INDONESIA RE-ELECTED AS IMO COUNCIL MEMBER

INDONESIA RE-ELECTED AS IMO COUNCIL MEMBER

London, Nov 28 (ANTARA) - Indonesia has been re-elected as a Category C member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for the period of 2009-2011 collecting 132 out of 153 votes.

The election was done at the 26th IMO Assembly in London on November 26, 2009, the third secretary of the Indonesian embassy in London, Billy Wibisono, said to ANTARA here on Saturday.

He said at the debate Indonesian minister of transportation Freddy Numberi asserted that Indonesia as a maritime country had already played its role as an IMO Council member by especially prioritizing safety in the country's shipping activities.

Category C members of the IMO are countries that have special interest in the field of sea transportation or navigation proportionately representing geographic positions.

Indonesia finished third in the vote, a level higher than its position in 2007 when it could only finish fourth with 114 votes.

The position is also better that those of the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand and other Category C members such as Turkey, Malta, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Chile, Bahama, Denmark, Mexico, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, Australia and Jamaica.

With its re-election Indonesia would be able to continue its important role as a member of IMO Council played since 1973.

The re-election however will also raise the country's burden and responsibility especially with regard to efforts in assuring efficient shipping security and safety guarantee and protection of marine eco-system.

The re-election was the result of hard work from all stakeholders dealing with marine resources and diplomatic approaches by Indonesian representatives in the IMO member countries and in Britain where the IMO headquarters is located, he said. ***3***
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(T.SYS/B/H-YH/B/H-YH) 28-11-2009 21:24:48