Cablegate: Moroccan Marine Scientific Research Authorization

VZCZCXYZ0016
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRB #0933 3291442
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 251442Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY RABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0857
INFO RUEHCL/AMCONSUL CASABLANCA 4769

UNCLAS RABAT 000933

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR OES/OPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EWWT TPHY KRVC MO
SUBJECT: MOROCCAN MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AUTHORIZATION
PROCEDURES

REF: STATE 101996

REQUESTING MARINE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
-------------------------------------

1. (U) The Division of Legal Affairs of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MFA) is responsible for
granting authorization to conduct marine scientific research
for foreign vessels. The MFA has no formal written
procedures or deadlines for requests. However, Chief of the
Division of Legal Affairs Abdelkarim Benselam told EconOff
that the MFA prefers to receive requests in the form of a
diplomatic note from the Embassy including the names of the
persons and institutions requesting authorization, the
technical details of the intended research, and the exact
dates for the proposed activity. The MFA will then consult
with other agencies including the Ministry of Interior, the
National Defense Administration, and the Department of
Maritime Fisheries, before responding through the Embassy.
Although the MFA does not set a minimum time for requests,
Benselam stated that two to three months of advance notice is
usually required to complete consultations and provide a
clearance.

EMBASSY POINT OF CONTACT
------------------------

2. (U) The Embassy Point of Contact for managing requests
for marine scientific research authorizations is Economic
Officer Jai L. Nair (SBU e-mail: NairJL@state.gov, Phone:
212-537-76-22-65). His tour of duty is anticipated to end in
July 2011.

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Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website;
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco
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JACKSON

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