CHARGE'S COURTESY CALL WITH FM ABREU

UNCLAS MAPUTO 000902 SIPDIS SIPDIS AF/S FOR HTREGER, AF/RSA FOR MBITTRICK MCC FOR SGAULL USAID FOR AFR/SA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: POL PGOV PREL KDEM MZ SUBJECT: CHARGE'S COURTESY CALL WITH FM ABREU REFS: A) MAPUTO 860; B) SECSTATE 101235 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY. In a July 31 courtesy call on Minister of Foreign Affairs Alcinda Abreu, the Charge noted the positive and expanding nature of our bilateral relationship, underscored by the recent visit of First Lady Laura Bush and the MCC compact signing. He also advised Abreu of several upcoming high-level USG visitors to Mozambique, including HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt August 21-23 and AF DAS Carol Thompson in early-September. The Foreign Minister welcomed news of these visits, showing special interest in the opportunity to develop a broader political bilateral agenda in anticipation of DAS Thompson's visit. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) The Charge opened the meeting by underscoring the positive and expanding relationship between the U.S. and Mozambique, most recently evidenced by the July 13 signing of the Millennium Challenge Account compact (MCC),which received widespread positive press in Mozambique (ref A). Although she lamented the lengthy process leading up to the signing, Abreu was enthusiastic about its intended impact in the northern provinces and was anxious to see successful implementation. Charge stated that the MCC would complement the already extensive activities of other USG agencies and programs, including the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS relief (PEPFAR) and the President's Malaria Initiative (PMI). ¶3. (U) The Charge recalled the successful June visit of First Lady Laura Bush and raised the upcoming visits of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Leavitt and State's AF Deputy Assistant Secretary Carol Thompson. He noted that Secretary Leavitt would SIPDIS visit PEPFAR, PMI, and MCC project sites in Maputo and in central Mozambique. Abreu was pleased to learn that Secretary Leavitt would travel up-country, noting it was important for USG visitors to get out of the capital city. Abreu showed special interest in DAS Thompson's visit as an opportunity to develop a broader political bilateral agenda, particularly on issues such as strengthening the capacity of SADC and moving forward on regional economic integration. ¶4. (U) Following up on President Guebuza's request to Secretary Rice for assistance to help finance January provincial elections (ref B), Charge explained that the USG has not traditionally provided direct financial assistance for elections in Mozambique. He noted that USAID may have funds to provide some limited technical assistance, which would be discussed at a UNDP-hosted meeting on August 3 with the donor community. ¶5. (SBU) COMMENT: While Foreign Minister Abreu is not considered to be particularly influential within FRELIMO circles, she does appear willing to engage, especially on African regional issues. To follow up on Abreu's interest, we will work with MFA officials to identify issues of mutual interest for further discussion. END COMMENT.