UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000032

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR AF/C
PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA ACTION OFFICERS
EUCOM FOR J5-A AFRICA DIVISION AND POLAD YATES

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PBTS ECON CM NI TBIO SENV
SUBJECT: CAMEROON: PRESIDENT BIYA'S NEW YEAR'S MESSAGE


1. (U) President Biya delivered his New Year's message to
the diplomatic corps January 4, which largely echoed his New
Year's address to the nation (septel). In his 20 minute
remarks he named the June 12 Greentree Agreement on Bakassi
and reaching the HIPC Completion Point in April as Cameroon's
two greatest successes in 2006. He warmly praised Nigerian
President Obasanjo, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan
and the four witness countries for their role in securing the
agreement. Biya stressed that the Greentree Agreement did
not create victors and vanquished, rather it underscored the
mutual commitment to peaceful dispute resolution. Calling
Nigeria a neighbor and a friend, President Biya said
Cameroon's reolve in fully respecting all of its commitments
under Greentree is "unshakable."


2. (U) On HIPC, Biya thanked the IFIs and donor community
for helping Cameroon reach its goal and reiterated Cameroon's
determination to use funds for infrastructure, health and
education wisely. Health is a particular concern in Africa,
with much more to be done to combat HIV/AIDS and malaria
especially, he said. Infrastructure improvements, especially
in energy and water, would reinforce efforts to prevent and
combat disease.


3. (U) Turning to the sub-region, Biya noted his concern
about the situation in Ivory Coast and his satisfaction with
deepening democratization in Congo-Kinshasa. Problems in the
Middle East (he named Israel, the Palestinian Autority,
Lebanon and Iraq) are worrying and require the concerted
efforts of all countries to resolve. For its part, President
Biya said, Cameroon would be the champion of peace "wherever
it is threatened."


4. (U) Biya singled out global warming as a particular
concern, saying all countries must work together to counter
this and other environmental problems.


5. (U) Without naming names, President Biya acknowledged the
important role the "great powers" have played in Cameroon, as
investors and advisors and said the country appreciated the
interest taken in helping Cameroon achieve its social,
political and economic goals.
MARQUARDT