NORWAY NON-COMMITTAL ON U.S. IMO CANDIDACY

UNCLAS OSLO 000615 SIPDIS DEPT FOR IO/T - T JOHNSON, LONDON FOR EST - J. WHITTLESEY USCG FOR CG-52 AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC IMO EWWT PHSA UK NO SUBJECT: NORWAY NON-COMMITTAL ON U.S. IMO CANDIDACY Ref: STATE 98012 ¶1. (U) Dep PoleconCouns, Political Specialist, and Intern met with Deputy Director General Kirsten Hammelbo and Senior Advisor Anita Christoffersen of the Norwegian Ministry of Fisheries and Coastal Affairs on October 6 to deliver reftel demarche seeking Norwegian support for the U.S. Government's re-election to category "A" membership in the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Post delivered a dip note from the U.S. Embassy to the Government of Norway on this issue in advance of the demarche, as instructed in reftel, and carried a copy to the Ministry of Fisheries along with the referenced aide memoire. ¶2. (U) Ms. Hammelbo noted that Norway is also up for re-election for category "A" membership in the IMO and, like the United States, is not in a position to agree to reciprocal support for other member states. She stated that Norway would "give consideration to the United States' candidacy." She also recommended we meet separately on this matter with the Industry and Trade Ministry, which will lead the Norwegian delegation to the IMO. Post will seek a follow-up meeting with the Industry and Trade Ministry to deliver the same message. HEG