NAMIBIA INCLINED TO SUPPORT US IMO CANDIDACY

UNCLAS WINDHOEK 000387 SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR IO/T FOR THOMAS A. JOHNSON, LONDON FOR EST--J.WHITTLESEY, PASS TO USCG FOR CG-52 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AA AORC EWWT IMO PHSA UK WA SUBJECT: NAMIBIA INCLINED TO SUPPORT US IMO CANDIDACY REF: STATE 98012 ¶1. (SBU) Post delivered reftel demarche via diplomatic note on September 28. On October 22, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Officer Veendapi Kamupingene stated to econoff telephonically that Namibia was "inclined" to support the re-election of the United States to the International Maritime Organization's (IMO) Council as a Category "A" member. Kamupingene remarked that the MFA does not, as a matter of practice, indicate in writing how it will vote at the meetings of international organizations. When pressed on the meaning of "inclined," Kamupingene noted that Namibia had no objections to our candidacy. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Kamupingene's statement that Namibia is "inclined" to support the U.S. candidacy is likely the most definitive statement we will receive from the MFA. End Comment HARRINGTON