Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RABAT1874
2007-12-20 16:43:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Rabat
Cable title:  

EXBS: MOROCCO SEEKS JAN 2008 CONSULTATIONS

Tags:  ECON ETTC KSTC PARM PREL MO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0001
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRB #1874 3541643
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 201643Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 7933
INFO RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 3786
RHMFISS/DEPT OF HOMELAND SECURITY WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001874 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, ISN/ECC YVETTE WONG AND BILL KUHN
DHS FOR CBP JOYCE GOUGE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2016
TAGS: ECON ETTC KSTC PARM PREL MO
SUBJECT: EXBS: MOROCCO SEEKS JAN 2008 CONSULTATIONS

REF: STATE 132724

Classified By: Econ Counselor Stuart Smith. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001874

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/MAG, ISN/ECC YVETTE WONG AND BILL KUHN
DHS FOR CBP JOYCE GOUGE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2016
TAGS: ECON ETTC KSTC PARM PREL MO
SUBJECT: EXBS: MOROCCO SEEKS JAN 2008 CONSULTATIONS

REF: STATE 132724

Classified By: Econ Counselor Stuart Smith. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) This is an action request; please see para 5.


2. (SBU) During a December 20 meeting to discuss the EXBS
proposal to hold an international transshipment conference in
Morocco next year, as well as the postponement of a
Charleston-based seaport interdiction course from December to
February, Khalid Zerouali, the Ministry of Interior's
Director of Migration and Border Protection, countered with a
request for help in arranging an executive level Moroccan
visit to the U.S. to discuss port and transshipment issues in
general. The issue of Moroccan participation in the
postponed course could be addressed after such a visit, he
said. Zerouali spoke supportively of the planned conference,
even suggesting that Morocco could underwrite part of it, but
added that he would have to coordinate with the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs before the Moroccan government could respond
officially.


3. (SBU) Zerouali said he had been in contact with the
Moroccan Embassy in order to coordinate a Moroccan executive
level visit to the U.S. between January 10-11, 2008. He said
the purpose of the trip would be to see first-hand how the
U.S. organizes and manages all the security processes
associated with a major transshipment hub. He said he would
personally lead the delegation, which would most likely
include 6-7 other officials. He asked post's help in
coordinating the visit, but stressed that the Moroccan
government would fully fund the travel. Zerouali mentioned
the delegation would like to visit the Port of Baltimore and
have senior-level meetings with U.S. officials that would
help to shed light on Morocco's efforts to blend security and
commercial interests at its new transshipment hub in
Tangiers. Specific training such as the postponed Charleston
course is welcome, Zerouali said, but he emphasized that the
more critical issue is helping Morocco with the "ig picture"
of organizing the security structureof the Tanger-Med port.


4. (C) In passing, Zeruali expressed his displeasure with
the postponemnt of the International Seaport Interdiction I
taining course, originally scheduled to occur in Chrleston,
SC, from December 6-14, to February 27-arch 7. Both Econ
Counselor and Econoff expressd regret for the need to put
off the course, but tressed that the decision stemmed from
the fact hat the Department of Homeland Security must
recive a list of participants a month before any such
prgram in order make the necessary logistical ad other
arrangements. Zerouali was noncommittal bout providing a
list of participants in time fo the February 27 course start
date.


5. (SBU)Action request: Post requests NEA/MAG and ISN/ECC
help in coordinating with the Moroccan Embassy tofacilitate
Zerouali's visit. Post suggests one dy of meetings with
appropriate representation frm ISN/ECC and DHS (U.S. Customs
and Border Protetion, U.S. Coast Guard, and Immigration and
Custms Enforcement) followed by a second day visit to he
Port of Baltimore, or another convenient port ith
significant transshipment operations. End Action Request.


6. (C) Comment: Zerouali speaks excellent English and is
very interested in seeing how the U.S. blends and balances
the myriad of security, customs, and commerce controls
associated with a major transshipment hub. He is looking for
a "tailored" program that will aid him in establishing
similar procedures for Tangier. He is well respected and
influential with the MOI, and his visit is paramount to
furthering EXBS goals for Morocco.


7. (C) Comment Continued: Our experience with the December
seaport course, however, makes clear that Zerouali's staff is
not uniformly strong and often does not disseminate
communications effectively. We will thus need to press early
and often, and at a number of levels, to try to secure the
timely responses that will facilitate organization of future
programs. End Comment.


*****************************************
Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat
*****************************************

Jackson