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