 25th Regular
Session of the IMO Assembly to be held November 19-30, 2007.
An unofficial translation of the GOP's diplomatic note is set
forth below. Post requests instructions on responding to the
GOP.


2. (U) BEGIN TEXT OF UNOFFICIAL TRANSLATION

Republic of Panama
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Panama 4, Panama

DGOCI DGCA 2068

The Ministry of Foreign Relations - General Directorate for
International Conferences and Organizations - presents it
compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America
and has the honor to inform that the Government of the
Republic of Panama has decided to present its candidacy for
re-election as a member of the International Maritime
Organization (IMO) Council, category A, for the 2008-2009
period, at the elections that will be held during the 25th
Regular Sessions of the Organization's Assembly.

Aware of the importance of the instruments developed by the
IMO in matters of security and protection, not only for human
life but for the environment, Panama has established a series
of priorities on which it has tailored efficiently its
responsibilities, beginning with the goal of keeping itself
as a more competitive country, the expansion of the ports on
the Atlantic side (which will double our capacity to move
TEUs) and on the Pacific side, the establishment of the Port
Authority of Singapore (currently the No. 1 worldwide port
for the movement of containers and transshipment) that will
develop and operate a new container terminal.

Panama has the world's largest fleet, making us the largest
provider to the IMO's budget. Panama has ports of high
efficiency, the world's second largest free zone, and the
great responsibility of managing an inter-oceanic canal that
facilitates maritime transportation, with the oldest open
registry. Panama has started a series of initiatives in
order to improve, modernize and adapt its responsibilities as
a Flag State, a Port State Control and a Riparian State.
Theses measures include the computerization and modernization
of Merchant Marine and Seamen General Directorates, and the
improvement and consolidation of all Panamanian maritime law.

The Government of Panama gives a significant importance to
this candidacy and assures that Panama's experience and work
will promote the development of positive criteria that would
benefit the International Maritime Organization's work.

Taking into consideration the excellent relationship of
friendship between our countries, the Republic of Panama
requests the support of your illustrious country to our
candidacy.

The Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Panama -
General Directorate for International Conferences and
Organizations - avails itself of this opportunity to
reiterate to the Embassy of the United States that assurances
of its highest consideration.

To the Honorable
Embassy of the United States of America
City

(Seal of the GOP Ministry of Foreign Relations)
EATON