US embassy cable - 01ABUJA983

UNCLAS ABUJA 000983 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, EAIR, ECON, NI 
SUBJECT: NIGERIA WILL SUPPORT INCUMBENT ICAO CHAIRMAN AND 
REQUESTS USG SUPPORT FOR GON COUNCIL SEAT 
 
REF: (A) ABUJA 364 (B) STATE 69416 (C) STATE 70425 
 
 
1. This is an action request.  Please see para 6. 
 
 
2.  EconOff spoke with Chief Owodu, Technical Assistant to 
the Minister of Aviation, on April 25 regarding the election 
of ICAO Council President as requested Refs B and C.  Chief 
Owodu said that Nigeria would support the incumbent, Dr. 
Assad Kotaite, as he has done a "superlative job" leading the 
ICAO. 
 
 
3. The Embassy received on April 18 a Note Verbale from MFA 
to all accredited High Commissions, Embassies and 
International Organizations in Nigeria that are members of 
the ICAO requesting support for Nigerian re-election into the 
Council of ICAO.  The text of the Note is as follows: 
 
 
4.  Begin text of Note: 
 
 
Note No F705/2001 
 
 
(complimentary opening) 
 
 
...the Federal Government of Nigeria has decided to present 
its candidacy for re-election into the Council of ICAO during 
the General Assembly Session of the organization scheduled to 
be held from 25 September - 5 October, 2001. 
 
 
The Federal Government of Nigeria solicits the support of the 
Governments of the Accredited Representatives for the 
Nigerian candidacy. 
 
 
(complimentary closing) 
 
 
End text of Note. 
 
 
5.  COMMENT: According to Ministry of Aviation officials, 
Nigeria's position vis--vis ICAO is handled regionally at 
the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) in Dakar. 
AFCAC's position on these two issues, according to Ministry 
officials, is closer to the European position (Ref A).  In 
examining Nigeria's candidacy to the ICAO Council, Department 
may want to consider GON willingness to support positions 
contrary to USG interests on emissions levels and noise 
standards.  On the other hand, Nigeria's bid for reelection 
could provide an opportunity to seek GON support for issues 
pending decision within the ICAO.  END COMMENT. 
 
 
6.  ACTION REQUEST: Post will inform Nigerian MFA that its 
request has been forwarded to appropriate USG authorities. 
Please advise if Department takes a position on Nigeria's 
candidacy. 
Jeter