UNCLAS MASERU 000034

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED
FOR AF/FO AND AF/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SF
SUBJECT: LESOTHO ATTENDANCE AT AU SUMMIT

REF: STATE 8014


1. Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Motlatsi
Ramafole informed post January 20 that Lesotho's delegation to
the AU Summit in Abuja, Nigeria would be as follows: Deputy
Prime Minister Archibald Lesao Lehohla, Minister of Foreign
Affairs (MFA) Monyane Moleleki, MFA Deputy Principal Secretary

T. P. Lekhela and Ambassador M. Leteka, GOL Ambassador to the AU
(also accredited to Nigeria).


2. Post recommends that PDAS Ranneberger have a meeting (or, at
minimum, a pull aside) with the DPM and with MFA. The new MFA
is up to date on U.S. positions regarding regional issues (such
as elections) as well as broader issues in our bilateral
relationship.


3. Suggested Talking Points:

-- We appreciate Lesotho's active role in the SADC Troika and
growing role in the AU.

-- Your national elections (2002) were free and fair; we are
encouraged by your commitment to have successful local
government elections in April. (Note: These will be Lesotho's
first local government elections.)

-- We encourage Lesotho to play an active role in sharing your
good record with Zimbabwe. In that regard, we urge you to
encourage Zimbabwe to follow SADC guidelines as its March
election approaches.

-- We appreciate the strong relationship the U.S. has with
Lesotho in strengthening democracy through dialogue and
training; sponsoring the upcoming U.S./Lesotho Trade Delegation;
and increasing U.S. funding to fight HIV/AIDS in your country
(30-40% infection rate).

PERRY