GOP REQUEST USG SUPPORT FOR REELECTION TO IMO

UNCLAS PANAMA 001797 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR STATE WHA/CEN - TELLO FOR STATE IO/T - L. LUFTIG FOR STATE LONDON EST - J. WHITTLESEY FOR USCG - COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC - CG-52 ADN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EWWT IMO PHSA PM SUBJECT: GOP REQUEST USG SUPPORT FOR REELECTION TO IMO COUNCIL REF: A. STATE 148540 ¶B. PANAMA 1782 ¶1. (U) On November 20, 2007, Post received a diplomatic note from the GOP's Ministry of Foreign Relations, dated November 16, 2007, requesting USG support and vote for Panama's re-election as a Category A member to the International Maritime Organization's Council. On November 19, 2007, the GOP's Maritime Authority informed Post that the GOP would support the USG's reelection as a Category A Member to the IMO Council. See reftel B. ¶2. (U) Post seeks guidance on the GOP's request. ¶3. (U) Set forth below is an unofficial translation of the GOP diplomatic note. BEGIN TRANSLATION Republic of Panama Ministry of Foreign Relations Panama 4, Panama DGOCI/DG/2411/07 The Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Panama - General Office of International Organizations and Conferences - presents its greetings to the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor of referring itself to the candidacy of the United States to its re-election to the International Maritime Organization Council in Category A for the period 2008-2009. With respect thereto and within the framework of friendship and cooperation between the United States and Panama and in consideration thereof, as the Republic of Panama has presented its candidacy in Category A, this Ministry request an exchange of support between the two countries with respect to their candidacies to the International Maritime Organization Council. Awaiting the gentle support of the United States with respect to the Panamanian aspirations, the Ministry of Foreign Relations takes this opportunity to reiterate to the Honorable Embassy of the United States the assurances of its high and distinguished consideration. November 16, 2007 To the Honorable Embassy of the United States of America City ARREAGA