28TH DJIBOUTIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY - GUELLEH'S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000623

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF AND AF/E;
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER;

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM ECON DJ
SUBJECT: 28TH DJIBOUTIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY - GUELLEH'S
PRIORITIES


1. (U) Summary: On the 27th June, after the traditional
military parade, President Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife
hosted a garden party for government employees, members of
Parliament, the diplomatic corps, and large numbers of the
population. At the event, Guelleh gave two speeches
traditional for this occasion, one in French for the
international audience and one in Somali for the Djiboutian
people. Speaking in French, Guelleh focused on Djibouti's
economic aspirations and outlined five elements necessary
for an effective and competitive economic strategy.
Somalia, Darfur, Israel, the Palestinian areas, and Iraq
were also main points of interest in the French speech.
Speaking in Somali, Guelleh addressed regional and
international issues of importance. He asked his Somali
neighbors to put aside tribal differences and proceed with
relocation and reconstruction. He asked the youth of
Djibouti to continue their responsibility to develop the
country. Guelleh also announced in his Somali speech that
Djibouti would send troops to Darfur, but did not specify a
time frame. End Summary.


2. (U) The festivities for Djibouti's 28th Independence Day
included a military parade and a garden reception for the
government and diplomatic corps. Traditionally, President
Guelleh gives one speech in French targeted at both the
national and international communities and one in Somali
targeted only towards the Djiboutian people. Guelleh's
speech in French outlined five elements necessary to an
effective and competitive economic growth for Djibouti.


3. (U) Guelleh's first element was the need to invest in
Djiboutians. He said Djiboutian investors need to be backed
so they can perform in regional markets. The government has
done an evaluation of competencies in order to improve
training, push for an increase in literacy, and improve
professional skills and attitudes.


4. (U) The second element was the need for Djibouti to
innovate. The government will invigorate access to
financing for young companies by creating appropriate
financial instruments or specialized funds in capital-
risks. Guelleh said the government is studying ways to
facilitate procedures in order to convert the spirit of
initiative into dynamic enterprises, concrete action,
enhanced employment, and bring regional and international
vocational exchanges back to Djibouti.


5. (U) The third element was to simplify business
arrangements. Transparency and discipline plus a flexible
regulation policy will allow Djibouti to reach its
objectives. Guelleh said, "We should be able to offer the
world of business a modern and secure judicial
environment."


6. (U) The fourth element was moving the government towards
regional development. This included focusing attention on
regional economics through reinforcement of capacities,
support for local communities, and development of Port and
road infrastructures.


7. (U) The fifth element was promoting commerce and
investments. With considerable investments, Djibouti will
be able to support growth and create quality-based
employment. By improving the economic environment,
installing a competitive taxation policy, rigorous
budgetary discipline, and easy access to financement, these
goals will be reached.


8. (U) Guelleh reiterated his commitment to finalize
regional elections before the end of 2005. He congratulated
the Ethiopian leaders for allowing a peaceful electoral
organization. He paid tribute to Sudanese authorities for
their commitment to a peaceful resolution of South-Sudan
and Darfur conflicts. Guelleh also exhorted Israel to
respect international accords so Palestinian people could
live in freedom in a Palestinian state where Jerusalem is
its capital. He also expressed his wish to see people of
Iraq attain social peace supported by the new institutions
that they created.


9. (U) In Somali, he welcomed the Somali Prime Minister,
Ali Mohamed Guedi, and the President of the Somali National
Assembly, Sharif Hassan Cheikh Adan, who were present in
Djibouti. He encouraged the Somali leaders not to let
tribal animosity compete with reconstruction priorities. He
urged them to end their internal fights and proceed with
relocation and reconstruction efforts.


10. (U) He also addressed some words to youth of Djibouti,
born in 1977 and who are now mature and already have
families in some cases. He told them that their elders have
left them a peaceful and modern country, and the young
generation must now take the lead and pursue the building
of the nation. Guelleh also paid a grand tribute to the
first president of Djibouti after independence, Hassan
Gouled Aptidon, whose determination and sacrifice were
essential to building the nation. He wished Aptidon long
life and good health so he may see the fruits of his
efforts.
RAGSDALE