TAYLOR: MIXED SIGNALS BREEDS PROBLEMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 ABUJA 001996

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/20/2013
TAGS: PREL LI NI
SUBJECT: TAYLOR: MIXED SIGNALS BREEDS PROBLEMS


REF: ABUJA 1937


Classified by CDA Roger Meece. Reason 1.5 (b/d)



1. (C) Summary: MFA Permanent Secretary Hart told the CDA
November 20 that the GON appreciated USG clarifications
regarding Charles Taylor and the recent measure authorizing
$2 million related to the SLSC indictment against him.
Nonetheless, Hart observed the issue is getting a good deal
of ongoing play in Nigeria, and he is concerned that
perceptions of a growing rift between the USG and GON
regarding Liberia poses risks for the Liberian peace process
and regional affairs in general. Indeed, he noted that a
"series of measures" that appear to signal divergence between
the two countries could create problems in the general
bilateral relationship. While the CDA reiterated that the
USG continues to feel that Taylor should ultimately answer
for his actions, the CDA and Hart concurred that that the GON
and USG share a common goal, i.e., ensuring Taylor does not
undermine Liberian peace nor regional stability generally,
and that close cooperation between the two governments should
be maintained. Hart confirmed FM Adeniji is prepared to
discuss Taylor during requested meetings in Washington next
week. End summary.



2. (C) In a November 20 meeting with MFA Permanent Secretary
Amb. Daniel Hart, CDA sought to ensure that there were no
misunderstandings regarding recent legislation authorizing $2
million in relation to Sierra Leone Special Court (SLSC)
indictee Charles Taylor. CDA noted widespread press reports,
much of it misreporting the measure as a $2 million "bounty"
in violation of international law, and an overt challenge to
Nigerian sovereignty. CDA emphasized that while the USG
continues to believe that Taylor will need to answer for his
actions in Liberia and the region, we also very much
appreciated the GON's leadership and continuing contribution
to resolve the conflict in Liberia. The USG in no way wants
to encourage illegal actions in Nigeria. Hart expressed
appreciation for the explanation, also welcoming the public
USG statements in Washington and Nigeria following the
initial press reports about the measure. He stated that the
lack of any official GON comment or protest about the matter
was in fact attributable to the USG public clarifications,
and the GON's own understanding of the Congressional
initiative. Expanding, Hart observed that the U.S. and
Nigeria share a common agenda, specifically to ensure that
Taylor does not undermine the Liberian transition government,
nor continue to contribute to regional instability. Hart
courteously but pointedly observed that Nigeria had much
involved, and thus a great deal to lose (comment: by
implication, arguably more than the U.S.),should Taylor
succeed in playing a destabilizing role.



3. (C) Hart mused that the issue continues to garner a great
deal of attention and comment. He said that in fact he had
been listening to a Nigerian radio talk-show early the same
morning which featured the $2 million authorization as the
principle topic. The GON welcomed close cooperation with the
U.S. which had been invaluable to unblock the Liberian peace
process; however, many Nigerians are confused by "mixed
signals" coming from the U.S. This, he asserted, begins to
create the impression of divisions between the USG and the
GON, and that in turn creates problems for the GON and
potential new risks for the Liberian peace process. Taylor
sympathizers could, in fact, exploit such perceived
divisions. The CDA concurred that the US and Nigeria share a
common goal. Taylor undoubtedly continues to have the will
and capacity to create major problems in Liberia and the
region. He must not be allowed to do so.



4. (C) The CDA advised that there are additional
Congressional initiatives related to Taylor. While details
and draft text are not yet available, there could be
implications for USG assistance programs. Hart asked if
measures being discussed proposed reductions or suspension of
aid. The CDA affirmed that could be the case, but cautioned
that any language included in new legislation would warrant
careful review to determine actual impact and options. Press
reporting would, however, undoubtedly seize on the headline
value of any new legislation. Hart nodded, saying that this
would be a very unfortunate development, as a "series of
measures" in Washington would be widely seen as a further
divergence of USG and GON policies, problematic for the
bilateral relationship and for regional affairs. He repeated
that USG and GON interests relative to Taylor are essentially
the same. Strong cooperation is needed between our
governments, not apparent public widening differences. CDA
agreed that effective cooperation is important, and pledged a
close continuing dialogue whatever might emerge from the
legislative process.



5. (C) In the course of the discussion, Hart mentioned that
FM Adeneji had already left for New York, with the hope of
continuing on to Washington for meeting(s). CDA confirmed
that we are checking possibilities regarding appointments for
the Minister and the accompanying Attorney General.
Information about the Washington schedule could be passed via
the Nigerian mission in New York. In response to a question,
Hart acknowledged that Adeniji anticipates that Taylor and
Liberia would arise as subjects in any discussion, and is
prepared to talk about them. Hart also said at different
points that bringing Taylor to Nigeria was not a widely
supported move in the country, and that Nigeria would not
want to hold on to Taylor without end. He did not respond,
however, to the CDA's invitation to comment about any GON
thinking about moving Taylor out, or responding to a Liberian
request in that regard. He confined himself to saying that
he had heard no discussion on the subject, and observing that
Bryant's government in Liberia has said nothing about Taylor
to the Nigerians much less signaling a desire for any
particular action.



6. (C) Comment: While Hart professes that he, FM Adeniji, and
President Obasanajo have understood USG actions and policy
regarding the $2 million measure, he appeared very concerned
by the prospects of what could be seen as a growing USG/GON
rift over Taylor. The Nigerians maintain a strong a
continuing military and political engagement in Liberia, and
an active if not dominant political position in many regional
issues. It will be very much in our interests to maintain a
close and collaborative relationship. End comment.
MEECE