US embassy cable - 04DJIBOUTI1435

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001435 
 
SIPDIS 
 
RABAT/CASABLANCA PASS TO IBB/DAVID STRAWMAN; DARREL 
DUCKWORTH IN TANGIER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, MARR, MOPS, ASEC, KPAO, KU, DJ, BBG 
SUBJECT: DORALE TRANSMITTER GOES LIVE; NEGLIGIBLE 
INTERFERENCE WITH DORALE PORT 
 
1. (U) SUMMARY: A medium wave transmitter at the Radio 
Television Djibouti (RTD) station in Dorale was activated on 
November 4, marking completion of phase one of the RTD- 
International Board of Broadcasters (IBB) joint renovation 
of the station. Concerns that the transmitter may interfere 
with cranes at the Port of Dorale have thus far been 
unfounded.  END SUMMARY 
 
2. (U) On Thursday, Engineers activated the first of three 
to be installed by IBB at the RTD Dorale station. Another 
medium wave transmitter is scheduled for activation at the 
end of this year, and a short wave transmitter in the spring 
of 2005. 
 
3. (U) The $1.2 million renovation of the station and 
installation of the transmitters is part of a bilateral 
agreement between the Government of Djibouti (RTD) and IBB 
for the long-term lease and licensing of the PK-12 site used 
for Radio Sawa broadcasting. 
 
4. (U) There were some concerns that cranes at the new Port 
of Dorale, now under construction, would pick up energy from 
the transmitter, posing a potential danger to crane 
operators.  However, thus far tests have showed no/no-marked 
effect on the Port. 
 
5. (U) In a visit to the radio station on Thursday, Port 
representatives said they were unaffected by the transmitter 
but aware of the potential dangers. RTD has been and has 
said it will remain in regular contact with the Port about 
this issue, especially when the other two transmitters are 
activated. 
 
5. (U) Comment: As this is an RTD facility and not a USG 
facility, all parties are aware that any problems and 
incidents will be handled by RTD, with reports passed to IBB 
and post. 
 
RAGSDALE