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.