AMBASSADOR'S PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT BONI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000887 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FROM AMBASSADOR BROWN TO A/S FRAZER AND U/S HUGHES E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ASEC AMGT EAID BN SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S PRESENTATION OF CREDENTIALS TO PRESIDENT BONI YAYI OF BENIN REF: (A) COTONOU 753; (B) COTONOU 589 COTONOU 00000887 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (U) This isan acton request. Please see para 11. SUMMARY -------------- ¶2. (SBU) President Boni Yayi, in his first meting with newly-arrived Ambassador Gayleatha B. rown, on September 8, 2006, reaffirmed his refor agenda, commitment to good governance, and detemination to improve Benin's business environment. He stressed that Benin shares U.S. objectives inpromoting democracy, economic growth, regional stbility and fighting terrorism. In response to te Ambassador's requests, he quickly agreed to faciitate location of a suitable site for constructin of a new Embassy, and to participate in an Octber 5 Millennium Challenge Compact entry-into-force ceremony. He reiterated his request for an initation to visit Washington and meet with Presiden Bush. Post strongly believes Yayi has the potetial to become a successful reformer and regiona leader, and urges Washington to respond favorably to the request for a visit. END SUMMARY. ¶3. () Ambassador Brown presented her credentials to Beninese President Boni Yayi the afternoon of September 8. In a forty-five minute conversation following the presentation ceremony, President Yayi said U.S. support of Benin is particularly important, because that support is based on Benin's democratic values and its contribution to regional stability. He noted that Benin shares completely U.S. aims in fighting terrorism and trafficking of all kinds. Yayi added that Benin's democracy and stability could continue only if they are accompanied by economic development. ¶4. (U) Yayi therefore thanked the U.S. for our engagement in supporting Benin's development, through USAID and Peace Corps programs in health and education, through AGOA trade opening, and through Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) support for major policy and infrastructure improvements. He said development depends on engaging the private sector. He highlighted the fact that some two-thirds of the GoB's program of infrastructure projects would be financed by private investment. ¶5. (U) Yayi repeatedly stressed that, to achieve these developmental aims, his government would also have to fight poor governance and corruption. "We give you our oath," he said, "that we will do everything we can to ensure U.S. taxpayer's dollars are well spent in Benin. Our administration of US money on these programs will be impeccable." ¶6. (U) Yayi reiterated a specific plea for consideration of MCC funding of a scanner at the Port of Cotonou as a means to reduce customs fraud. This particular emphasis has also been repeated by the Minister of Finance on several occasions (NOTE: The MCC Compact with Benin includes a study to examine whether such a scanner would truly enhance the port's efficiency, but does not provide for the purchase of the equipment itself. Furthermore, under the terms of the Compact, the GoB has committed that it would not buy any such scanner itself unless the study finds it would enhance the port's efficiency. END NOTE.) ¶7. (U) President Yayi concluded his remarks by repeating his request (REFTELS) for an invitation to visit Washington, D.C. He noted how much he had appreciated Undersecretary Hughes' attendance at his inauguration in April, but that he hoped that visit could be reciprocated as soon as possible. He had already visited many African neighbors, France, Belgium, China, Japan, Singapore and elsewhere. But he said he was most anxious to visit Washington, so that he could personally assure "the big man himself, President Bush" that Benin appreciated the assistance the United States is providing and that Benin was committed to fighting poor governance and using the money wisely. ¶8. (U) The Ambassador reaffirmed USG support for Benin and pledged to work to strengthen existing excellent relations. In response to her request, President Yayi agreed to facilitate location of a suitable site for construction of a new Embassy in Cotonou, and to attend an October 5 ceremony formally launching the MCC program. COMMENT AND ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶9. (SBU) COMMENT: President Yayi's agenda is one of real economic and political reform. He and his ministers have taken steps to clean up the port, conduct serious audits of government institutions, crack down on tax cheats, and impose greater transparency on government operations. Benin has long been a model COTONOU 00000887 002.2 OF 002 of democratic practice in Africa, and it continues to make important contributions to international stability through its peacekeeping deployments. It has not, however, been a model of economic reform. With Yayi, that could change. He wants our help, and the $307 million MCC program means we are poised to give it to him. He wishes to express his appreciation for this aid, and assure us he takes his responsibilities to be a good steward of U.S. aid seriously. A White House meeting would demonstrate strong support and build on a friendly relationship, which could facilitate USF goals in other fora. ¶10. (SBU) Yayi also has the potential to become an important ally on the African continent in advancing U.S. policies of promoting economic reform and investment in people. If he succeeds in pushing his reforms through, he would grow in stature as a regional leader. Now is the time to support, cultivate, and encourage him to maintain a reform momentum. END COMMENT. ¶11. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: We would appreciate Washington's response as to whether such a visit is possible. END ACTION REQUEST. BROWN