Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BANJUL558
2006-09-08 12:08:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Banjul
Cable title:  

THE GAMBIA: RECOMMENDATION FOR MEETING WITH

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM UNGA KMCA GA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5051
OO RUEHLMC
DE RUEHJL #0558 2511208
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 081208Z SEP 06
FM AMEMBASSY BANJUL
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6950
INFO RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0072
C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000558 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND AF/RSA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM UNGA KMCA GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: RECOMMENDATION FOR MEETING WITH
FOREIGN MINISTER ON UNGA MARGINS


Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000558

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/FO, AF/W, AND AF/RSA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/08/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM UNGA KMCA GA
SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: RECOMMENDATION FOR MEETING WITH
FOREIGN MINISTER ON UNGA MARGINS


Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D)


1. (U) This is an action message -- see para 5.


2. (U) As reported septel, Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs (Foreign Minister equivalent) Lamin Kaba Bajo will
head The Gambia's delegation to the upcoming UNGA session.
The GOTG has requested meetings for Bajo with the Secretary
and AF A/S Frazer.


3. (C) I recognize that scheduling a meeting for Bajo with
the Secretary at this late date is not likely, but I do
recommend that A/S Frazer or DAS Thomas-Greenfield meet with
him. High-level contacts between senior Washington officials
and the GOTG are infrequent, and I believe that a meeting on
the UNGA margins would serve to reinforce our message on
various issues -- first and foremost, on the country's
negative human rights trend and on the importance of The
Gambia's upcoming Presidential and National Assembly
elections for the country's democratic evolution. A meeting
would also serve to encourage a constructive response by the
GOTG to the recent suspension of its MCA eligibility as well
as its continued cooperation in the Global War on Terrorism
(GWOT) and its participation in Darfur peacekeeping.


4. (C) Following are suggested points for a meeting:

-- We remain deeply concerned about the negative trend in
The Gambia's human rights situation that was a key factor in
the MCC's decision to suspend The Gambia's MCA eligiblity;

-- We urge your government to act promptly to reverse the
negative human rights trend by, for example, ensuring free,
and transparent Presidential and National Assembly elections,
which are potentially crucial milestones in the country's
democratic evolution;

-- It is also imperative that your government uphold the
rights of all detainees, including those allegedly involved
in the failed coup plot last March, and bring to account any
officials responsible for the reported torture of detainees;

-- We also urge your government to foster a more open, freer
media environment and permit the journal, the "Independent,"
to resume publication;

-- Regarding MCA, the decision to suspend The Gambia's
eligibility was regrettable, but the MCC had no choice, given
the data it received indicating slippage in your government's
performance on various eligibility criteria related to
governance and human rights as well as economic policy;

-- Suspension does not mean that the door to MCA is forever
closed to The Gambia; our Embassy in Banjul stands ready to
consult with your government on the areas of slippage and
ways of addressing them, but it will be up to your government
to take the steps necessary to begin the process of seeking
reinstatement of eligiblity;

-- We continue to value The Gambia's cooperation in the
Global War on Terrorism (GWOT) and hope that your
government's expanded dialog of late with Iran, the leading
state sponsor of terrorism, does not mean a change in your
stance on the GWOT;

-- We are mindful of your contribution of troops and police
officers to the AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur and urge
your support for the transition of AMIS to a UN force.


5. (U) Action request: please advise regarding prospects for
a meeting. .
STAFFORD