international hydrographic organization 2003 - IHO

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RE-INTEGRATION OF SUSPENDED MEMBER STATES
Suriname, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic
During 2003 the following efforts were made by the IHB to reintegrate IHO suspended members:
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC):
The West African Action Team, a technical body established by the EatHC to assess the
status, identify initiatives and propose actions to enhance hydrography, nautical cartography
and MSI in the region, paid a visit to DRC in March 2003 and could not find the reasons why
their authorities decided to discontinue paying their contribution to the IHO since 1981. After
the visit, the IHB sent an invitation to the national authorities to consider the reinsertion of the
Democratic Republic of Congo in the IHO affairs. The IHB expressed its strong opinion that
this country is losing the possibility and benefits associated to safety to navigation and
protection of the marine environment, aspects with a deep relation with the economic and
social development of maritime countries. Unfortunately, no reply has been received.
Dominican Republic (DR):
Efforts to reinsert DR were considered to be made in 2004, but due to a meeting of
COCATRAM hold in November 2003 in DR, the IHB decided to take advantage of it and to
arrange meeting with their authorities. The representative of DR , the Director of the Instituto
Cartográfico Militar was very receptive and showed strong interest and willingness to contact
relevant Ministries to resolve and assure payment of the contributions. The IHB provided
technical information as well as financial information to the Ministry of Foreing Affairs to
speed up the process. It is expected that a positive reaction will take place during 2004.
Suriname:
As indicated in the Work Programme, the IHB contacted The Netherlands Hydrographic
Office and worked this issue in coordination. Communications between IHB and Suriname
(President of the Board of Directors of the Maritime Authority) were established and
information requested by Suriname was promptly forwarded by the IHB. It was clear from the
exchange of correspondence that Suriname is seriously considering having its rights restored.
It is expected that there will be positive news during 2004.
RELATED PUBLICATIONS
M-2 National Maritime Policies and Hydrographic Services
A re-edition of this publication, updated, was forecasted for early 2004. The members of the IHO
Capacity Building Committee will send their contributions.
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