PRESIDENT HORTA TO VISIT WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 2008

UNCLAS DILI 000273 SENSITIVE SIPDIS EAP FOR DAS MARCIEL; MCC FOR VP HEWKO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MCA TT SUBJECT: PRESIDENT HORTA TO VISIT WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 2008 ¶1. Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta told the Ambassador on October 24 that he intends to travel to Washington in early December 2008. The purpose of the President's visit is to consult with administration officials, Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) directors, and members of congress on Timor's bid to retain MCC eligibility. President Horta's decision follows a meeting on October 23 with the GOTL finance minister (joined by the Ambassador) in which Minister Pires urged the President to travel to Washington to support Timor-Leste's candidacy. The President told the Ambassador he would arrive in Washington on or about December 3 and depart on or about December 5. ¶2. In consultation with EAP/MTS, the Ambassador welcomed the visit and assured President Horta that Embassy Dili will fully support it. We look forward to working with the Department and MCC to facilitate President Horta's meetings in Washington. We will also encourage President Horta to consider a public outreach event while in Washington. Embassy Dili's views on Timor-Leste's MCC eligibility will follow shortly in septels. RECTOR