MOROCCO SIGNS BILATERAL SEISMIC AGREEMENT

UNCLAS RABAT 000046 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/MAG, ISN AND L/T JOINT STAFF PLS PASS AFTAC/PATRICK AFB-BRUCE W BARKER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PARM PREL TPHY KTBT KSCI KTIA MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO SIGNS BILATERAL SEISMIC AGREEMENT REF: A. RABAT 0004 ¶B. 08 RABAT 1177 ¶C. 08 RABAT 1125 ¶D. 08 STATE 126489 ¶E. 07 STATE 120858 ¶1. (SBU) Summary: As one of his final official acts, Ambassador Riley signed on January 12, "The Bilateral Agreement Between The Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco Regarding the Development and Operation of a Seismic Monitoring Station in the Kingdom of Morocco." The agreement paves the way for the construction phase of a seismic monitoring station in the Midelt region of Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains to be completed in 2010. This caps several years of engagement with the GOM to seek agreement to a monitoring station that would supplement the already existing NPT monitoring station in Midelt and Morocco's own extensive existing seismic monitoring network. National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) Director Said Belcadi signed for the GOM and talked about how this would be another opportunity to expand scientific contacts. End summary. -------------- Ambassador Riley's Final Signing Ceremony -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador Thomas Riley and National Center for Scientific and Technical Research (CNRST) Director Said Belcadi signed on behalf of their governments on January 12 "The Bilateral Agreement Between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Kingdom of Morocco Regarding the Development and Operation of a Seismic Monitoring Station in the Kingdom of Morocco." Representatives from the Moroccan Ministries of Economy and Finance, National Education, Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, and Interior; the Forestry Administration; Royal Air Force; and Royal Gendarmerie were present for the event at CNRST's brand new modernistic headquarters in Rabat. GOM officials requested that no press be present during the signing ceremony to avoid questions on the non-proliferation related aspects of the program. This agreement is the culmination of the efforts of many individuals (both Moroccan and American) who have worked tirelessly on this project since its beginning in 2003. ¶3. (SBU) During the signing ceremony Belcadi expressed his desire to see the spirit of U.S./Morocco cooperation in the domain of seismology spread to other areas of scientific research between CNRST and American universities and research centers. CNRST staff also briefed on Morocco's extensive system of seismic monitoring stations, including one financed under the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty. -------------- Coming to Agreement -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Under the terms of the agreement, the USG through the United States Air Force Technical Application Center (AFTAC) would provide initial surveys, technical expertise, equipment, and maintenance for the seismic station. The GOM would provide the land and USG access to the data collected by the station. A site 25 kilometers north of Midelt was chosen. After extensive initial surveys and agreement in principle, the project faced a serious challenge in 2007 when it was necessary to secure the 1,500 hectares of land required to construct the seismic station. This land is co-owned by the Ministry of Interior and the High Commission of Water, Forests and the Fight against Desertification. What at first appeared to be a simple administrative solution evolved into a sensitive issue as the land under the direction of the MOI was actually already leased to various local tribes over centuries of time. Since 2007, GOM officials were in negotiations with all involved parties to find an amiable solution to lease the required land. Those issues were resolved in December 2008, following a political-level demarche at the MFA (Ref D). The MFA then directed the signing of the agreement to finally take place. -------------- Next Steps -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Now that the bilateral seismic agreement is signed, AFTAC can proceed with the procurement of equipment and the construction of a seismic station in the Midelt region of Morocco's Middle Atlas Mountains, to be completed in 2010. Embassy will forward copies of the agreement back to NEA/MAG for onward transmittal to ISN, L/T and AFTAC. Embassy wishes to thank these offices and all others who worked on this project for helping get it to signature. We look forward to facilitating implementation. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ***************************************** Riley