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