DEMARCHE ON ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENTS

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001343

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CG KICC
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON ARTICLE 98 AGREEMENTS

REF: SECSTATE 145167


1. (U) POLOFF initially delivered reftel demarche to
Ambassador Fabien Emery Zulu, Cabinet Director for FonMin
Ghonda on July 7. However, since Ambassador Zulu was not sure
of the status of the Article 98 agreement signed by the Congo
poloff followed up by meeting with Ambassador Clementine
Shakembo, Director of the Western Hemisphere Section on July

16. Shakembo said that when the Congo signed the agreement in
2002, it believed it had followed all necessary procedures,
but with the inception of a transitional government and
parliament, the Foreign Ministry now feels that it is
necessary to submit the article 98 agreement to the National
Assembly for ratification. Shakembo indicated that the
Ministry soon will initiate this process. We will continue to
follow up.
SCOTT