DJIBOUTI AND ARAB LEAGUE DEMARCHE

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