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