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