Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN352
2008-07-21 17:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:  

MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BANGURA MEETS WITH

Tags:  PREL PGOV SL 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO2615
RR RUEHPA
DE RUEHFN #0352 2031702
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 211702Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2060
INFO RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000352 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV SL
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BANGURA MEETS WITH
U.S. AMBASSADOR

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JUNE CARTER PERRY FOR REASONS 1.4 B/D

C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000352

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/W, INR/AA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV SL
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BANGURA MEETS WITH
U.S. AMBASSADOR

Classified By: AMBASSADOR JUNE CARTER PERRY FOR REASONS 1.4 B/D


1. (C) SUMMARY: On July 10, Ambassador Perry met with Foreign
Minister (FoMin) Zainab Bangura in Freetown. The Ambassador
discussed Sierra Leone's recent activities in the
international arena, including support for Kosovar
independence, President Ernest Bai Koroma's statements
condemning the situation in Zimbabwe at the African Union
Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, and the upcoming United
Nations General Assembly. On bilateral issues, the Ambassador
engaged the FoMin on Sierra Leone's participation in the AGOA
Forum. She also raised the problem of fraudulent visa
applications under cover of diplomatic note submitted to the
Mission's Consular Section. The FoMin thanked the Ambassador
for bringing the issue of diplomatic note misuse to her
attention and promised to correct it. The FoMin also stated
that she would attend the UNGA along with President Koroma
and Deputy FoMin Vandi Minah. She requested meetings with
POTUS, Secretary Rice and A/S Frazer. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) On July 10, Ambassador Perry met with Foreign Minister
Bangura on a number of issues ranging from Sierra Leone's
international engagement to bilateral issues between USG and
the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL). While awaiting the
FoMin's arrival, the Ambassador asked MFA Secretary General
Wurie about Sierra Leone's expressed interest in the
non-permanent seat on the UNSC at the end of South Africa's
term. Ambassador Wurie indicated the GoSL's position; it is
Sierra Leone's turn, but that Nigeria was pressing for
interest in the seat. Upon the FoMin's arrival, the
Ambassador expressed USG appreciation for the strong
statement regarding Zimbabwe made by President Koroma at the
AU Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. The Ambassador also
acknowledged Sierra Leone's support of independence for
Kosovo and congratulated the FoMin on the positive outcomes
for Sierra Leone as a result of the IMF Executive Board's
second review of the country's poverty reduction and economic
growth program.


3. (C) The Ambassador also addressed the pending matter of
Sierra Leonean participation in the AGOA Forum on July 14-16
in Washington, DC. She relayed concern that Foreign Ministry
had not responded to the invitation presented May 12 for the
forum. The FoMin assured the Ambassador that the deputy
ministers from the finance, trade, and foreign affairs
ministries would attend with the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to
the United States. The Ambassador noted the potential
benefits of AGOA for Sierra Leone as it rebuilds its
commercial sector.


4. (C) The Ambassador raised the issue of fraudulent visa
applications submitted to the Consular Section of the Embassy
under cover of MFA recommendations. The FoMin adamantly
denied implicit or explicit support for these individuals.
Moreover, the FoMin stated that other ministries as well as
the Secretary to the Office of the President actively evaded
the legal framework for the intake of civil servants by
attempting to obtain diplomatic visas for these individuals.
The FoMin challenged her staff to find out why a directive
instructing personnel to place a hold on this process, and in
place for over a month, was not applied in these cases. The
FoMin appeared upset at hearing that this practice had
continued.


5. (C) Regarding the upcoming UNGA, the tentative delegation
from Sierra Leone consists of President Koroma, Minister
Bangura, MFA Secretary-General Wurie, and MFA Deputy Minister
Minah. The delegation will be in New York from September
19-30. President Koroma's address is scheduled for September

26. The Minister requested bilaterals between September
22-25. Sierra Leone occupies the Africa Chair on the Reform
Commission and Minister Bangura will submit a list of the
stakeholders and positions to Ambassador Perry in advance of
the UNGA. To participate in peacekeeping operations, Sierra
Leone will put a DATT at the permanent mission in New York
starting in 2009, according to MFA.


6. (C) COMMENT: The FoMin expressed interest in meeting
POTUS, Secretary Rice, and Assistant Secretary Frazer in New
York. It appears the GoSL would be satisfied with such a
meeting in lieu of an official visit. Bangura is well aware
of the tight schedule facing USG leaders. END COMMENT.
PERRY