Sudan: Agrement Request for Proposed Ambassador to U.S.

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001819 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12598: N/A TAGS: PREL OPDC US SU SUBJECT: Sudan: Agrement Request for Proposed Ambassador to U.S. ¶1. (SBU) On July 29, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Department of Protocol summoned Pol/Econ Chief to receive a diplomatic note regarding its proposed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United States, John Ukee Lueth. Director of Protocol Amb. Hassan Bashir Abdelwahab noted that Lueth is a member of the SPLM. ¶2. (SBU) The text of the diplomatic note is as follows: (Begin text) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the republic of the Sudan present their compliments to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America, and have the honour to communicate that the Government of the republic of the Sudan propose to nominate H.E. Mr. John Ukee Lueth as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of the Sudan to the United States of American with residence in Washington. The Curriculum Vitae of H.S. Ambassador Mr. John Ukee Lueth is enclosed herewith. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Sudan whilst seeking the agreement of the Government of the United States of America to this nomination, avail themselves of this opportunity to renew to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the United States of America the assurances of their highest consideration. (End text) ¶3. (SBU) Biodata: The MFA provided a four-page CV on Lueth, which post will fax to AF/SPG. In brief, his biodata is as follows: -- Education: MS in Labor Economics and Public Finance from Oklahoma State University, MA in Political Science from Iowa State University, MS at the Command and Staff College in Omdurman, and MS in Economics and Political Science from the University of Juba. -- Experience: Financial Aid Administrator at Iowa State University (1983-2005),College Instructor at Des Moines Community College (1989 - 2005),Economic Assistant at the Department of Human Services (1991-1992),Jobs Corps representative at Job Service (1990-1991),Assistant Professor of Economics and business at Langston University (1987-1988),and Military Officer in te Sdan Peoples' Armed Forces (1972 - until membership in SPLM). Reached rank of Brigadier General. -- Miscellaneous: SPLM member, age 59, married, 25 children, languages include English, Arabic, French, Lingala, and Kiswahili. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Amb. Hassan Bashir underscored the significance of this request for agrement, which represents a unilateral diplomatic upgrade from the current level of Charge. He expressed hopes that the measure would be reciprocated, as the GNU seeks normalized relations with the U.S. He recalled that the U.S. was present at the signing of both the CPA and the DPA, and served as a "guardian of peace." The two recent visits to Washington of the First Vice President also served as an indication of the importance of the bilateral relationship. ¶5. (SBU) Comment Continued: Post will seek a meeting with Lueth, in part to clarify his citizenship. End comment. STEINFELD