Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RIYADH1094
2008-07-16 05:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

WOODS HOLE RESEARCH VESSEL OCEANUS

Tags:  KRVC TPHY EWWT SENV SA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO7883
RR RUEHDE RUEHDIR
DE RUEHRH #1094 1980550
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 160550Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8787
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 9631
RHRMAKS/COMUSNAVCENT
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
UNCLAS RIYADH 001094 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

OES/OA FOR ETIRPAK/RBARNES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KRVC TPHY EWWT SENV SA
SUBJECT: WOODS HOLE RESEARCH VESSEL OCEANUS

REF: A. STATE 72984

B. BARNES-MURPHY EMAIL 09 JULY 2008 "R/V OCEANUS
CLEARANCE REQUEST"

UNCLAS RIYADH 001094

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

OES/OA FOR ETIRPAK/RBARNES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KRVC TPHY EWWT SENV SA
SUBJECT: WOODS HOLE RESEARCH VESSEL OCEANUS

REF: A. STATE 72984

B. BARNES-MURPHY EMAIL 09 JULY 2008 "R/V OCEANUS
CLEARANCE REQUEST"


1. This is an action request.


2. Per reftel A, on 15 July, the Embassy informed the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of and provided background
documentation for the visit of the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institute's (WHOI) research vessel Oceanus from 5 October to
21 November 2008. In a recent response to our February
notification of a possible research visit, the MFA responded
with a diplomatic note advising that Saudi Arabia requires
specific forms be filled out at least six months in advance
of any visit. The Embassy seeks to clarify whether the
"Revised Application for Consent to Conduct Marine Scientific
Research" (ref B) was in fact responsive to the MFA's
specific application process, or represents standard
information that WHOI submits to countries to seek permission
to conduct research. As the MFA unfortunately did not
provide the forms in question, we are still tracking down the
correct paperwork to provide to OES. The Embassy cautions
that the Saudi authorities may seek to adhere to this
six-month notification window.


3. Action Request: The Embassy requests that OES clarify if
the "Revised Application for Consent to Conduct Marine
Scientific Research" fulfilled the Saudi MFA documentation
requirement for an application to conduct research, or if
this was standard information normally provided by WHOI. The
Embassy also requests that OES work with WHOI to provide full
contact (phone, mobile, fax, email) information for KAUST
collaborator Mr. Nadhmi Al-Nasr, so that we may enter into
direct contact with him to help facilitate necessary
approvals for the Oceanus. Working through WHOI's Saudi
Arabian collaborators may offer the best avenue for rapid
approval of the research request. Please send this
information as soon as possible to Deputy Economic Counselor
Shannon Ross at rosssm2@state.gov and Consulate General
Jeddah Acting Consul General CB Toney at toneys@state.gov.
Please address all cable responses to both Embassy Riyadh and
Consulate General Jeddah. End action request.
FRAKER