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