NIGERIA: VICE PRESIDENT ABUBAKAR TO VISIT

UNCLAS ABUJA 000925

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP ECON PREL EFIN NI
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: VICE PRESIDENT ABUBAKAR TO VISIT
WASHINGTON MARCH 31-APRIL 6


1. This cable contains an action request, para 4.



2. In a meeting March 19, Vice President Atiku Abubakar
informed Ambassador Jeter that he would be in Washington for
personal and medical reasons from March 31 through April 6
and would be interested in meeting with senior U.S.
policymakers. The Vice President would be available for
meetings April 4 and 5.



3. If windows exist for meetings, Post recommends that Vice
President Abubakar meet with both Secretary Powell and
Secretary O'Neill to discuss Nigeria's domestic economic and

SIPDIS
political situation. Two issues of particular relevance
would be prospects for economic reform in the aftermath of
the IMF's withdrawal from a formal program in Nigeria and the
political situation in the pre-election period.



4. Please advise on the possibility of such meetings. Post
appreciates the Department's assistance.


Jeter