CONGO/BRAZZAVILLE - INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION 2009

UNCLAS BRAZZAVILLE 000178 DEPT FOR OES/OPA LISA PHELPS DEPT FOR AF/C E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EFIS PREL SENV IWC KSCA SUBJECT: CONGO/BRAZZAVILLE - INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION 2009 PRIORITIES REF: STATE 57020 ¶1. Ambassador met June 11 with J.A. Kolelas, Congo(B) representative to the International Whaling Commission. ¶2. Kolelas said that Congo was in agreement with the U.S. position. Regarding the chair and vice-chair, he said that he had recently attended a Japanese-organized "preparatory meeting" in Japan, with the other African members of the IWC, where he had learned that the Japanese Vice-Chair did not want to continue that role. He said that there were Swiss and Norwegian candidates; Congo(B) does not have a formal position. ¶3. With respect to aboriginal subsistence whaling, he said that Congo(B) favors continuation, viewing this question from the point of view of food security. Congo's Fisheries Ministry is committed to enhancing food security through improving the ability of local populations to meet their needs through fishing. EASTHAM