Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ADDISABABA1971
2009-08-13 14:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
SOMALILAND - ETHIOPIA CONCERNED THAT POLITICAL
how-toVZCZCXRO1635 OO RUEHDE RUEHROV RUEHTRO DE RUEHDS #1971 2251451 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 131451Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5864 INFO RUCNSOM/SOMALIA COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUZEFAA/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEPADJ/CJTF HOA PRIORITY RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 001971
SIPDIS
AF/FO FOR PDAS PCARTER
AF/E FOR MWALSH AND PFIERST
NAIROBI FOR SOMALIA UNIT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND - ETHIOPIA CONCERNED THAT POLITICAL
CRISIS THREATENS STABILITY AND PROGRESS
REF: A. WALSH-GONZALES E-MAIL OF 8/12/09
B. NAIROBI 1709
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael C. Gonzales for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 001971
SIPDIS
AF/FO FOR PDAS PCARTER
AF/E FOR MWALSH AND PFIERST
NAIROBI FOR SOMALIA UNIT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND - ETHIOPIA CONCERNED THAT POLITICAL
CRISIS THREATENS STABILITY AND PROGRESS
REF: A. WALSH-GONZALES E-MAIL OF 8/12/09
B. NAIROBI 1709
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael C. Gonzales for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In a one-on-one meeting with Acting Deputy Chief of
Mission on August 13, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi noted
Ethiopia's concerns that the emerging political crisis in
Somaliland risks undermining the region's stability,
democratic record, and prospects for improved engagement with
the international community. A/DCM Gonzales agreed and
expressed the United States' concern that the political
crisis -- particularly the determination of the National
Electoral Committee (NEC) and President Riyale to throw out
the voter registration list and go ahead with elections in
September in a "traditional Somali" way -- risked undermining
mutual U.S. and Ethiopian concerns for good governance and
democracy in Somaliland.
2. (C) The Acting DCM noted the United States' intent to
reach out to Somaliland officials to urge for a free, fair,
credible, and transparent electoral process and asked the
Prime Minister if he might also consider delivering such a
message to Somaliland President Riyale and Foreign Minister
Duale. Meles noted that the Ethiopian Government (GoE)
internally has discussed the concerning trends emerging from
Hargeisa and agreed that he would contact President Riyale
with a similar message of concern. Meles further suggested a
broader effort in which other "friends of Somaliland" may
also be encouraged to deliver similar messages to represent a
united front which may more effectively sway actions in
Hargeisa. Embassy Addis Ababa urges the Africa Bureau to
consider this proposal by the Prime Minister.
MEECE
SIPDIS
AF/FO FOR PDAS PCARTER
AF/E FOR MWALSH AND PFIERST
NAIROBI FOR SOMALIA UNIT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND - ETHIOPIA CONCERNED THAT POLITICAL
CRISIS THREATENS STABILITY AND PROGRESS
REF: A. WALSH-GONZALES E-MAIL OF 8/12/09
B. NAIROBI 1709
Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Michael C. Gonzales for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1. (C) In a one-on-one meeting with Acting Deputy Chief of
Mission on August 13, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi noted
Ethiopia's concerns that the emerging political crisis in
Somaliland risks undermining the region's stability,
democratic record, and prospects for improved engagement with
the international community. A/DCM Gonzales agreed and
expressed the United States' concern that the political
crisis -- particularly the determination of the National
Electoral Committee (NEC) and President Riyale to throw out
the voter registration list and go ahead with elections in
September in a "traditional Somali" way -- risked undermining
mutual U.S. and Ethiopian concerns for good governance and
democracy in Somaliland.
2. (C) The Acting DCM noted the United States' intent to
reach out to Somaliland officials to urge for a free, fair,
credible, and transparent electoral process and asked the
Prime Minister if he might also consider delivering such a
message to Somaliland President Riyale and Foreign Minister
Duale. Meles noted that the Ethiopian Government (GoE)
internally has discussed the concerning trends emerging from
Hargeisa and agreed that he would contact President Riyale
with a similar message of concern. Meles further suggested a
broader effort in which other "friends of Somaliland" may
also be encouraged to deliver similar messages to represent a
united front which may more effectively sway actions in
Hargeisa. Embassy Addis Ababa urges the Africa Bureau to
consider this proposal by the Prime Minister.
MEECE