MASERU: SUPPLEMENTAL REPRESENTATIONAL FUNDING REQUEST

UNCLAS MASERU 000157 SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/EX/BFO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABUD AFIN AMGT OPRC KPAO LT SUBJECT: MASERU: SUPPLEMENTAL REPRESENTATIONAL FUNDING REQUEST ¶1. Embassy Maseru respectfully requests a supplemental allocation of $2,500 in representational funds in order to support post's official Fourth of July celebration as well as additional events designed to advance implementation of two Presidential initiatives (a nascent MCA Compact and an expanding in-country PEPFAR program). ¶2. Embassy Maseru's footprint increased significantly in late 2007 when the Mission absorbed three new agencies (USAID, MCC, and CDC) and a 38 percent increase in U.S. direct hire employees. The Office of the Global Aids Coordinator (S/GAC) recently selected Lesotho as one of only six "compact countries" worldwide for a new partnership with the Government of Lesotho on HIV/AIDS. This year's Fourth of July celebration, and the remaining months of the fiscal year, will be critical opportunities to enable Embassy personnel to reach out to new partners and to engage stakeholders in efforts to advance entry-into-force of the $362.5 million Compact for economic development, which was signed in mid-2007 and must overcome numerous obstacles for successful implementation by September ¶2008. ¶3. In order to support these Presidential initiatives and other outreach efforts, it would be extremely helpful to bolster the representational capabilities of Embassy Maseru beyond the level foreseen during budget preparations last year and to help advance these new initiatives. For example, post will invite over 450 guests to the Fourth of July celebration in 2008 - an 80 percent increase over last year's total (250). ¶4. Post received $10,400.00 in representational funds for FY08. Thus far, we are only capable of budgeting approximately $3,500 for July 4th, which represents an increase of only 8 percent over FY 07 (despite 12 percent inflation and our need for an expanded guest list). With an additional $2,500 in representation funds, we can meet our needs for a broader July 4th event and also fulfill our representation objectives for the remainder of the fiscal year. ¶5. Post appreciates AF/EX consideration of this request, as well as the excellent ongoing support and collaboration. MURPHY