Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MASERU24
2007-01-18 15:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Maseru
Cable title:
LESOTHO REQUESTS USG OBSERVER MISSION FOR NATIONAL
how-toVZCZCXRO1568 RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHJO RUEHRN DE RUEHMR #0024 0181507 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 181507Z JAN 07 FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2545 INFO RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 2891
UNCLAS MASERU 000024
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO REQUESTS USG OBSERVER MISSION FOR NATIONAL
ELECTIONS
REF: MASERU 605 AND PREVIOUS
UNCLAS MASERU 000024
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO REQUESTS USG OBSERVER MISSION FOR NATIONAL
ELECTIONS
REF: MASERU 605 AND PREVIOUS
1. This is an action request. Please see para 5.
2. SUMMARY. On January 11, Embassy Maseru received a diplomatic
note from Lesotho's Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally
announcing the date of forthcoming national elections as
February 17, 2007, and inviting the United States Government to
send an official observation mission for the event. Post
requests the Department's consideration of this invitation. END
SUMMARY.
3. The diplomatic note reads as follows:
BEGIN TEXT:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho
presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of
America and has the honour to inform the latter that the General
Elections of the Kingdom of Lesotho will be held on the 17th
February, 2007.
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho kindly requests the
Government of the United States of America to send an observer
mission during the elections.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho avails
itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United
States of America assurances of its highest consideration.
END TEXT.
4. COMMENT: Embassy Maseru is organizing a broad internal U.S.
mission team, drawing on possible TDY support from Gaborone and
Pretoria, to observe, monitor, and assess events related to
polling on February 17. A high-level, experienced official
observation team from Washington, however, would send a strong
message that the United States views the National Assembly
election as a critical step in the democratization process in
Lesotho and throughout the SADC region.
5. Action request: We encourage consultation within the
Department (e.g. AF, DRL, etc.) and with appropriate USG
entities, including Congress, with a view to forming a possible
election observation delegation. Post would appreciate action
and views as soon as possible due to the short election
timeframe. Thanks and regards. END COMMENT.
PERRY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO REQUESTS USG OBSERVER MISSION FOR NATIONAL
ELECTIONS
REF: MASERU 605 AND PREVIOUS
1. This is an action request. Please see para 5.
2. SUMMARY. On January 11, Embassy Maseru received a diplomatic
note from Lesotho's Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally
announcing the date of forthcoming national elections as
February 17, 2007, and inviting the United States Government to
send an official observation mission for the event. Post
requests the Department's consideration of this invitation. END
SUMMARY.
3. The diplomatic note reads as follows:
BEGIN TEXT:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho
presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of
America and has the honour to inform the latter that the General
Elections of the Kingdom of Lesotho will be held on the 17th
February, 2007.
The Government of the Kingdom of Lesotho kindly requests the
Government of the United States of America to send an observer
mission during the elections.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Lesotho avails
itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United
States of America assurances of its highest consideration.
END TEXT.
4. COMMENT: Embassy Maseru is organizing a broad internal U.S.
mission team, drawing on possible TDY support from Gaborone and
Pretoria, to observe, monitor, and assess events related to
polling on February 17. A high-level, experienced official
observation team from Washington, however, would send a strong
message that the United States views the National Assembly
election as a critical step in the democratization process in
Lesotho and throughout the SADC region.
5. Action request: We encourage consultation within the
Department (e.g. AF, DRL, etc.) and with appropriate USG
entities, including Congress, with a view to forming a possible
election observation delegation. Post would appreciate action
and views as soon as possible due to the short election
timeframe. Thanks and regards. END COMMENT.
PERRY