THE GAMBIA: GOTG DECLINES TO ENGAGE ON MCA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANJUL 000717 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/27/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV KMCA EAID EFIN GA SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: GOTG DECLINES TO ENGAGE ON MCA REF: A. BANJUL 707 ¶B. STATE 187635 Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOSEPH STAFFORD, REASON 1.4 (B AND D) THUMBS-DOWN TO ENGAGEMENT ON MCA ELIGIBILITY REINSTATEMENT -------------- -------------- ¶1. (U) Ref a reported Ambassador's notification to Foreign Minister that The Gambia's was not re-selected for MCA compact eligibility for FY07 due to its current suspension (ref b),but that the Embassy remained at the GOTG's disposal for consultation on steps that it could take in pursuit of reinstatement. ¶2. (U) The GOTG has now responded to the Ambassador's presentation; in a brief letter dated November 24 and received today, November 27, the President's Office stated,without elaboration,"the Government of The Gambia is no longer interested in pursuing the MCA criteria and would (sic) not be engaged in any negotatins, discussions, or consultations pertaining to MCA matters." Copy of letter being faxed to Department -- AF/W. COMMENT -------------- ¶3. (C) The letter, with its "plague on your house" tone, was doubtless prepared at President Jammeh's express instruction. Following the mid-June suspension of The Gambia's MCA eligibility due to slippage in the GOTG's performance on various eligibility criteria, the erratic and irascible Jammeh has made clear his resentment -- which, judging from the letter, shows no sign of easing. END COMMENT. STAFFORD