RETRANSMISSION: KHARTOUM OBJECTS TO SENIOR USG

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000060

SIPDIS

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

FOR AF A/S FRAZER AND S.E. NATSIOS

FOR OBO GEN. WILLIAMS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV ABLD AMGT US SU
SUBJECT: RETRANSMISSION: KHARTOUM OBJECTS TO SENIOR USG
PARTICIPATION IN OPENING OF GOSS MISSION


1. (SBU) On the instructions of Minister of Foreign Affairs Lam
Akol, MFA Director of Americas Amb. Badawi al-Sanosi summoned the
Charge d'Affaires on January 14. Al-Sanosi handed Charge Hume a
copy of a press release by the GoSS regarding a ceremonial event
announcing the launching of a Government of Southern Sudan mission
in Washington to take place on January 16. Director al-Sanosi
asked the position of the U.S. Government on the invitation, and
stated that, if senior officials such as AF A/S Frazer and SE
Natsios attended the event, it would send "wrong signals." He
requested that the USG take the position of the Government of Sudan
into account, particularly in consideration of efforts Khartoum was
making to respond positively to USG positions.


2. (SBU) Hume noted that the Executive branch did not control the
activities of Members of Congress, and that he would call the matter
to the Department's attention.
Al-Sanosi asked that USG officials not participate in the ceremony,
a request that he said came directly from Minister of Foreign
Affairs Lam Akol. In support of his entreaty, he mentioned efforts
to improve bilateral relations, including support for recent visits
by Special Envoy Natsios and Governor Richardson. He further said
that the Government had just issued a visa to incoming Defense
Liaison Officer Lt. Col. Bovy and noted that State Minister for
Foreign Affairs Ali Karti is following up on the detained containers
conveying New Embassy Compound building materials with the Minister
of Finance.


3. (SBU) Comment: I am particularly concerned that the announced
participation by senior officials will prompt further delay in
release of containers with materials for the NEC project. End
comment.


4. (SBU) The press release by the GoSS reads as follows:

(Begin text)

It is my great pleasure to announce the launching of the Government
of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States of America on
Tuesday, January 16, 2007. The ceremonial event will take place at
1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 602 (6th Floor) Washington, DC 20036
from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) will send a delegation
comprised of H.E. Deng Alor Kuol, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs
(Government of National Unity); H.E. Dr. Luka Biong Deng, the
Minister for Presidential Affairs (GoSS); H.E. Dr. Barnaba Marial
Benjamin, Minister fro Regional Cooperation (GoSS); Lt. Gen. Oyai
Deng Ajak, SPLA Chief of Staff; and H.E. Dr. Cirino Hiteng Ofuho,
the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation (GoSS)
to attend the ceremony of the launching of the Mission.
U.S. Presidential Envoy for Sudan H.E. Andrew Natsios will represent
the Government of the United States of America accompanied by
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Amb. Jendayi Frazer
and Senior Representative on Sudan at the Department of State Mrs.
Lauren Landis.

The U.S. Congressional representation will be headed by the Chairman
of the House Subcommittee of the International relations on African
Affairs Congressman Donald Payne.

This event will mark the long lasting relationship between the
people of the Untied States of America and the Sudan People's
Liberation Movement (SPLM),Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS),and
Southern Sudanese people and your participation will be deeply
appreciated.

(End text)


HUME