CHAD: NO STRONG VIEWS ON LIBYAN TSCTP MEMBERSHIP

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000057 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS PARIS AND LONDON FOR AFRICA WATCHERS. AF/RSA FOR EPSTEIN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PINR PINS PREL PTER CD SUBJECT: CHAD: NO STRONG VIEWS ON LIBYAN TSCTP MEMBERSHIP REF: SECSTATE 167865 ¶1. (U) DCM raised the question of Libyan membership in the Trans-Sahara Counterterrorism Partnership (TSCTP) December 28 with Youssef Saleh Abbas, the President's International Relations Advisor. Abbas said that he didn't see any problems in principle, and suggested that this was an item which the Ambassador might wish to raise with President Deby when he presents his credentials (Note: the Ambassador has still not presented his credentials. End note). DCM followed up with a letter and aide-memoire using talking points (reftel) to Abbas. Abbas has acknowledged receipt, but has offered no reaction. Separately, Defense Attache raised the matter with the President's Security Adviser, General Moussa Haroun Tirgo and with the Abeche-based Regional Military Commander, General "Bob" Bachara. Neither Tirgo nor Bachara had any reaction. Comment: ¶2. (SBU) Given Libya's heavy involvement in Chadian internal matters (including a series of visits by President Quaddafi and Libyan-sponsored negotiations between the Government of Chad and Chadian rebel groups),we would be surprised if Chad were to express discomfort with Libyan participation in what they see as an innocuous training program for members of the Chadian security forces. NIGRO