Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA413
2008-08-20 11:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
EGYPT NO LONGER A "SISTER" TO ERITREA
how-toVZCZCXRO4709 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHAE #0413 2331140 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 201140Z AUG 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9855 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE RHRMDAB/COMUSNAVCENT
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000413
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NEA/ELA
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG ER
SUBJECT: EGYPT NO LONGER A "SISTER" TO ERITREA
REF: ASMARA 366
Classified By: CDA Melinda Tabler-Stone for reason 1.4(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000413
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NEA/ELA
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG ER
SUBJECT: EGYPT NO LONGER A "SISTER" TO ERITREA
REF: ASMARA 366
Classified By: CDA Melinda Tabler-Stone for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) An Egyptian diplomat admitted to POLOFF that
diplomatic relations between Eritrean and Egypt have become
strained over recent months. In addition to having to endure
the restrictive in-country travel policies (requiring all
foreign diplomats to request in-country travel 10 days in
advance),the diplomat cited Egypt's anger at the GSE's
opening of three official shipments from Cairo destined for
the Egyptian Embassy. The packages, one of which contained
an office printer, were opened in January, April, and June of
this year and were thoroughly inspected by GSE officials.
Following the opening of the third package, the Egyptian MFA
contacted the Eritrean Ambassador to Cairo, allegedly warning
him to not contact the MFA for anything.
2. (C) The Egyptian Embassy has adopted a more strict entry
visa policy for Eritreans, requiring security approval from
Cairo before issuing the visa. The diplomat estimated that
less than 30% of visa applicants have been approved since the
new policy came into place. The new policy has aroused the
ire of GSE officials, who stated Egypt is no longer a
"sister" to Eritrea, the diplomat relayed.
3. (C) These events follow the July 2008 Egyptian trade fair
(reftel),in which the GSE took 22 of the 42 shipping
containers full of merchandise as Egypt's "payment" for being
allowed to host the fair.
TABLER-STONE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NEA/ELA
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG ER
SUBJECT: EGYPT NO LONGER A "SISTER" TO ERITREA
REF: ASMARA 366
Classified By: CDA Melinda Tabler-Stone for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) An Egyptian diplomat admitted to POLOFF that
diplomatic relations between Eritrean and Egypt have become
strained over recent months. In addition to having to endure
the restrictive in-country travel policies (requiring all
foreign diplomats to request in-country travel 10 days in
advance),the diplomat cited Egypt's anger at the GSE's
opening of three official shipments from Cairo destined for
the Egyptian Embassy. The packages, one of which contained
an office printer, were opened in January, April, and June of
this year and were thoroughly inspected by GSE officials.
Following the opening of the third package, the Egyptian MFA
contacted the Eritrean Ambassador to Cairo, allegedly warning
him to not contact the MFA for anything.
2. (C) The Egyptian Embassy has adopted a more strict entry
visa policy for Eritreans, requiring security approval from
Cairo before issuing the visa. The diplomat estimated that
less than 30% of visa applicants have been approved since the
new policy came into place. The new policy has aroused the
ire of GSE officials, who stated Egypt is no longer a
"sister" to Eritrea, the diplomat relayed.
3. (C) These events follow the July 2008 Egyptian trade fair
(reftel),in which the GSE took 22 of the 42 shipping
containers full of merchandise as Egypt's "payment" for being
allowed to host the fair.
TABLER-STONE