MINISTER OF PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS ON CAMP LEMONIER

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000301

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF, AF/E, AF/RSA AND PM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2014
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS DJ
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF PRESIDENTIAL AFFAIRS ON CAMP LEMONIER
LEASE

Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA D. RAGSDALE.
REASONS 1.5 (B) AND (D).


1. (C) In a February 29 call on Minister of Presidential
Affairs, Osman Ahmed Moussa (reported septel),Ambassador
raised the CJTF-HOA presence in Djibouti, its role and that
of the U.S. Mission in support of the global war on
terrorism. She noted that the Camp Lemonier lease agreement
was up for renewal and asked who would lead negotiations on
behalf of the Government of Djibouti. She also noted that
Ambassador Roble Olhaye had been in touch with General
Robeson on some aspects of the lease agreement.


2. (C) Moussa responded that "in the past, there was no
coordination on the lease among various government offices in
Djibouti. Today, the Ministry of Presidential Affairs is the
official coordinator on military matters." Moussa did not
confirm that Olhaye would be point person nor did he deny it.


3. (C) In what could easily have been interpreted as a joke,
based on manner of delivery of his remarks, Moussa quickly
added that "France is currently paying 30 million Euros to
the Government of Djibouti annually for base leasing rights
in Djibouti" (an amount subsequently confirmed to Ambassador
by France's Brigadier General Gerard Pons, Commander of
French Forces stationed in Djibouti). "It will help the
economy of Djibouti," Moussa said, "if the U.S. increased its
payment from USD 15 million to USD 30 million." (Note:
General Pons told Ambassador and USLO chief during a meeting
at the U.S. Embassy March 3, that his military also procures
its durable supplies on the local Djibouti market and that
members of the French military based here pay income taxes to
the Government of Djibouti. End Note).


4. (C) Comment: We cannot determine at this time if the USD
30 million figure mentioned by Moussa will be a starting
point for Djibouti's negotiations with the Department of
Defense on a continuing lease agreement for Camp Lemonier.
End comment.
RAGSDALE