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