PRESIDENT WADE SEEKS MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL BIOFUELS

UNCLAS DAKAR 000674 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR OES, EB/ESC/IEC, S/ES-CR, AF/EPS AND AF/W NSC FOR AF SENIOR DIRECTOR PITTMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG OPDC PREL SG SUBJECT: PRESIDENT WADE SEEKS MEMBERSHIP IN INTERNATIONAL BIOFUELS FORUM ¶1. (U) On March 22, Ambassador Claude Absa Diallo, the Acting Foreign Minister, convoked the DCM (then Charge) to present a March 8 letter from President Abdoulaye Wade to President George W. Bush seeking membership in the International Biofuels Forum that was launched in New York on March 2. An unofficial embassy translation follows. Begin text. Republic of Senegal Presidency of the Republic March 8, 2007 Dear Mr. President, I noted with interest the March 2 launching in New York of the International Biofuels Forum, which is designed to encourage the use of ethanol and biodiesel. I salute this happy initiative of which your country is one of the principal promoters. Because of the numerous problems linked to the unbridled exploitation of petroleum, turning to biofuels would be a welcome alternative both for the world environment and for our economies. That explains why Senegal, which has launched its own major biofuels program, would like to reinforce the initiative launched in New York by becoming a member of the International Biofuels Forum. I am counting on your support for Senegal's candidacy. Please accept, Mr. President, my best wishes. Abdoulaye Wade President of the Republic of Senegal. His Excellency George W. Bush President of the United States of America Washington End text of unofficial translation. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: The Acting Foreign Minister told DCM that Brazil, China, India, South Africa and the European Union are part of the Forum. She also said President Wade is extremely interested in this initiative and in energy issues in general, as evidenced by the Wade Formula. END COMMENT. JACOBS