Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08FREETOWN353
2008-07-21 17:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Freetown
Cable title:
SIERRA LEONE REQUESTS HIGH LEVEL BILATS DURING UNGA
how-toVZCZCXYZ0003 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHFN #0353 2031741 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 211741Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY FREETOWN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2061 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0280
C O N F I D E N T I A L FREETOWN 000353
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE REQUESTS HIGH LEVEL BILATS DURING UNGA
REF: STATE 72078
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 000353
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE REQUESTS HIGH LEVEL BILATS DURING UNGA
REF: STATE 72078
Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 b/d
1. (C) Foreign Minister Launch Bangura made request to
Ambassador July 10 for high-level bilateral meetings during
President Koroma's participation in the 2008 UNGA. The GoSL,
and its President, had earlier asked for an official visit to
Washington. In light of timing, this did not appear feasible.
2. (C) President Koroma, who is to speak in New York on
September 26, is requesting a bilateral meeting with POTUS,
Secretary Rice and Assistant Secretary Frazer between
September 22-25. The Foreign Minister is expected to arrive
in New York on or about September 14. Deputy Foreign
Minister, Mr. Vandi Minah is also to be part of the
delegation. (Note: Further information the composition of
delegation will be provided septel in required format. End
note.)
3. (C) Post supports this request as Sierra Leone has been a
reliable ally, most recently as a co-sponsor of our Zimbabwe
Resolution. President Koroma also spoke out at the African
Union Summit against the mugabe regime and his team worked
hard to persuade other African nations to join the GoSL
position. The country also recognized Kosovar independence
at our request and did so publicly, as did few African
nations. In pursuing democracy, Sierra Leone held free and
fair national elections in 2007 followed by successful local
elections in 2008. The President has made anti-corruption
measures his top priority and has sent strong measures to
Parliament coupled with the appointment of a new
Anti-Corruption Commission.
4. (C) While we cannot offer Sierra Leone major funding
resources, we strongly believe the country's success in
democracy building after a major civil war, its support of
the Special Court and its willingness to take a leadership
position on international issues merit recognition. The high
level bilats would send the right signal not only to this
country but to the region.
PERRY
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/W
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2018
TAGS: PREL UNGA SL
SUBJECT: SIERRA LEONE REQUESTS HIGH LEVEL BILATS DURING UNGA
REF: STATE 72078
Classified By: Ambassador June Carter Perry for reasons 1.4 b/d
1. (C) Foreign Minister Launch Bangura made request to
Ambassador July 10 for high-level bilateral meetings during
President Koroma's participation in the 2008 UNGA. The GoSL,
and its President, had earlier asked for an official visit to
Washington. In light of timing, this did not appear feasible.
2. (C) President Koroma, who is to speak in New York on
September 26, is requesting a bilateral meeting with POTUS,
Secretary Rice and Assistant Secretary Frazer between
September 22-25. The Foreign Minister is expected to arrive
in New York on or about September 14. Deputy Foreign
Minister, Mr. Vandi Minah is also to be part of the
delegation. (Note: Further information the composition of
delegation will be provided septel in required format. End
note.)
3. (C) Post supports this request as Sierra Leone has been a
reliable ally, most recently as a co-sponsor of our Zimbabwe
Resolution. President Koroma also spoke out at the African
Union Summit against the mugabe regime and his team worked
hard to persuade other African nations to join the GoSL
position. The country also recognized Kosovar independence
at our request and did so publicly, as did few African
nations. In pursuing democracy, Sierra Leone held free and
fair national elections in 2007 followed by successful local
elections in 2008. The President has made anti-corruption
measures his top priority and has sent strong measures to
Parliament coupled with the appointment of a new
Anti-Corruption Commission.
4. (C) While we cannot offer Sierra Leone major funding
resources, we strongly believe the country's success in
democracy building after a major civil war, its support of
the Special Court and its willingness to take a leadership
position on international issues merit recognition. The high
level bilats would send the right signal not only to this
country but to the region.
PERRY