CDA HUME'S MEETING WITH GNU AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001936

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/13/2016
TAGS: PREL KPKO PGOV PINR AU US UN SU
SUBJECT: CDA HUME'S MEETING WITH GNU AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE
JOHN UKEE LUETH

REF: KHARTOUM 01819

Classified By: P/E Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: During an August 14 meeting, Charge Hume
noted the importance of building the U.S.-Sudan relationship
and permitting a transition to a UN peacekeeping operation in
Darfur. Deciding not to do so would involve significant
risks, as Sudan would be solely responsible for the
consequences. Lueth pledged to work cooperatively, and noted
the importance of the U.S. as a friend to the people of
Sudan. He concurred that it is important to grasp the
historic opportunity that lay ahead for both. End summary.

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CDA Hume: Important to Advance Bilateral Relationship
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2. (C) On August 14, Charge Hume met with John Ukee Lueth,
the GNU's ambassador-designate to the U.S. (reftel). Hume
noted President Bush's ongoing concern in Sudan, and
underscored that the assistance levels the USG provided to
the people of Sudan reflected our level of interest. At the
same time, relations are not normalized, as both sides are
represented by the charges d'affaires, and a series of
sanctions remain in effect. Recent statements by First Vice
President Salva Kiir raise questions as to whether or not
Kiir wants these to be lifted. Lueth countered that he
himself had worked for U.S. sanctions against Sudan during
his 24 years in the U.S. Many in the GNU did not understand
U.S. political processes, making it harder to turn the
awkward bilateral situation around. Charge Hume said it was
nonetheless important to move the bilateral relationship, to
continue working together on the CPA and the DPA. He added
that the Administration's policy was not to lift economic
sanctions on the South, as SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum
had wrongly stated, but to work at the national level to
develop a more productive working relationship.

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Hume: Sudan at Crossroads, Risks Consequences if no UN
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3. (C) Charge Hume said that Sudan was at an important
crossroads; the African Union cannot do its task successfully
in Darfur, and the government is refusing to allow a
transition to a UN peacekeeping operation. If this
transition does not occur, the government risks being blamed
for the consequences, which will likely be negative. Just as
the U.S. had responded to Vice President Taha's requests for
assistance in concluding the Darfur Peace Agreement, Sudan
should take heed of the U.S. request for Sudan to permit the
UN transition. The UNSC is negotiating the text of a
resolution on Sudan, which it will adopt in perhaps 10 days.
If Sudan elects not to permit a UN transition, Sudan will
face the high risks involved on its own. These risks will
become greater as funds dry up for AMIS.

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Lueth: U.S. a Great Friend of
Sudan; Grasp Opportunity
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4. (C) Lueth recalled the relationship Sudan once enjoyed
with Sudan, including at the time of his departure in 1982.
He noted the U.S. had been a great friend of Sudan, and that
it was important to grasp this opportunity to work together
to deal with key issues. He said that he had been selected
in part to develop a better U.S.-Sudan relationship )
whether with SPLM or NCP officials. He mentioned being
offered the post of Government of Southern Sudan Minister for
SPLA Affairs, and added that he himself had trained John
Garang and Salva Kiir when in the Sudanese army years ago.
HUME