MFA ASSERTS GSE WILLINGNESS FOR REGIONAL

UNCLAS ASMARA 000223 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/E LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS NSC FOR HUDSON AND PITTMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KREC ER ET SUBJECT: MFA ASSERTS GSE WILLINGNESS FOR REGIONAL COOPERATION ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador and Director of East African Affairs James Knight met on April 17 with Eritrea's Acting Foreign Minister, Fessehazion Petros, to discuss bilateral relations and regional dynamics. Knight emphasized the need for Eritrea to lift restrictions on Embassy Asmara and stressed the importance of Eritrea increasing its cooperation in the region. He urged Eritrea to facilitate UNMEE's smooth departure, as well as to open dialogue with Ethiopia regarding the border. ¶2. (SBU) Fessehazion responded that the Government of the State of Eritrea (GSE) can only work to solve the Embassy's issues if the overall bilateral atmosphere improves, citing in particular a resolution of the border dispute. He expressed deep frustration at the continued USG emphasis on dialogue with Ethiopia, pointedly asking, "dialogue on what?" Knight reminded the Acting Foreign Minister that the Algiers Agreement specifically calls for consultation between the two parties and U.S. policy supports such dialogue. ¶3. (SBU) Fessehazion's overall demeanor lightened when the discussion moved to regional dynamics. He stressed Eritrea's willingness to work with the United States on bringing stability to the region. Following Fessehazion's recounting of Eritrea's role in encouraging dialogue among the Somalis, Knight urged the Acting Foreign Minister to assist the United States in isolating Somali extremists. Fessehazion replied that Eritrea is "ready to help," adding, "we have a common agenda to combat terrorists." Towards the end of the meeting, the Acting Foreign Minister expressed his "admiration" for the United States, emphasizing a desire for increased cooperation between the two governments. ¶4. (SBU) COMMENT: Though the meeting had a rocky start, the discussions concluded cordially (as cordially as we have seen in the last year). Fessehazion voiced deep frustration at the U.S. position on the border issue, indicating the GSE views the current impasse as the key obstacle to better bilateral relations. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic regarding future cooperation with the United States on matters of regional stability. End comment. ¶5. (U) This cable has been coordinated with AF/E Office Director James Knight. MCMULLEN