CAMEROON ATTENDANCE AT 63RD UNGA

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000770 SIPDIS IO/UNP FOR SUN USUN FOR TBD NSC FOR MCDONALD P FOR REINEMEYER AF/RSA FOR HALDEMAN, BARLERIN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CM PREL OTRA OVIP KSEP UNGA SUBJECT: CAMEROON ATTENDANCE AT 63RD UNGA REF: STATE 72078 ¶1. (SBU) On July 31, Joe Nzume, the Director of North American Affairs at the GRC Ministry of External Relations, provided the following information concerning the Cameroonian delegation to UNGA. Nzume emphasized he is still in the planning stages for UNGA. Typically, the GRC does not decide who will represent the GRC until close to the opening of UNGA. ¶2. (SBU) It is unknown whether the Head of State, President Paul Biya will attend. The GRC is currently planning as if President Biya and his wife, Chantal Biya, will attend. However, either the President or the Prime Minister will stay in Cameroon. French language interpretation would be needed. ¶3. (SBU) The Head of Government, Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni, is tentatively scheduled to head a delegation to Texas from September 12-21 to attend an economic cooperation conference. It is unknown whether he will attend UNGA. If he does attend, his wife, Gladys Inoni, may attend with him. No interpretation would be necessary. ¶4. (U) Foreign Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi plans to attend, but does not yet have travel dates. Indications are that he will be present for the General Debate. It is unknown whether his wife, Madame Eyebe Odille will attend. No interpretation will be needed. ¶5. (U) Cameroon's recently appointed Ambassador to the UN, Tommo Monthe, plans to attend UNGA, and indications are that he will be present for the General Debate. He is currently assembling a five-person team to bring to New York with him. His travel dates are unknown, and it is unknown whether his wife will attend. No interpretation will be needed. It is unknown whether other VIPs will attend UNGA, but Nzume estimated the GRC would send 30-35 people. ¶6. (U) It is unknown whether the Foreign Ministry official responsible for IO affairs, Director for the UN, Prosper Bomba, will attend. It is unknown whether his wife would travel. No interpretation would be needed. ¶7. (U) Travel itineraries have not been finalized. Post will provide any further information including cemented travel plans and itineraries when they become available. The GRC estimates this information will be provided by mid-August. GARVEY