CONTINENTAL'S DESIGNATION IN TROUBLE

UNCLAS ABUJA 001708 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED STATE PASS USTR, DOT FOR OIA/QMBODMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR NI SUBJECT: CONTINENTAL'S DESIGNATION IN TROUBLE REF: (A) ABUJA 1635, (B) ABUJA 1670 ¶1. (SBU) On October 6 a well-placed source involved in the direct talks that led to the creation of Virgin Nigeria informed us that Minister of Aviation Yuguda is of the view that the GON will not accept the USG's designation of Continental to provide air service between the United States and Nigeria under the Open Skies Agreement. ¶2. (U) Comment. On September 21 we made the demarche to MFA Acting Director for American Affairs, Bosah Ilochi, designating Continental. We have yet to receive a reply despite telephonic follow-up. End comment. ¶3. (SBU) Recommendation. We suggest that Continental's designation be an agenda item at the November TIFA discussions in Abuja if Continental's application has been rejected or remains pending by November 10. ROBERTS