DHLAKAMA SPEAKS TO AMBASSADOR ON VISIT TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L MAPUTO 000740 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/S KDAVISON E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/04/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV MZ DHLAKAMA SUBJECT: DHLAKAMA SPEAKS TO AMBASSADOR ON VISIT TO WASHINGTON AND US-MOZAMBICAN RELATIONS REF: MAPUTO 00678 Classified By: Ambassador Helen La Lime for reasons 1.5 b and d ¶1. (C) Ambassador and econ/polofficer (notetaker) met with RENAMO opposition leader and presidential candidate for Afonso Dhlakama at his request on June 4 to discuss his planned trip to the United States and a variety of bilateral and regional issues. Dhlakama was more upbeat and positive than usual. The Ambassador used the meeting to highlight US-Mozambican cooperation, noting Mozambique's participation in the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief and eligibility under the Millennium Challenge Account, and recent high-level USG visits to Mozambique. The need for greater progress on judicial and labor reforms and anti-corruption efforts were also discussed. The Ambassador stressed the need for the political leadership to speak-out on HIV/AIDS. ¶2. (C) Dhlakama spoke at length on a variety of political and economic issues. He expressed satisfaction on US engagement in Mozambique, noting that this has been a relatively new development, reflecting the government's move away from the "East" and to a multi-party system. He agreed on the need for greater progress on judicial reform and corruption (which, according to Dhlakama, goes from "top to bottom"). Speaking on the economy, Dhlakama stressed the importance of developing national production, particularly of small and medium sized businesses, and reducing the country's reliance on imports from South Africa. In this sense, regional integration was described as a net negative for Mozambique. Dhlakama was optimistic about the country's economic potential, noting its extensive resources in fishing, timber and minerals, though he was critical of the mega-investments (principally from South Africa),which he said only benefited the south of the country. ¶3. (C) Turning to US-Mozambican relations and the US role in Africa, Dhlakama stated that the US must define its friends and strategy and defend its interests in Africa. According to Dhlakama, he had conveyed this message to US officials during his visit to the United States last year. The lack of support for US policy in Iraq by many leaders in Africa was noted, as was the reluctance of some key African leaders, such as Mbeki, to take clear positions on regional issues such as the situation in Zimbabwe. Dhlakama noted that he had been meeting with European officials regarding Mozambique's upcoming presidential elections and had encouraged the participation of international observers. ¶4. (C) Regarding his trip to Washington, originally planned for June 23-30 (reftel),Dhlakama appeared familiar with the often lengthy visa waiver process and stated that he already had moved his trip dates. He now plans to arrive in the United States on July 20. Dhlakama stated his interest in meeting with officials from both the Department of State and Defense. LA LIME