UPCOMING SIGNING OF THE U.S.-ALGERIA S&T AGREEMENT

UNCLAS ALGIERS 001674

SIPDIS

AMMAN FOR ESTH HUB (J. WHITTLESEY)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV KSCA TSPL AG US
SUBJECT: UPCOMING SIGNING OF THE U.S.-ALGERIA S&T AGREEMENT

REF: A. SENSENEY-PIGNATELLO EMAIL 8/9/05


B. 03 STATE 2516

C. 04 STATE 2314


1. Econoff notified MFA Deputy Director of the Americas
August 11 of USG agreement to the Algerian proposed changes
to the Science and Technology Agreement (preamble paragraph
3) and informed him that we understood U/S for Global Affairs
Dobriansky was prepared to come to Algiers for the signing
ceremony at a mutually convenient time. Adjabi was unable to
say who would sign for Algeria.


2. From our perspective, Higher Education and Scientific
Research Minister Delegate Souad Bendjaballah would be a
strong candidate and our first choice. Adjabi did not
indicate a preferred timeframe and asked us to offer dates
for the Under Secretary's visit. Asked if October, during
Ramadan (which begins October 5),would be an acceptable
timeframe, Adjabi said the GOA would consider any dates we
proposed, including in October.


3. Post recommends U/S Dobriansky travel to Algiers for the
above purpose and requests that the Department provide
suitable dates in early September or in October for a visit.
Due to a heavy September visit schedule and simultaneous
official travel of POLEC officers, post recommends that the
U/S Dobrianksy visit not/not fall between September 15 and
September 30. Department should note that the work week in
Algeria is Saturday to Wednesday.

ERDMAN