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) -------------- -- Africa and the Security Council -------------- -- ¶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. -------------- Article 98 / Security -------------- ¶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. -------------- - Millennium Challenge Account -------------- - ¶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. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶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.