Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DJIBOUTI372
2006-03-27 05:18:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Djibouti
Cable title:  

DJIBOUTI AND ARAB LEAGUE DEMARCHE

Tags:  PREL PGOV KPAL IS SO SU IR IZ DJ 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000372 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF, AF/E, NEA
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL IS SO SU IR IZ DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI AND ARAB LEAGUE DEMARCHE

REF: A. STATE 45370


B. STATE 34709

Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA RAGSDALE
FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000372

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR AF, AF/E, NEA
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL IS SO SU IR IZ DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI AND ARAB LEAGUE DEMARCHE

REF: A. STATE 45370


B. STATE 34709

Classified By: AMBASSADOR MARGUERITA RAGSDALE
FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)


1. (C) SUMMARY. Djibouti's Minister of Foreign Affairs
indicated that Djibouti shares similar points of view with
the United States regarding the four key issues on the
agenda in the upcoming Arab League Summit. He also offered
insights on other issues such as Iran, Somalia, and a
Common Defense Unit. The Minister departed Djibouti March
22 for Khartoum to participate in the summit with
Djibouti's president. END SUMMARY


2. (C) During a last minute meeting with Ambassador
Ragsdale and Pol/Econ Officer, Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali
Youssouf responded to key issues cited reftel (a) and
raised by Ambassador that will be addressed during the
March 28-29 Arab League Summit in Khartoum. The Ambassador
also provided the Minister with a non-paper of salient
points. The FM stated that Djibouti shares similar points
of view regarding Iraq, Sudan, Israel/Palestine, and Arab
League Reform. He also offered a few brief comments on
other issues of interest to the Arab League, including the
view that the Secretary General of the Arab League, Amre
Moussa, is expected to be re-elected for a 2nd term, as
there is no other candidate.

--------------
SUDAN
--------------


3. (C) The Ambassador urged Djibouti to push for a peaceful
accord in Sudan, seek support for AMIS, utilize UN
peacekeeping operations, and support the implementation of
the North-South Comprehensive Peace Agreement. The FM said
that AMIS should involve more international players since
the Abuja negotiations are at a stand still. He said that
the AU resolution to extend AMIS is a trial to help the
Sudanese Government. He unofficially expressed that the AU
can no longer sustain their activities in Sudan, and agreed
that the UN peacekeeping operation should continue. The FM
spoke at length regarding the North-South Peace Agreement,
saying that the process should not be linked to Darfur. He
said the delay in releasing funds is directly linked to the
two goals of holding a census in three years and a
referendum in six years. He wondered about the implications
of a separate South, and whether peace will continue if the
South becomes independent.

--------------
IRAQ
--------------


4. (C) The Ambassador asked for Djibouti's support to press
Syria on ending its support for Iraqi insurgency, and to
support the Iraq National Accord Conference begin held in
Iraq. The FM replied that Djibouti will do what it can.

--------------
ISRAEL/PALESTINE
--------------


5. (C) The Ambassador urged the Arab League to give clear
guidance to Hamas, to support President Abbas, and assist
the Quartet roadmap in meeting humanitarian needs. The FM
agreed that Hamas should be realistic and pragmatic now
that they are in office. He said that Hamas, now that it
has moved in its role from organization to government, has
the duty and obligation to serve the Palestinians' best
interests, to recognize Israel, and adopt the Quartet
roadmap.

--------------
ARAB LEAGUE REFORM
--------------


6. (C) The Ambassador asked the Arab League to commit to
the territorial integrity and freedoms of its members, and
to continue to support reform and democracy throughout the
Arab world. The FM candidly spoke of the progress the Arab
League has made in the past 10 years. He commented that
while each country moves at its own pace, some much slower
than others, the Arab League as a whole is moving forward.
He hopes the Arab League will continue to address civil
rights and democracy.

--------------
OTHER ARAB LEAGUE ISSUES
--------------


7. (C) The FM briefly commented on a few other issues he
expects to be raised during the summit. He said the idea of
an Arab Court is an interesting issue, as well as the idea
of a Common Defense Unit. He offered the view that this is
a long way off, but said the idea is further developed in
the Gulf States. In regards to Iran, the FM said the
dispute between Iran and the UAE over the three islands,
Abu Musa and the two Tunbs, will probably be raised again,
but doesn't know if Iran's nuclear program will be
discussed. He commented that Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi
Arabia are becoming closer again, and that the KSA will
influence the Arab League on Iranian issues. The FM also
spoke briefly about Somalia, saying he expects the TFG to
attend the Summit, and that the TFG always attends every
meeting as the UNDP pays for the expenses of participation.

RAGSDALE