Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
07TUNIS797 | 2007-06-20 16:18:00 | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | Embassy Tunis |
VZCZCXRO0856 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHROV RUEHTRO DE RUEHTU #0797 1711618 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 201618Z JUN 07 FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3376 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNMGH/MAGHREB COLLECTIVE PRIORITY |
C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000797 |
1. (C/NF) An extremely grateful Foreign Minister Abdallah asked to see the Ambassador on June 19 to convey his pleasure over his recently concluded trip to the United States (Ref A). No less than six times in the course of the 30-minute meeting, Abdallah expressed appreciation for the warm reception he had received, noting that this visit had underscored for him the importance that Washington attaches to our bilateral relationship. Abdallah asked that the Ambassador relay his gratitude to his interlocutors -- Vice President Cheney, Secretary Rice, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Townsend, NEA A/S Welch, and Deputy Defense Secretary England. Abdallah was also pleased with his interactions with the US Congress, including members of the newly formed Tunisia Caucus. He noted with gratitude that Congressman Kramer had informed him that Tunisia would receive an additional $5 million in FMF in FY08. Abdallah noted that he will next visit the United States in September/October 2007 for the UNGA, and that he hopes to be able to meet with U/S Burns and NEA A/S Welch at that time. 2. (C) Referring to the two days he spent in New York, Abdallah said he had productive meetings with UNSYG Ban as well as with the President of the General Assembly. In addition to discussing Tunisia's contribution to the UN PKO in the Congo, Abdallah said he and Ban had exchanged views on problems in the Maghreb, sub-Saharan Africa, and the Middle East. 3. (C/NF) On the last point, Abdallah noted that Tunisia is serving on both of the recently formed Arab League committees dealing with the situation in the Palestinian Territories and the situation in Lebanon. He expressed disappointment that the Palestinians had rejected the Arab League initiative as interference in their internal matters, noting that the intention had not been to interfere but rather to help the Palestinians overcome the current crisis. Turning to the situation in Lebanon, Abdallah said he was "not very optimistic," since "with each passing day the situation becomes increasingly complicated." 4. (C/NF) The Ambassador thanked the Foreign Minister for the moderating role that Tunisia continues to play in the region and expressed the hope that we could continue to work together. Ambassador also underscored, again, US appreciation for Tunisia's cooperation in accepting custody of the first two Tunisian repatriated Guantanamo detainees (Ref B). GODEC |