AU, MCC, ARTICLE 98 AND THE MFA

C O N F I D E N T I A L MASERU 000572

SIPDIS

FOR AF/S

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/3/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR LT KICC UN MCC
SUBJECT: AU, MCC, ARTICLE 98 AND THE MFA

REF: MASERU 527

CLASSIFIED BY: JUNE CARTER PERRY, AMBASSADOR, EXEC, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)



CLASSIFIED BY: JUNE CARTER PERRY, AMBASSADOR, EXEC, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)

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Africa and the Security Council
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1. (C) Following attendance at an extraordinary meeting of the
African Union, FOMIN Moleleki portrayed Africa's stance on the
Security Council as unchanged during November 3 discussion. He
characterized the AU's position as contrary to that of the U.S.
in terms of size with the AU still arguing for two rotating
seats based on regional groupings. Ambassador reviewed U.S.
position, stating support for consideration of an expanded UNSC
but counseling against hasty decisions in that regard especially
as many international issues loom large (including overall UN
reform). The FOMIN recognized the historic roles of the U.S.
and France on the UNSC, but also posited that India ("a large
and true democracy") merited a seat if an "undemocratic" China
retained its seat. We expect the AU discussions will continue
in the coming months.

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Article 98 / Security
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2. (C) During our meeting, Minister of Trade Malie telephoned
FOMIN to discuss our Article 98 agenda item. The Foreign and
Trade Ministers are slated to consult on texts over the next few
days then seek comments from Prime Minister Mosisili. (Post
will follow progress closely.)


3. (C) In the area of military security, Moleleki revealed the
PM had charged him to investigate establishing DATT positions in
Lesotho's U.S., India and PRC missions. Ambassador reviewed
current U.S. DATT involvement in Lesotho emphasizing the
limitations faced because of the country's non-signatory status
regarding Article 98. Moleleki predicted, as noted, resolution
of that matter and requested pilot training, for women in
particular, as well as equipment. Ambassador pointed out that
both training and equipment could be considered once an Article
98 agreement is signed. The FOMIN responded that Lesotho's PM
wants his country to be considered a "good friend" of the United
States.

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Millennium Challenge Account
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4. (C) Ambassador urged FOMIN as Chair of the GOL's Cabinet
sub-committee on the MCA to provide additional government
resources such as seconded officers to further support the
steering committee. U.S. MCC officers have established
excellent relationships within the sub-committee, a hard working
group, but one which requires additional personnel. The FOMIN
agreed and is in the process of identifying potential
candidates. We discussed land reform and marriage equity draft
legislation and encouraged continued forward movement during the
Parliamentary session.

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Comment
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5. (C) Moleleki's frequent travel schedule continues to remove
one of Lesotho's most important and knowledgeable players out of
the country at important junctures. With the upcoming
South-South (aka SMART Partnership) Conference in Maseru next
week, the late November Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting
in Malta and the Prime Minister's official visit to China in
early December, the FOMIN's attention will be divided.
Therefore, we are making a hard court press to keep him focused
on Article 98 and MCC related deadlines.


6. (C) Lesotho's conflicted relationship with China is also
apparent in Moleleki's discourse: The GOL wants to support
human rights, but also has accepted expensive travel to the
mainland and major infrastructural "gifts" (convention center,
national library, and now-agreed upon new parliament building,
according to the Chinese Ambassador). End Comment.