MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS BANGURA MEETS WITH

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