SAUDI ARABIA REQUESTS USG VOTE FOR IMO COUNCIL

UNCLAS RIYADH 000960 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: EWWT IO ECON SA SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA REQUESTS USG VOTE FOR IMO COUNCIL REF: A) Ross-Shukan/Jachim e-mail 8 May 2007, non-paper on Saudi Arabia's role in the IMO ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 3. ¶2. (U) Post received a diplomatic note numbered 42867/25/97 on 8 April from the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting USG support in 2008 for the SAG to be re-elected as a member of the International Maritime Organization Council in the Category "C." Following is the text of the note: Begin text: "The Ministry wishes to inform the Embassy that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plans to nominate itself for re-election to Category "C" of the International Maritime Organization Council (IMO) for a 2-year tenure during the 25th General Assembly scheduled November 15-30, 2007. The Saudi Government's position is based on a growing interest in promoting its active participation in the IMO's main and secondary committees in an effort to further the Organization's objectives. The Saudi Government believes in the role that IMO plays in maritime safety, raising maritime performance standards, protecting marine environment, and protecting lives. Saudi Arabia is strategically located on international marine routes. Saudi Arabia has eight major ports equipped with the latest technology on international trading and shipping lines. The Saudi Government has focused its attention and resources on making all necessary navigational aid equipment available to ensure the safety and security of maritime traffic. The Ministry hopes that the Government of the United States will support Saudi Arabia's re-election to Category "C" of the IMO Council based on Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to IMO's principles and objectives and the special ties that exist between Saudi Arabia and the United States. Saudi Arabia believes that its membership in the IMO Council will allow it to contribute to promoting the Organization's objectives. Attached is a non-paper about Saudi Arabia's role in the IMO." End text. ¶3. (U) Post would appreciate Departmental guidance on responding to this note. FRAKER