POLICY POINTS DELIVERED TO CHADIAN UFDD REBEL

S E C R E T DOHA 000185 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS AF/C FOR TASHAWNA BETHEA E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/04/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV CH QA SUBJECT: POLICY POINTS DELIVERED TO CHADIAN UFDD REBEL SPOKESMAN REF: A. SECSTATE 19692 ¶B. DOHA 132 Classified By: CDA Michael Ratney for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) (S/NF) Poloff delivered ref A points on USG policy toward Chad March 4 to Jebren Issa, the self-described international spokesman of the Chadian Union of Forces for Democracy and Development (UFDD). Issa reacted with obvious disappointment and appeared somewhat surprised at the USG response. Issa noted that the UFDD was in virtual control of the country, with the exception of some parts of the captital city of N'Djamena, and that their forces could take full control at any time. They wished, however, according to Issa, instead to reach a "diplomatic" solution. He noted that "The U.S. knows that he (President Deby) is a corrupt dictator. We realize that the U.S. has oil concerns in Chad, but it should be working with us for real democracy. We hope the U.S. Government changes its mind and works with us. The Chadian people are behind us." RATNEY