ABDALLAHI PROMISES CONTINUED CT AND CN COOPERATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 NOUAKCHOTT 000712 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS ECON PHUM MR SUBJECT: ABDALLAHI PROMISES CONTINUED CT AND CN COOPERATION REF: NOUAKCHOTT 700 Classified By: CDA Steven Koutsis for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. Summary: President Abdallahi stressed his government's determination to continue close cooperation with the United States on Counter Terrorism and Counter Narcotics. He expressed his disappointment in the outcome of the recent terrorist trials, and explained his government's decision to recognize an Islamist party was in fact to keep them within sight. He was positive on the issue of continued military-to-military cooperation, but wanted to learn more about proposed JPATs. He confirmed that Mauritania intends to contribute troops to the Darfur peacekeeping operation, and indicated he may travel to New York for the UNGA. End Summary. A Strong Partner in CT and CN -------------- ¶2. Abdallahi used the opportunity of Charge's farewell call to make the point that he is determined to continue close cooperation with the United States on Counter Terrorism and Counter Narcotics. He said he followed closely the recent court case of terrorists charged with being involved in the 2005 Lemghetty attacks and was disappointed with the results. (Note: five suspected terrorists were given light sentences and nine others set free (reftel) End note.) He was chagrined that the military, which were in fact the victims of the attack, had not provided sufficient evidence to the courts. He also was disappointed in the judges' lack of understanding of the subject matter. (He noted that all judges are deficient; for example, judges who rule on financial cases have little financial training.) However, he stressed that the government is committed to an independent judiciary and will only intervene in a manner consistent with law. The government has consequently appealed the verdict in order to challenge the court's assumptions of the defendants' innocence. Charge said he understood the government's predicament. The terrorists were arrested under the rules of a totalitarian regime and tried under the rules of a democratic regime. Abdallahi asked that the United States support efforts to build the capacity of the judiciary. ¶3. Abdallahi then explained his government's reasons for recognizing an Islamic party, for the first time in Mauritanian history. He made clear that this was not a political favor, noting that in his discussions with the Islamists during the campaign, the Islamists insisted on a pledge that he would recognize their party if elected. He refused, and the Islamists supported his opponents. However, by allowing the Islamists to run as groups, the transitional government recognized them de facto. With Islamists now holding seats in Parliament and on municipal councils, the current government has little choice but to recognize them. Abdallahi argued that bringing them closer to the political process "would be useful" and will serve to keep the Islamist movement moderate and distinct from its more extremist elements. "We will watch them of course," he said to ensure that religion is not enmeshed in politics, but there is no reason not to allow religious values to enter into political dialogue. Abdallahi once again assured Charge that Mauritania has a tradition of moderate Islam, and said wryly that "the extreme ideas and the explosives come from outside our borders." ¶4. Abdallahi said he was pleased that the U.S. has resumed military-to-military cooperation with Mauritania and noted that a training exercise (JCET) was underway. Charge promised that more exercises will follow, and said that the U.S. Government is considering sending more permanent trainers (JPATs). Charge said the Embassy at a later date would provide his government a more detailed brief on the proposal. The President promised to consider the proposal once received. Other Security Issues -------------- ¶5. Charge thanked Abdallahi for his government's willingness to accept the transfer of one of the Guantanamo detainees, and added that the transfer should occur in the coming weeks. He explained why the U.S. Government could not publicly deny the existence of CIA prisons in Mauritania, which is why it was all the more important to publicly announce our activities as much as we can, such as we did for the present JCET, was all the more important. Abdallahi agreed that providing as much information to the public as possible was essential to allay their fears. Government Priorities -------------- NOUAKCHOTT 00000712 002.3 OF 002 ¶6. Abdallahi said that he has decided to be honest with the Mauritanian people, and not fall into a "populist" attitude that offers facile solutions. The people have high expectations and they need to be aware of the limits of government and of the budget. His government will work quickly, but deliberately, to resolve the issues before it, such as the refugee issue. ¶7. Charge praised Abdallahi for his courage in tackling the refugee return, and said the U.S. Government will seek ways to support the initiative. Abdallahi said he hoped that the new anti-slavery law, which was expected to be voted on the next day, will also add to the national healing. "We will do everything we can to put an end" to slavery, he said. Development Assistance -------------- ¶8. Charge briefed the President on MCC, and reiterated the Embassy's intent to assist Mauritania in the FY 2008 selection process. He also briefed Abdallahi on TSTCP, noting that USAID will soon have a representative at the Embassy. (Note: USAID is now advertising for a USPSC. End note.) Abdallahi asked about the possibility of the return of a USAID Mission, to which Charge responded that there are no plans to open a mission here. Charge added that several countries in the area, including Niger and Chad, do not have missions and emphasized the importance of pushing Mauritania's candidacy for MCC assistance. Abdallahi said one of his government's top priorities is to encourage private investment through measures that address investor concerns such as strengthening rule of law, simplifying procedures and eliminating corruption. Commitment for Darfur -------------- ¶9. Abdallahi confirmed press reports of Mauritania's intention to contribute up to 500 troops to the UN/AU Hybrid Force in Sudan. Charge responded that in the long term it would be in Mauritania's interest to become a member of ACOTA, and the State Department can help them assess their capabilities for peacekeeping operations. UNGA -------------- ¶10. Abdallahi said that he had still not decided whether he would travel to New York for the UNGA; he will decide when his Foreign Minister returns from travel next week. Charge encouraged him to inform the Embassy as soon as possible after a decision is made so we can prepare for his arrival. ¶11. Comment: Clearly, the President's main goal during the hour-long conversation was to assure the USG that Mauritania wishes to remain a strong partner on Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Narcotics, despite recent events that might suggest otherwise. He appeared well briefed on the issues discussed, asking both Charge and his Chief of Staff, also in the room, pointed and detailed questions on the issues. For instance, during a brief discussion on AGOA, he asked if Mauritanian carpets could be exported under AGOA, as that would employ more women. He also expressed particular interest in Charge's comments on the supposed CIA secret prisons in Mauritania. End Comment. Koutsis