MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT GAYOOM PLEDGES TO SUSTAIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 COLOMBO 001816

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR SCA/INS, USPACOM FOR FPA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/02/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL MV
SUBJECT: MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT GAYOOM PLEDGES TO SUSTAIN
POLITICAL REFORMS; EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT GLOBAL WARMING
AND GROWING RADICAL ISLAMIC INFLUENCE

Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr. for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: In a cordial 20-minute meeting with
President Gayoom following the presentation of his
credentials on October 30, Ambassador Blake pledged to work
to strengthen US-Maldivian relations and urged the President
to sustain Maldives' progress in its political Reform
Roadmap. Gayoom said he would do so. The President
characterized rising sea levels from global warming as the
top threat facing Maldives. He also expressed concern about
the growing influence of Islamic radicals who had studied in
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Gayoom welcomed the idea of the
USG opening an American Presence Post if the idea is approved
and funded by the State Department. Gayoom was joined by
Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed and Deputy Minister for
Presidential Affairs Dr. Hala Hameed. End Summary.

Keep to Roadmap to Ensure Stability
--------------


2. (C) Ambassador opened by noting that he looked forward to
continuing to strengthen relations between the U.S. and
Maldives, building on recent progress as a result of U.S.
tsunami relief efforts and the first ever US-Maldives joint

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military exercise that was continuing that same day. He
congratulated Gayoom on his success in raising per capita
income in Maldives from South Asia's lowest to the region's
highest. To ensure the stability and prosperity of the
country it was now important to ensure that democracy could
also develop rapidly. The U.S. was encouraged by recent
progress, including the release of political detainees, but
it was important to sustain that progress and keep to the
timetable and commitments of the Reform Roadmap. Full
implementation of the Roadmap would cement a very strong
legacy for the President, the Ambassador concluded.

Global Warming Threat
--------------


3. (C) President Gayoom thanked the Ambassador for his
comments and said he too wanted to continue to expand
relations between the U.S. and Maldives. In addition to the
areas mentioned by the Ambassador, there were other
priorities where Maldives would appreciate America's support.
The greatest threat to Maldives was the rising sea level
caused by global warming. In addition to U.S. support for
policies to combat global warming around the world, Maldives
was seeking assistance for coastal zone protection. Japan
had provided USD 60 million to build a sea wall around Male.
Some 200 other inhabited islands need similar protection.
Gayoom said he had met with former President Clinton during
the recent UNGA meetings. Clinton had pledged to assist
Maldives in alternative energy development through the
Clinton Foundation. The former President is expected in Male
in late November to continue these talks.

Will Continue Roadmap
--------------


4. (C) With respect to political reforms, Gayoom told the
Ambassador he is determined to continue the Roadmap. He
complained that "elements" in the Majlis were trying to stall
the Roadmap implementation to score political points against
him, but he was nonetheless committed to dialogue and
progress. Multiparty elections are scheduled for 2008 with
much to do before then. He cited revision of the
Constitution and passage of electoral laws as particularly
important priorities. The Ambassador asked whether the U.S.
could provide technical assistance to help realize these
objectives. Gayoom responded that India and several
Commonwealth countries already were helping. Foreign

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Minister Shaheed noted that the National Democratic Institute
had visited to evaluate how they might help, but there had
been no follow-up. (Note: Embassy will follow up with NDI.)

APP Would Be Welcome
--------------


5. (SBU) Ambassador noted that the United States was
considering opening a small American Presence Post that would
be staffed by a mid-level American diplomat and 2-3 local
nationals in order to better coordinate and manage the many
programs the U.S. government has underway in Maldives. He
stressed the idea had not been approved, but asked whether
such a post would be welcome. The President said it would
and encouraged the Ambassador to pursue the idea. The
Ambassador said he would, but asked that this not be
publicized until and unless the proposal had been approved.

Islam a Growing Threat
--------------


6. (C) In response to the Ambassador's question about other
Maldivian priorities, President Gayoom noted his concern
about the growing threat of radical Islam in Maldives.
Explaining that Maldivian students who had studied in
Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had brought back extremist ideas,
the President regretted that some Islamists in Maldives were
now calling for the country to "go back in time." This was
not good for the country because Maldives always had been a
moderate Islamic country with gender equality. The
Ambassador asked what strategy the Government was pursuing to
counter the threat. President Gayoom responded that the GOM
was using the media to educate Maldivians that Islam is a
religion of tolerance not militancy.


7. (C) Comment: President Gayoom was relaxed, confident and
appreciative of US support. Many other Maldivians from
inside and outside of government echoed the President's
concern about the growing influence of radical Islam.
Embassy will prepare separate recommendations on how the USG
might be able to help Maldives grapple with this growing
threat.
BLAKE