VZCZCXYZ0005
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #9193 1601703
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P R 091642Z JUN 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHZP/AMEMBASSY PANAMA PRIORITY 4968
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL

UNCLAS STATE 059193 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV PREL PM
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO DIPNOTE ON SALAS BECKER PROTOCOL 
 
REF: PANAMA 417 
 
 ¶1.  (SBU) Summary and Action Request.  This cable provides 
guidance, as requested in reftel, for Embassy Panama to 
respond to Diplomatic Note 231/09 from the Panamanian 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).  Please deliver the 
following response to the MFA. 
 
¶2.  (SBU) Begin text: 
 
The Department of State presents its compliments to the 
Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Republic of Panama, 
Directorate General of Legal Affairs and Treaties and has the 
honor to refer to the to the enforcement of the Salas-Becker 
Agreement, which was the subject of the Ministry,s Note No. 
1156 of May 8, 2009. 
 
The Salas-Becker Agreement is of vital importance to 
combating illicit traffic by sea and air in narcotics and 
other offenses.  The United States of America highly values 
the Salas-Becker Agreement and the continued partnership with 
Panama under the Agreement to interdict and deliver 
appropriate legal consequences to vessels and persons engaged 
in illicit activity. 
 
The Department of State wishes to express its regret for the 
complications and inadequate communications relating to the 
U.S. Coast Guard,s boarding of Panamanian-flagged vessel 
POLLUX A during the period of April 26-30, 2009. 
 
The Department of State acknowledges the importance of 
adhering to Article XIV of the Agreement and the standard 
operating procedures drafted during the meetings held in 
Panama City in December 2008.  The standardized procedures 
and associated forms were developed jointly to ensure that 
the necessary channels of communication are established and 
functional between the designated officials of our 
Governments. 
 
The Department of State will work with other U.S. Government 
agencies to ensure proper implementation of the Agreement and 
standardized procedures and that the Operations Center of the 
National Aero-Naval Service of Panama (SENAN) is updated on 
the status of authorized boardings via telephone, fax, or 
email communications at least every six (6) hours. 
 
The Department of States avails itself of this opportunity to 
renew to the Ministry of Foreign Relations of the Republic of 
Panama, Directorate General of Legal Affairs and Treaties the 
assurances of its highest consideration. 
 
End Text. 
CLINTON