Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07NAIROBI1959
2007-05-08 12:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:
Somalia-Telcon with NGRC Chairman Ali Mahdi
how-toVZCZCXRO8785 RR RUEHDE RUEHROV RUEHTRO DE RUEHNR #1959 1281249 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 081249Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9511 INFO RUCNSOM/SOMALIA COLLECTIVE RHMFISS/CJTF HOA RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001959
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SO ET
SUBJECT: Somalia-Telcon with NGRC Chairman Ali Mahdi
Classified by PolOff Hodan Hassan. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001959
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SO ET
SUBJECT: Somalia-Telcon with NGRC Chairman Ali Mahdi
Classified by PolOff Hodan Hassan. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (SBU) On May 3, Somalia Political Unit staff had a conference call
with National Reconciliation and Governance Committee (NGRC) Chairman
Ali Mahdi on current developments in the planning for the upcoming
National Reconciliation Congress.
2. (SBU) In the conversation, we emphasized that with the cessation
of fighting, this is an opportune time to shift the focus back to
reconciliation and dialogue. We urged the NGRC to make public a
tentative agenda and details on the selection process for the
Congress scheduled on June 14. We also inquired about reports that
the Transitional Federal Parliament and several cabinet members are
trying to push through legislation that would remove the independent
status of the NGRC.
3. (SBU) The Chairman explained that preparations for the Congress
are well underway. The committee, which includes an executive board
and secretariat, met in Baidoa several weeks ago and divided
themselves into three groups to work on different phases of the
Congress. Mahdi stated that there are plans to send teams to the 18
regions of Somalia to explain the goals of the Congress and encourage
participation. (Comment: "18 regions" includes Somaliland. End
Comment) He blamed part of the slow pace of developments on lack of
immediate resources from the international community.
4. (C) Mahdi reported he had positive discussions on plans for the
Congress with elders from various clans in Mogadishu. He stated both
TFG President Yusuf and Speaker of Parliament Adan Madobe reaffirmed
their support for the Congress in a joint meeting last week. Mahdi
also stated that contrary to recent reports, the Parliament does not
intend to challenge the independence of the NGRC. (Comment: We have
subsequently learned that on May 1 the Parliament provided Mahdi with
a letter that confirmed Parliament's support for the NGRC and its
mandate; oddly enough, also on May 1 Parliament passed a resolution
on the "Final Reconciliation Conference of Somalia" -- a name not
heard before -- in which no mention is made of the NGRC. End
Comment) Mahdi promised to keep in communication with the Embassy
and stated his appreciation for USG support for the Congress.
RANNEBERGER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND A/S FRAZER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SO ET
SUBJECT: Somalia-Telcon with NGRC Chairman Ali Mahdi
Classified by PolOff Hodan Hassan. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (SBU) On May 3, Somalia Political Unit staff had a conference call
with National Reconciliation and Governance Committee (NGRC) Chairman
Ali Mahdi on current developments in the planning for the upcoming
National Reconciliation Congress.
2. (SBU) In the conversation, we emphasized that with the cessation
of fighting, this is an opportune time to shift the focus back to
reconciliation and dialogue. We urged the NGRC to make public a
tentative agenda and details on the selection process for the
Congress scheduled on June 14. We also inquired about reports that
the Transitional Federal Parliament and several cabinet members are
trying to push through legislation that would remove the independent
status of the NGRC.
3. (SBU) The Chairman explained that preparations for the Congress
are well underway. The committee, which includes an executive board
and secretariat, met in Baidoa several weeks ago and divided
themselves into three groups to work on different phases of the
Congress. Mahdi stated that there are plans to send teams to the 18
regions of Somalia to explain the goals of the Congress and encourage
participation. (Comment: "18 regions" includes Somaliland. End
Comment) He blamed part of the slow pace of developments on lack of
immediate resources from the international community.
4. (C) Mahdi reported he had positive discussions on plans for the
Congress with elders from various clans in Mogadishu. He stated both
TFG President Yusuf and Speaker of Parliament Adan Madobe reaffirmed
their support for the Congress in a joint meeting last week. Mahdi
also stated that contrary to recent reports, the Parliament does not
intend to challenge the independence of the NGRC. (Comment: We have
subsequently learned that on May 1 the Parliament provided Mahdi with
a letter that confirmed Parliament's support for the NGRC and its
mandate; oddly enough, also on May 1 Parliament passed a resolution
on the "Final Reconciliation Conference of Somalia" -- a name not
heard before -- in which no mention is made of the NGRC. End
Comment) Mahdi promised to keep in communication with the Embassy
and stated his appreciation for USG support for the Congress.
RANNEBERGER