Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ADDISABABA2816
2009-11-30 14:31:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Addis Ababa
Cable title:
SOMALILAND NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION TRAINING
how-toVZCZCXRO2782 OO RUEHDE RUEHROV RUEHTRO DE RUEHDS #2816 3341431 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 301431Z NOV 09 FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6969 INFO RUCNSOM/SOMALIA COLLECTIVE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 002816
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION TRAINING
IN ADDIS ABABA
Classified By: CDA Roger Meece. Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ADDIS ABABA 002816
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION TRAINING
IN ADDIS ABABA
Classified By: CDA Roger Meece. Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
1. (SBU) CDA was invited to a November 22 dinner hosted by
the British Ambassador for the members of the Somaliland
National Electoral Commission (NEC). The members of the
commission are in Addis Ababa for training in electoral
systems and procedures, apparently organized by the British,
under the general direction of the former chair of the Ghana
electoral commission, who was also in attendance at the
dinner. Members of the technical committee being formed in
support of the Somaliland electoral process in accordance
with the recently concluded agreements were also present, and
these included two representatives of the Republican
International Institute (IRI),and at least one former
employee of the Carter Center, a Canadian citizen now working
with a different international agency. Rounding out the
dinner participants were several British diplomats and the
Swedish Ambassador, who is also the current European Union
chair.
2. (C) The CDA was seated between the chair and vice chair
of the NEC. In response to questions, both firmly asserted
that the newly reconstituted NEC has had a series of positive
meetings. While various members certainly hold differing
views, the NEC members stated that there is a positive
approach shared by the NEC members in the interests of
achieving solutions and ensuring a successful election
exercise. NEC dinner interlocutors also indicated that they
were satisfied with the composition of the supporting
technical team. While acknowledging that there are likely
further difficulties ahead, the NEC members expressed
optimism about the future process.
3. (SBU) The Swedish Ambassador will be hosting a reception
for the NEC members on Wednesday evening, November 24 on
behalf of the EU.
4. (SBU) Comment: The only indication of GOE involvement
to-date in the NEC training exercise is the presumed
facilitation of visas and other arrangements associated with
the Addis venue location. Delegation members indicated,
however, that they may meet with MFA State Secretary Tekeda
before the delegation leaves town. End comment.
MEECE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/30/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM SO ET
SUBJECT: SOMALILAND NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION TRAINING
IN ADDIS ABABA
Classified By: CDA Roger Meece. Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
1. (SBU) CDA was invited to a November 22 dinner hosted by
the British Ambassador for the members of the Somaliland
National Electoral Commission (NEC). The members of the
commission are in Addis Ababa for training in electoral
systems and procedures, apparently organized by the British,
under the general direction of the former chair of the Ghana
electoral commission, who was also in attendance at the
dinner. Members of the technical committee being formed in
support of the Somaliland electoral process in accordance
with the recently concluded agreements were also present, and
these included two representatives of the Republican
International Institute (IRI),and at least one former
employee of the Carter Center, a Canadian citizen now working
with a different international agency. Rounding out the
dinner participants were several British diplomats and the
Swedish Ambassador, who is also the current European Union
chair.
2. (C) The CDA was seated between the chair and vice chair
of the NEC. In response to questions, both firmly asserted
that the newly reconstituted NEC has had a series of positive
meetings. While various members certainly hold differing
views, the NEC members stated that there is a positive
approach shared by the NEC members in the interests of
achieving solutions and ensuring a successful election
exercise. NEC dinner interlocutors also indicated that they
were satisfied with the composition of the supporting
technical team. While acknowledging that there are likely
further difficulties ahead, the NEC members expressed
optimism about the future process.
3. (SBU) The Swedish Ambassador will be hosting a reception
for the NEC members on Wednesday evening, November 24 on
behalf of the EU.
4. (SBU) Comment: The only indication of GOE involvement
to-date in the NEC training exercise is the presumed
facilitation of visas and other arrangements associated with
the Addis venue location. Delegation members indicated,
however, that they may meet with MFA State Secretary Tekeda
before the delegation leaves town. End comment.
MEECE