Congo/Brazzaville: Delivery of Demarches and

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 002019 SIPDIS DEPT for AF/C (MAshraf) PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER FROM BRAZZAVILLE EMBASSY OFFICE E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KTFN ECON CF USTR WTO SUBJECT: Congo/Brazzaville: Delivery of Demarches and Confirmation of WTO Delegation Representation REFS: (A) STATE 213244; (B) STATE 215121; (C) STATE 216147; (D) STATE 217347; (E) STATE 220355; (F) STATE 220728; (G) STATE 221401; (H) STATE 218978 (not delivered, see parA 9) ¶1. The following demarches were delivered by Econ/Cons Officer Bakken to Mr. Felix Ngoma, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Americas Desk Officer, on December 9, 2005. ¶2. EITI Update and Outreach (REF A): In response to talking points and non-paper, Ngoma indicated that the ROC has endorsed the initiative and is working on implementation. He promised that the non-paper would be forwarded to the appropriate host-government officials and that he would respond with an update on the government's next steps. ¶3. National Strategy for Maritime Security (REF B): EMBOFF presented talking points and non-paper to Ngoma. He indicated that the information would be forwarded to the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Commerce for review and coordination of government response to emerging initiatives to better secure the maritime domain. ¶4. Avian Flu: Addressing AI-Related Import Restrictions on Poultry (REF C): The talking points and non-paper were presented to Mr. Ngoma with request for him to provide to embassy staff a copy of the recent ban on poultry importation from countries where the avian flu has been identified. He assured EMBOFF that there was no limitation on imports from the U.S. (Comment: Interestingly, this week the consular section issued a visa to a Congolese trader who wanted to make contacts in the U.S. for importing poultry, the first time this product was listed among the items a Congolese trader was looking to purchase in the U.S. End Comment.) ¶5. World AIDS Day 2005 (REF D): The talking points and non-paper were delivered to Mr. Ngoma, who indicated that he would pass the information to the appropriate government officials. ¶6. Terrorism Finance (REF E): Bakken provided names and background paper to Mr. Ngoma in both French and English. Mr. Ngoma indicated that the receipt of French materials makes the process of disseminating the information to the appropriate government officials more efficient and timely. ¶7. Iraq: Seeking Public Support for December 15 Election (REF F): EMBOFF delivered talking points and non-paper to Mr. Ngoma. Mr. Ngoma expressed agreement concerning the importance of public statements of international support for the Iraqi people as they elect the first government under the new constitution. He said that he would pass the non-paper to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. ¶8. Demarche Request UNGA Third Committee (REF G): EMBOFF presented talking points to Mr. Ngoma. (Comment. Mr. Ngoma did not appear sympathetic to the U.S. position and it appears likely that ROC will continue to vote with other African nations. End Comment.) ¶9. UNGA Demarche to Increase Plenary Support of First Committee Resolution (REF H): Demarche not delivered as cable was received in Brazzaville after anticipated vote. ¶10. Upcoming WTO Ministerial in Hong Kong was briefly discussed given some recent talking points and Ngoma confirmed that the Minister of Commerce, Ms. Adelaide Moundele-Ngolo, had departed Brazzaville on December 7 with Director General, Mr. Okoye. He noted that the ROC delegation would look forward to meeting the U.S. delegates while in Hong Kong. ¶11. Please be advised that the Embassy Brazzaville TDY Office currently has no access to IVG, OpenNet or GAL e- mail. Embassy staff may be contacted via the following personal e-mail accounts or cell phone numbers: CDA Mark Biedlingmaier, carpaemarkum@hotmail.com celtel: (242) 526-3562 ECON/CONS Chelsea Bakken, bzvbakkencmh@yahoo.com celtel: (242) 528-7963 (on R&R, 12/13 - 1/15/06) TDY MGT Susan Selbin, sselbin@hotmail.com celtel: (242) 525-7387 (departs post 12/23) ¶12. Brazzaville Embassy Office - Biedlingmaier. MEECE