GUINEA - REQUEST TO END FOOD STAPLE EXPORT

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000256 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR EEB/TPP/ABT AMY WINTON, EBB/TPP MIKAEL LURIE, AND EEB/IFD/ODF MARGO SIEMER E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD EAGR ECON TBIO GV SUBJECT: GUINEA - REQUEST TO END FOOD STAPLE EXPORT RESTRICTIONS REF: STATE 53353 ¶1. (SBU) On May 23, Ambassador Carter provided Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kabele Camara, with a translated version of the reftel note memoire regarding ending export restrictions. The Minister said that he generally supports the U.S. position and would take the USG position into consideration. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT. Dr. Ahmed Tidiane Souare was sworn in as the new prime minister of Guinea on May 23, replacing former prime minister Lansana Kouyate. Souare is expected to name a new cabinet in the near future. Guinea's current export ban policy, which remains largely undefined, was implemented by the former prime minister. It is unclear whether or not the new government will reinforce the policy or abandon it, but the Embassy continues to push for a complete elimination of any export restrictions, at every opportunity. END COMMENT. CARTER