VZCZCXRO4658
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHMV #0033/01 0121257
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 121257Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY MONROVIA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0678
RUEAUSA/US POSTAL SERVICE
INFO RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 MONROVIA 000033 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
USPS for Oscar Villanueva, Inspector in Charge 
Global Security & Investigations Division 
 
E.O. 12598: N/A 
TAGS: ECPS EAID ECON LI
SUBJECT: LIBERIA: Ambassador's Introductory Call on Minister of Post 
and Telecommunications 
 
REF A)  08 MONROVIA 435 (NOTAL); B) 08 MONROVIA 165 (NOTAL); C) 07 
MONROVIA 1423 
 
¶1. (SBU) Summary:  During an introductory call by the Ambassador, 
Minister of Post and Telecommunications (MPT) Jeremiah Sulunteh 
reviewed progress since the visit by former USPS Chief Inspector 
Lazaroff in 2007, which he termed "very significant for Liberia 
Post," and expressed appreciation for USTDA support on 
telecommunications.  MPT subsequently published an end-of-year 
summary of its activities that described the status of its struggles 
with corruption and provided details on accomplishments over the 
past year and plans for the future.  In light of recent progress by 
Liberia Post, we recommend resuming delivery of surplus U.S. postal 
equipment via the Africa Partnership Station (APS).  End summary. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) During an introductory call by the Ambassador on December 
11, Minister of Post and Telecommunications Jeremiah Sulunteh 
confirmed the good relations with the U.S. Postal Service and 
reviewed progress since the visit by former USPS Chief Inspector 
Lazaroff in December 2007, which he termed "very significant for 
Liberia Post" (Ref C).  He noted and we confirmed that Liberia Post 
is installing the 1,788 post office boxes donated by USPS and 
delivered by the Africa Partnership Station in March, 2008, and 
hoped to have them ready within the month.  In light of this 
progress, Post recommends resuming delivery of surplus U.S. postal 
equipment via APS, if possible. 
 
Liberia Post:  Still Rebuilding 
------------------------------- 
 
¶3.  (SBU) According to MPT's end-of-year report, inbound mail 
increased from 5,728 kg in January 2008 to 39,718 kg in December 
¶2008.  Outbound mail increased from 2,225 kg to 21603, kg in 2008. 
Despite the increase in mail, Minister Sulunteh told the Ambassador 
MPT has an overwhelming capacity problem.  They are conducting some 
training based on recommendations by former Chief Inspector Lazaroff 
and the UPU, but more is needed. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) Liberia Post (LP) has 19 regional postal centers 
operating, but so far they have only 21 of an anticipated total of 
150 post offices nationwide.  They estimate it will take $6 million 
to complete coverage.  LP also has 27 postal windows in county 
administrative buildings, colleges, and other institutions.  Last 
year they had only two mail vans; in 2008 they budgeted for three 
but that is still inadequate to cover the country.  Although post 
offices are open in the counties, mail cannot be transferred to 
Monrovia on a regular basis. 
 
¶5.  (SBU) The Ambassador asked about plans to expand postal 
services, noting that post offices could have Internet access and 
provide banking services.  MPT has just established a financial 
services bureau, and would like to branch into postal money orders, 
but needs funding for training and equipment. 
 
Telecom: MPT Grateful for USG help 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶6.  (SBU) MPT is launching a National Telecommunication Strategy 
and, according to the end-of-year update, has concluded arrangements 
with UNHCR and the International Telecommunications Union for 
construction of an ICT training Center in Lofa County.  Sulunteh 
expressed appreciation for USTDA's invitation to the telecom 
conference in Ghana last July, and for USTDA's $303,000 grant for a 
feasibility study on constructing a fiber optic network around 
Monrovia.  There was mention of a USTTI offer of 32 slots for 
training over three years, with MPT officials noting there has been 
a bottleneck in USAID funding for the travel.  (Note:  MPT officials 
seem to think USG funding for training is still an option and that 
the training slots are still available.  We suggest that USTTI 
clarify to MPT counterparts that there will not be USAID funding to 
travel for training in the United States.  End note.) 
 
¶7.  (SBU) Comment:  After a year of stagnation and controversy, MPT 
has made some progress in using the training and equipment provided 
by USPS.  We advise resuming the shipment of surplus USPS equipment 
(such as post office boxes and sorting tables) via the Africa 
Partnership Station and continuing to work Liberia Post, through the 
United Postal Union, on internal governance and management issues. 
 
¶8.  (SBU) Comment continued:  On the telecommunications side, the 
Ref A concerns regarding regulation remain and are unlikely to 
diminish until the Liberia Telecommunications Authority shows 
willingness to work with the World Bank or another entity on 
establishing regulatory best-practices.  The state-owned Liberia 
Telecommunications Company (LTC) continues to proceed with plans for 
 
MONROVIA 00000033  002 OF 002 
 
 
the fiber optic backbone and other ITC services, but it is not clear 
effective firewalls exist to prevent it from receiving preferential 
treatment from the GOL and potentially undermining the otherwise 
competitive GSM market. 
 
THOMAS-GREENFIELD