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