SOMALIA: MFA READOUT ON SOMALI TALKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001573 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR D, AF/FO, AF/E, AF/SPG, AF/RSA, AND IO E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/05/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER SO US AL SU SUBJECT: SOMALIA: MFA READOUT ON SOMALI TALKS REF: A. KHARTOUM 01477 ¶B. CAIRO 03966 Classified By: P/E Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: MFA Director of Arab Affairs Mabrouk described the June 21-22 Somali talks in Khartoum as achieving a breakthrough, reflecting mutual interest in restoring a united Somalia. He described the tone as cordial and committed. Clarifying Sudan's role in the talks as facilitator and observer, he confirmed that the second round would take place starting on July 15. End Summary. -------------- -------------- Mabrouk: Somali Talks a Major Step Forward, Tone Cordial -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) Director of Arab Affairs Amb. Abdel Moneim Mohammed Mabrouk told Pol/Econ Counselor July 3 that the June 21-22 first round of talks in Khartoum between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG) and the then-Union of Islamic Courts (UIC) was a breakthrough, a major step forward to bringing stability to Somalia. He noted that continued success in talks would have a positive impact on the whole region, wherein security concerns were interlinked. Mabrouk, a member of Sudan's facilitators for the talks, also observed that the talks were perhaps Somalia's last chance, and that if they failed, many would lose interest, as "fatigue" set in among the international community. Both parties appeared resigned to reach an understanding, he added, and were committed to a united Somalia. Mabrouk described the tone of the talks as cordial and cooperative. -------------- -------------- Mabruk: Sudan's Role that of Facilitator/Observer -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) Mabrouk described Sudan's role as that of host and facilitator, assisting in generating areas of potential agreement, versus taking the more assertive role of mediator. Minister of Foreign Affairs played a lead role for Sudan, serving as facilitator and observer during the talks, working with Arab League Secretary Amre Moussa to help the sides gain clarifications and reach compromises. Mabrouk added that the two sides agreed to establish technical committees for more detailed discussion during the second round, to take place in Khartoum at Friendship Hall starting on July 15. -------------- Bio Note -------------- ¶4. (C) Mabrouk's previous assignments with the MFA include ambassador to Mauritania and to Kuwait, as well as tours in London, Damascus, Stockholm, and Cairo. ¶5. (U) Tripoli minimize considered. HUME