CDA COURTESY CALL ON PM MELES; WATCHING THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 002094 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/31/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET SUBJECT: CDA COURTESY CALL ON PM MELES; WATCHING THE RELATIONSHIP Classified By: CDA Roger Meece. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In an introductory August 21 courtesy call by the CDA, PM Meles reviewed a range of bilateral interests. While not covering much new ground, Meles did reiterate that he and the Government of Ethiopia (GoE) generally very much value the strong relationship with the U.S., underscoring points of common concern and interests throughout the region. Meles made a point of noting that he is hopeful of having senior-level bilateral talks at an early opportunity, specifically mentioning that it would be very useful if these could be held by the end of September. He said that he fully understood the problem of having a gap between chiefs of mission, but expressed appreciation for the temporary assignment of the CDA, and underscored that the CDA and Mission team should continue to enjoy good access and collaboration with the GoE at all levels. ¶2. (C) Discussing Somalia, Meles noted that recent military action had resulted in some &back-and-forth8 in southern Somalia. Recently, however, he said the African Union Mission in Somalia,s (AMISOM) peacekeeping operation had made some progress, adding that this was perhaps for the first time. Regarding the recent TFG cabinet shuffle, Meles professed not to know the personalities involved, but said that those who did had told him the government changes may make the government a bit more effective. He summarized by saying it seemed that recently there had been some very small, painful, and slow steps forward, but in Somalia such represents progress. ¶3. (C) Charge noted ongoing concerns focused on human rights and democratization issues in Ethiopia, specifically noting that attention on these matters would likely increase as Ethiopia moves through its election cycle. Acknowledging without comment the human rights mention, Meles did reiterate GoE interest in having the Carter Center,s involvement in monitoring and observing Ethiopia,s elections. He expressed the hope that the Carter Center would respond soon to the GoE,s invitation, to permit adequate time to work out details and permit full engagement in the period leading to elections as well as the elections themselves. Responding to another of the CDA,s comments, Meles also noted ongoing efforts to engage opposition parties in formulating an election code of conduct, stating that he had asked for and welcomed diplomatic community involvement to facilitate this effort. ¶4. (SBU) Discussion of Sudan was deferred to the next day,s scheduled meeting with S/E Gration, being reported septel. ¶5. (C) Comment: The atmospherics and tone of the meeting were pleasant. While Meles did not comment directly when the CDA brought up the subject of human rights, neither did he withdraw or close down further discussion. It seemed apparent, however, that Meles has concerns about the nature of current relations. His strongest emphasis in the discussion was regarding his desire to have early senior bilateral discussions. We note that the PM,s office immediately responded favorably to the invitation to attend the Pittsburgh G20 summit, delivered a few days after this courtesy call. End comment. MEECE