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