NIGER: BURKINA FASO MEMBERSHIP IN THE TRANS-SAHARA

C O N F I D E N T I A L NIAMEY 001081 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/10/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER NG UV XA XI SUBJECT: NIGER: BURKINA FASO MEMBERSHIP IN THE TRANS-SAHARA COUNTERTERRORISM PARTNERSHIP (TSCTP) REF: SECSTATE 115500 Classified By: Ambassador Bernadette M. Allen, Reason: 1.4 (a) and (d) ¶1. (C) On November 4, 2008, using reftel talking points, Ambassador Allen raised with Government of Niger (GON) Foreign Minister (FM) Aichatou Mindaoudou the USG interest in inviting the Government of Burkina Faso to participate in the TSCTP. When asked for the GON's views on the matter and suggestions on Burkina Faso's possible integration into the TSCTP, the FM responded she didn't anticipate any objections on the part of the GON, that the Burkinabe have been good partners in the region. She indicated she would raise the matter with GON President Mamadou Tandja and relevant Ministers. She added that if there were any particular concerns that the GON would inform the Embassy within the next few days. As of November 10, 2008, no subsequent GON suggestions or concerns have been raised or brought to the U.S. Embassy's attention with regard to Burkinabe participation in TSCTP. (Note: The GON Americas Desk Director, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Country Program Manager and USAID Millennium Challenge Account Niger Threshold Program Manager were in attendance at the meeting that also covered supplemental food security assistance (resulting from the Farm Bill) and the Millennium Challenge Corporation FY09 scorecard for Niger. End note.) ¶2. (U) Tripoli minimize considered. ALLEN