ETHIOPIA: PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISOR BEREKET UPBEAT

C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 000413 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM ET SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: PUBLIC RELATIONS ADVISOR BEREKET UPBEAT ON BILATERAL RELATIONS, POLITICAL REFORMS Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Kevin Sullivan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 1 (C) Summary: Bereket Simon, senior public relations advisor to PM Meles with the rank of minister, told Amb. Yamamoto that U.S.-Ethiopian bilateral relations were developing well on all fronts, thanks to common goals and interests. He highlighted recent cooperation in Somalia as emblematic of the deepening relationship. Bereket indicated that negotiations with the opposition on political reform were going well, including talks on naming a new National Electoral Board (NEB). Agreement had already been reached on the postponement of local elections until at least late 2007. Amb. Yamamoto urged that the GOE seek an early resolution to the problem of detained CUD leaders and noted that this would help the GOE on a number of fronts, including qualification for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). End Summary. ¶2. (U) Amb. Yamamoto paid an introductory call on Bereket Simon, Communications Advisor to the Prime Minister with Rank of Minister, Jan. 30. Sekuture Getachew, the EPRDF's international relations coordinator, accompanied Bereket. Pol/Econ Counselor (note-taker) joined the Ambassador. BILATERAL RELATIONS BUILT ON COMMON INTERESTS -------------- ¶3. (C) Amb. Yamamoto told Bereket that Ethiopia was one of four cornerstone states for the USG in Africa. The USG intended to invest in Ethiopia to consolidate Ethiopia's leadership in the region and on the African continent. Yamamoto noted that U.S. relations with Ethiopia were closer than with almost any other African country; Ethiopia often responded positively to U.S. requests for cooperation and could be counted on to follow through with its commitments. He highlighted the sacrifices that the GOE was making in its military operations in Somalia and noted that many other countries, including Somalia itself, would benefit. Yamamoto also argued that positive movement on Ethiopia's internal political situation would be critical. U.S. Congressional legislation on Ethiopia had been put on the back burner for the moment, but could reemerge later if progress did not continue. ¶4. (C) Bereket agreed that relations with the U.S had developed well on all fronts thanks to common goals a firm basis in both countries' respective national interests. Both the U.S. and the GOE were seeking a peaceful, stable Ethiopia and Horn of Africa. Both countries were committed to fighting terrorism, as the GOE had demonstrated in getting rid of the Council of Islamic Courts (CIC) in Somalia. POLITICAL REFORM MOVING FORWARD -------------- ¶5. (C) Bereket reviewed progress on political reform in Ethiopia since the 2005 elections. He highlighted improved rules of procedure in the House of Peoples' Representatives (HoPR),which he said had increased dialogue on key issues, as well as the consultative leadership group in the HoPR that now allocated time for debate and planned the legislative agenda. Remaining issues on the political reform agenda included change to the NEB, the media framework, political party financing and parliamentary privileges. Bereket also noted that the Speaker of the HoPR was looking for new office space that would allow more space for all Parliamentarians and committees to work. ¶6. (C) Concerning ongoing negotiations on electoral reform, Bereket said that the ruling EPRDF had invited nominations for new NEB board members. The inter-party dialogue was discussing the screening process for potential nominees. While the ultimate decision must remain with the Prime Minister, the parties had agreed to forward to the PM a consensus list of candidates from which the PM could choose nine nominees. Any party could object to any candidate, based on his/her failure to fulfill the agreed criteria of political neutrality, relevant professional qualifications and good standing with the public. (NOTE: Opposition representatives indicated to Ambassador Yamamoto that differences remained over the screening mechanism, with opposition leaders generally favoring a shorter list of candidates, while the EPRDF was pushing for the maximum number of choices for the PM.) Bereket said that the government and opposition still disagreed about whether international observers would be mandatory for all elections, and on at what level (regional, zonal or kebele) permanent offices of the NEB should be established. Another point on ON BILATERAL RELATIONS, POLITICAL REFORMS which there had been agreement, however, was on postponing local elections from April until at least December 2007. Ambassador pushes on CUD detainees -------------- ¶8. (C) Amb. Yamamoto raised the issue of CUD leaders and others on trial for their role in November 2005 political violence. He told Bereket that if the detainees issue could be resolved, the USG would be prepared to issue a strong statement of support. At the same time, the USG did not want to interfere in Ethiopia's judicial process. Bereket acknowledged that there were some mediation efforts concerning the CUD leaders, but added that there had not yet been a positive response. He noted that Professor Ephraim, one of the mediators, was being blackmailed and attacked by hardliners in the Diaspora. Bereket concluded by saying that the mediation effort was no substitute for the legal process in the courts. Amb. Yamamoto again encouraged the GOE to find an acceptable way to resolve the issue. He mentioned that the GOE had just missed qualifying for the MCA this past year, and that finding a solution to the detainee issue could move the MCA process in the right direction. YAMAMOTO