CREDENTIALS REDUX

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 FREETOWN 000171

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT PLEASE PASS NSC SENIOR AFRICA DIRECTOR PITTMAN,
PEACE CORPS REGIONAL DIRECTOR MCKOY AND LONDON AFRICA
WATCHER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/09/2018
TAGS: PREL APER AMGT SL
SUBJECT: CREDENTIALS REDUX

REF: 2007 FREETOWN 612

Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (U) SUMMARY: Ambassador Perry presented her credentials in
a formal ceremony at State House on April 7, 2008. She also
presented the Letters of Recall of her predecessor,
Ambassador Thomas N. Hull, III. The meeting was attended by
nearly all members of President Koroma's cabinet, including
the Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as by numerous U.S.
Embassy staff, both American and local. (The Irish Ambassador
also presented his credentials later in the day.) END SUMMARY.


2. (U) As reported reftel, Ambassador Perry informally
presented her credentials to President Koroma on October 8,
soon after her arrival and within weeks of his election. The
GoSL, however, requested her participation in the more formal
accreditation event (which the Vice President had insisted
upon for the press corps) at State House held on April 7,

2008. The ceremony proceeded smoothly and included the
presence of government ministers.


3. (U) Following an official introduction by Foreign Minister
Zainab Bangura, Ambassador Perry addressed the President and
presented her credentials. She highlighted the shared goals
between the United States and Sierra Leone, including the
promotion of a more democratic and prosperous environment
that will benefit all Sierra Leoneans. Ambassador noted the
peaceful and transparent elections in 2007, and the need now
for national unity across party lines. She pledged U.S.
support for critical assistance in the areas of human rights,
such as women's empowerment and combating trafficking in
persons, government reform, anti-corruption efforts, and
social and economic development, moving towards the goal of
qualifying for Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) support
in the future (NOTE: Koroma's only physical movement during
the Ambassador's remarks was nodding his head vigorously at
the mention of the MCC. His interest in seeing Sierra Leone
become a threshold and compact country was expressed in
previous meetings with the Ambassador. END NOTE). Ambassador
stated that the return of Peace Corps volunteers, a
development she hopes to see early in her tenure, will
further strengthen our countries' good relations at all
levels. She concluded by expressing her interest in frequent
and frank discussions with the President and his government
to achieve our shared objectives.


4. (U) In response, President Koroma expressed his
gratification for Ambassador Perry's remarks, particularly
those which praised the orderly manner of the 2007 elections.
He relayed his best wishes for the health and well-being of
President George W. Bush and the people of the United States,
and recognized the mutual friendship and respect between our
two countries. The President stated his determination to
unite and strengthen the republic, while emphasizing fairness
to all and unity across the population. Sierra Leone, stated
Koroma, faces many challenges that are the result of an
historical failure to effectively manage state affairs. While
some of these practices are cultural, he noted that the time
is ripe to change these norms and make the country more
attractive to international donors and investors. The
President stated his appreciation for USAID's ongoing
assistance, and hopes that further assistance will be
directed to the "backbone of the economy," the agricultural
sector. He also stated his firm commitment to rule of law,
human rights, improving the status of women, and enforcing
the anti-human trafficking law. President Koroma closed his
remarks with his welcome to Ambassador Perry, assurances of
his full cooperation and support, and his expectation that
her assignment in Sierra Leone will be successfully
accomplished.


5. (C) In their private conversation, President Koroma
reiterated his interest in further assistance and closer ties
to the U.S. Ambassador Perry reminded the President of the AF
Assistant Secretary's interest, particularly in democracy,
anti-corruption, and security. In that regard, Ambassador
Perry noted the growing drug problem and continued USG
Defense and Maritime training. She added that final signature
of the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) would enable the
U.S. to pursue such activities more vigorously in future. The
President concurred. (NOTE: We have moved the SOFA forward
via further discussions with the Foreign Minister. The
agreement is now with the Attorney General; we will
collaborate with him to complete action on this matter. END
NOTE.). Mindful of President Bush's calendar, the Ambassador
reassured President Koroma that his request for a Washington
visit had been sent but commitments could not be made

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immediately due to time constraints. Koroma laughed and said
he knew there was much political activity underway in the U.S.


6. (C) COMMENT: The ceremony was well-organized and likely
President Koroma's first official presentation of
Ambassadorial credentials since his September, 2007 election.
The appearance of State House has been significantly improved
by Chinese renovations, and was an attractive and formal
environment in which to, in Koroma's words, "further
strengthen the pulse of friendship between our two
countries." END COMMENT
PERRY