SOMALILAND INTEREST SECTION TO OPEN IN DJIBOUTI

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 001225 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/21/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV DJ SO SUBJECT: SOMALILAND INTEREST SECTION TO OPEN IN DJIBOUTI Classified By: Pol/Econ Erinn C. Reed for reasons 1.4 (b) and (c). ¶1. (U) Minister of Foreign Affairs of the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland, Edna Adan Ismail, visited Djibouti 12 September to discuss the relationship between Djibouti and Somaliland. Among the topics discussed was the facilitation of an economic cooperation between the two governments. ¶2. (U) Somaliland newspapers reported that the Government of Djibouti agreed to allow a liaison office in Djibouti. This type of bureau had existed in Djibouti in the past but closed abruptly during the Arta Conference in 2000 when relations between Djibouti and Somaliland began to sour. The newspaper also said that the Government of Djibouti has agreed to donate one building and one residence for the use of the Somaliland interest section. (Note: Post has not been able to verify this last information. End Note) ¶3. (C) Ismail told Econ Assistant in a recent e-mail that Somaliland will open a liaison office in Djibouti, which will be headed by Rashid Yasin Obsiye. She said there had been no credentialling rising to the level of recognition. RAGSDALE