EID PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 001120 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF AND AF/E; LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER; E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PINS KISL KPAL DJ SUBJECT: EID PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: On November 3rd, Djibouti celebrated the end of the holy month of Ramadan. After the EID prayer, President Ismail Omar Guelleh hosted a garden party in the Presidential Palace. In a long speech in Arabic, Guelleh talked about the cost of oil and its implications in the local market. Referring to the latest social violence due to bus strikes, he warned that stability and security will not be undermined. He also touched on coming regional elections and decentralization. Guelleh commented on the peace process in the Middle East and the democratic process in Iraq before expressing his good wishes for EID to the Djiboutian population. End of Summary. ¶2. (U) On NOvember 3rd, Djibouti celebrated the EID El Fitr, which is the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. President Ismail Omar Guelleh gave his EID speech during the annual garden party for the official community and invited guests that he hosts with the First Lady. After praying that Allah accepts the sacrifices made during the holy month, he exhorted Djiboutian Muslims to work harder and free one's internal energy to develop the country and combat sins. ¶3. (U) Speaking on rising international oil prices, he regretted the result was a significant negative impact on the already weak economy of Djibouti. He cited two areas that are affected more than others, Djibouti's economic growth and the poorest members of its population with limited revenues. To remedy this crisis, he called on international institutions and oil producing countries to show generosity and solidarity towards poor countries. "Stability and security might be compromised otherwise," he said. ¶4. (U) Djibouti has recently seen a huge strike of public transportation that paralyzed Djibouti-city for four days. Guelleh threatened those who attempt to disrupt the "security of fellow Djiboutians" would be punished severely. "Our country will remain an oasis of peace and stability." He emphasized that Djibouti's position and stability are its major resource and there will be no wealth if those two components are targeted. ¶5. (U) On decentralization, Guelleh announced that regional elections will be held before the end of 2005. This transfer of power to the local governing bodies will permit citizens to manage their own regions. ¶6. (U) Regarding the Middle East, Guelleh stated "if Israel has withdrawn from the Gaza strip, it's due to the heroic struggle of Palestinian people, and this will be the first step of liberating Palestinian territories to its 1967's border." On the other hand, he requested from "brothers in the Authority to maintain unity and not to succumb to confrontation." He also expressed his desire to see the Palestinian leader Abou Mazen be up to the situation. On Iraq, Guelleh called for a free, democratic and reconciled Iraq. RAGSDALE