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 �00A;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 FREETOWN 00000171 002 OF 002 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