LIBERIA: Ambassador's Introductory Call on Minister of Post

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000033 SENSITIVE SIPDIS USPS for Oscar Villanueva, Inspector in Charge Global Security & Investigations Division E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: ECPS EAID ECON LI SUBJECT: LIBERIA: Ambassador's Introductory Call on Minister of Post and Telecommunications REF A) 08 MONROVIA 435 (NOTAL); B) 08 MONROVIA 165 (NOTAL); C) 07 MONROVIA 1423 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: During an introductory call by the Ambassador, Minister of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) Jeremiah Sulunteh reviewed progress since the visit by former USPS Chief Inspector Lazaroff in 2007, which he termed "very significant for Liberia Post," and expressed appreciation for USTDA support on telecommunications. MPT subsequently published an end-of-year summary of its activities that described the status of its struggles with corruption and provided details on accomplishments over the past year and plans for the future. In light of recent progress by Liberia Post, we recommend resuming delivery of surplus U.S. postal equipment via the Africa Partnership Station (APS). End summary. ¶2. (SBU) During an introductory call by the Ambassador on December 11, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Jeremiah Sulunteh confirmed the good relations with the U.S. Postal Service and reviewed progress since the visit by former USPS Chief Inspector Lazaroff in December 2007, which he termed "very significant for Liberia Post" (Ref C). He noted and we confirmed that Liberia Post is installing the 1,788 post office boxes donated by USPS and delivered by the Africa Partnership Station in March, 2008, and hoped to have them ready within the month. In light of this progress, Post recommends resuming delivery of surplus U.S. postal equipment via APS, if possible. Liberia Post: Still Rebuilding -------------- ¶3. (SBU) According to MPT's end-of-year report, inbound mail increased from 5,728 kg in January 2008 to 39,718 kg in December ¶2008. Outbound mail increased from 2,225 kg to 21603, kg in 2008. Despite the increase in mail, Minister Sulunteh told the Ambassador MPT has an overwhelming capacity problem. They are conducting some training based on recommendations by former Chief Inspector Lazaroff and the UPU, but more is needed. ¶4. (SBU) Liberia Post (LP) has 19 regional postal centers operating, but so far they have only 21 of an anticipated total of 150 post offices nationwide. They estimate it will take $6 million to complete coverage. LP also has 27 postal windows in county administrative buildings, colleges, and other institutions. Last year they had only two mail vans; in 2008 they budgeted for three but that is still inadequate to cover the country. Although post offices are open in the counties, mail cannot be transferred to Monrovia on a regular basis. ¶5. (SBU) The Ambassador asked about plans to expand postal services, noting that post offices could have Internet access and provide banking services. MPT has just established a financial services bureau, and would like to branch into postal money orders, but needs funding for training and equipment. Telecom: MPT Grateful for USG help -------------- ¶6. (SBU) MPT is launching a National Telecommunication Strategy and, according to the end-of-year update, has concluded arrangements with UNHCR and the International Telecommunications Union for construction of an ICT training Center in Lofa County. Sulunteh expressed appreciation for USTDA's invitation to the telecom conference in Ghana last July, and for USTDA's $303,000 grant for a feasibility study on constructing a fiber optic network around Monrovia. There was mention of a USTTI offer of 32 slots for training over three years, with MPT officials noting there has been a bottleneck in USAID funding for the travel. (Note: MPT officials seem to think USG funding for training is still an option and that the training slots are still available. We suggest that USTTI clarify to MPT counterparts that there will not be USAID funding to travel for training in the United States. End note.) ¶7. (SBU) Comment: After a year of stagnation and controversy, MPT has made some progress in using the training and equipment provided by USPS. We advise resuming the shipment of surplus USPS equipment (such as post office boxes and sorting tables) via the Africa Partnership Station and continuing to work Liberia Post, through the United Postal Union, on internal governance and management issues. ¶8. (SBU) Comment continued: On the telecommunications side, the Ref A concerns regarding regulation remain and are unlikely to diminish until the Liberia Telecommunications Authority shows willingness to work with the World Bank or another entity on establishing regulatory best-practices. The state-owned Liberia Telecommunications Company (LTC) continues to proceed with plans for MONROVIA 00000033 002 OF 002 the fiber optic backbone and other ITC services, but it is not clear effective firewalls exist to prevent it from receiving preferential treatment from the GOL and potentially undermining the otherwise competitive GSM market. THOMAS-GREENFIELD