Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NAIROBI238
2008-01-22 17:14:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nairobi
Cable title:  

EC AMBASSADOR MICHEL'S VISIT

Tags:  PREL PGOV KDEM KE FR SI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO8056
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHNR #0238 0221714
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 221714Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4340
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 9827
RUEHDR/AMEMBASSY DAR ES SALAAM 5724
RUEHDJ/AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 5045
RUEHKM/AMEMBASSY KAMPALA 2559
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 1831
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2592
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2518
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA
RUCQSOC/USCINCSOC MACDILL AFB FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 000238 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KE FR SI
SUBJECT: EC AMBASSADOR MICHEL'S VISIT


Classified By: Ambassador Ranneberger, reasons 1.4 (b,d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 000238

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KE FR SI
SUBJECT: EC AMBASSADOR MICHEL'S VISIT


Classified By: Ambassador Ranneberger, reasons 1.4 (b,d)


1. (C) EC Commissioner Louis Michel made a one-day visit
January 19 to press for a political solution to the electoral
crisis. According to the French Ambassador (who is
representing the EU presidency in the absence of Slovenia),
Michel had consulted with Kofi Annan before visiting in order
to ensure that his visit supported the African eminent
persons efforts.


2. (C) Michel met together with Vice President Musyoka and a
number of ministers, and had a one-on-one with President
Kibaki. He also met with Odinga and members of his team.
Both Kibaki and Odinga confirmed their positions that they
are willing to meet face-to-face under the aegis of Kofi
Annan. According to the French Ambassador, Kibaki during a
larger meeting stressed the need to ensure law and order, and
downplayed the seriousness of the problems in the country.
During the one-on-one meeting, however, he recognized that
the country faces a serious crisis and welcomed the
opportunity provided by the Annan visit.


3. (C) Michel reportedly told his interlocutors that the
recent European Parliament resolution urging sanctions
against Kenya for failure to resolve the electoral crisis
reflects European frustration. He downplayed the possibility
of sanctions being imposed in the near-term, but made clear
that &all options are on the table.8 The media quoted him
as saying that &the EU will not take any precipitating
action against Kenya, but will wait for the outcome of the
dialogue.8


4. (C) According to Foreign Minister Wetangula, Michel
conveyed a pledge of approximately 8 million dollars in
assistance for those who have been displaced by the violence.
RANNEBERGER