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 SIPDIS 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 COLOMBO 00001816 002 OF 002 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