Cablegate: Merit Management Receives Casino License

VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHZP #2320 3382101
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 042101Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY PANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9447
INFO RUEHZA/WHA CENTRAL AMERICAN COLLECTIVE
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 0299
RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC

UNCLAS PANAMA 002320

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN EINV KCOR PM
SUBJECT: MERIT MANAGEMENT RECEIVES CASINO LICENSE

REF: A. PANAMA 676

B. PANAMA 973
C. PANAMA 1836

1. (SBU) U.S. investor, Merit Management, received its
license to operate the Mallorca Casino in the Sol Melia Hotel
in Colon on October 11, 2006. After a lengthy battle of more
than 12 months involving allegations of corruption and
obfuscation on behalf of GOP officials (reftels), Panama's
Ministry of Economy and Finance published its issuance of the
Mallorca license in the Official Gazette. The Casino
Mallorca held a three day grand opening from October 12 to
the 15 and is in its second month of operation with no
reports to the Embassy of further difficulties with the
Panamanian authorities. Post considers this case closed.
EATON

© Scoop Media