DISCUSSION OF HIGH LEVEL ISSUES WITH MFA

UNCLAS MASERU 000365

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR AF/S - D. MOZENA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL LT OVIP HIV
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF HIGH LEVEL ISSUES WITH MFA



1. (SBU) Ambassador briefed Minister of Foreign Affairs
Moleleki on the brief private visit of Former President Clinton
and announced that OGAC Coordinator Ambassador Randall Tobias
was expected in country soon for an official visit. The
Minister was pleased with the detailed coordination between the
Embassy and MFA. The Minister spoke glowingly about the
specific steps the USG has taken to address the HIV/AIDS problem
in Lesotho and indicated that his government would try to be
responsive on a number of bilateral fronts as well. In that
regard, he stated that the Deputy Prime Minister had moved from
a negative position concerning the Article 98 Agreement, that
the Attorney General who had previously voiced legal concerns
was less adamant in his stance and that the Cabinet hoped to
move the Prime Minister in a more positive direction in the
coming months. (Note: During July 11 meeting with Minister of
Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador presented additional legal
information as provided by the Department to the Minister for
his review and for the review of his legal advisors. End Note.)


2. (SBU) In light of the high profile visits and continued work
on the ground with new Embassy resources devoted to the HIV/AIDS
sector, the Minister thought that the bilateral relationship had
reached a new high. We responded that we are certainly
committed to addressing the AIDS pandemic across Africa
generally, and specifically in Lesotho. Our bilateral
relationship had to be based on mutual understanding and respect
and we would continue to engage the government on a range of
issues. The Minister stated that he recognized the need for
reciprocity and the need to be responsive to U.S. concerns as
well.


3. (SBU) Comment: We expect that the positive tone of upcoming
visits will benefit USG objectives. End Comment.

PERRY