VALL SEES EVENTS IN SOMALIA AS POSITIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L NOUAKCHOTT 000043 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/11/2017 TAGS: AU KPKO PREL SO MR SUBJECT: VALL SEES EVENTS IN SOMALIA AS POSITIVE REF: NOUAKCHOTT 32 Classified By: DCM Steven Koutsis for Reason 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) Former AF A/S Herman J. Cohen briefed Charge January 10 on his meeting with CMJD President Vall earlier that day. Vall spoke positively of the recent events in Somalia, noting that the Islamist movement is more a threat to Muslims than to anyone else. He appeared supportive of Ethiopia's efforts to oust the Islamists, and said he was "pleased the United States was doing the right thing." According to Amb. Cohen, Vall went on at length about the dangers of Islamists, and feared the consequences of allowing religion into Mauritanian politics. There are many forms of Islam, he noted, and which one would become dominant? ¶2. (C) Comment: It is clear that the events in Somalia are on Vall's mind, and he does not hide his disdain for those who want to use Islam for political ends. End comment. Twining