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