AMBASSADOR MCGEE MEETS WITH PRESIDENT SAMBI OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ANTANANARIVO 001309 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E - MBEYZEROV PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CN EAID KISL MA OPDC PGOV PINR PREL SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MCGEE MEETS WITH PRESIDENT SAMBI OF COMOROS Summary: During a November 13 meeting with Ambassador McGee, Comoran President Sambi discussed issues of security, the upcoming gubernatorial elections, the U.S. presence in Comoros and the need for U.S. assistance in economic and infrastructure development. Sambi reaffirmed his country's commitment to work with the USG in the global war against terrorism and stated that he is eager to launch the meetings of the U.S. Comoros Joint Committee on Bilateral Relations at the earliest possible date. End Summary. SECURITY AND ELECTIONS Sambi requested the presence of 3 to 5 U.S. military personnel to train the Army of National Development currently being set up in Anjuoan for the upcoming elections and beyond. He said the Army would be used to patrol coastal waters in an attempt to stop illegal fishing by Chinese based in Madagascar and other neighboring countries. However, the primary mission of the Army would be election observation during the gubernatorial elections scheduled for March 2007. Sambi also mentioned the need for technical experts to assess what could be done to help villages that are still suffering from mudslides triggered by recent volcanic activity. Ambassador explained that he would work with the U.S. military to seek assistance for the Army of National Development, but, if successful in receiving funds, we could only provide election observation training for civil society or political parties. U.S. PRESENCE IN COMOROS Sambi emphasized the importance of reestablishing an U.S. presence in Comoros. He was pleased to see the Peace Corps assessment team in his country, but stated that Comoros would most benefit from the re-establishment of a full diplomatic mission. Ambassador detailed current projects of the U.S. military's civilian affairs teams to rehabilitate or build schools and hospitals and the extensive work of our PAS at the American Corner as examples of USG involvement in Comoros. ECONOMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT According to Sambi almost 85 percent of Comoros' USD 60 million annual budget goes toward the payment of government salaries and overhead. One of his top priorities is to develop large-scale projects to create jobs and increase government revenues. While keen to develop the commercial fishing and tourism industries, Sambi is also exploring the idea of establishing an oil refinery to compete against those located in the Seychelles. He thinks Comoros would be an attractive and cost effective refining alternative for companies operating on the African mainland. Sambi said he understands that the country's lack of infrastructure is a roadblock to foreign investment and has socioeconomic repercussions by impeding his people's ability to work. His top three development priorities are energy, water and roads and he wondered what assistance the U.S. could provide in helping him achieve these goals. Sambi also requested assistance in launching a national housing scheme to provide inexpensive housing for those who can afford it and free housing for the extreme poor. Comment: President Sambi is struggling to maintain the fragile alliance of three small and extremely poor islands. The gubernatorial elections in March 2007 will likely determine if he can be successful in maintaining the Union. To do so, he must reach an accommodation with President Bacar of Anjuoan, but given Bacar's ambitions (septel),Sambi will find this hard, if not impossible, to accomplish. His Army of National Development is simply a military force to counter and intimidate the military unit put together by Bacar on Anjuoan. Comment continued: While admirable, Sambi's plans for economic development will require funding and commitments that he does not have and are unlikely to be forthcoming. Sambi, true to his well honed business instincts, remains willing to seek funding from any available source. Our present posture in Comoros will not assist this fledgling government in its efforts to develop and maintain a moderate, Islamic state. The upcoming U.S. - Comoros Joint Committee on Bilateral Relations may well be our last chance to influence the direction and stability of the Sambi government. ANTANANARI 00001309 002 OF 002 McGEE