Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA198
2009-06-26 07:54:00
SECRET
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
ERITREAN DEFENSE MINISTER ON U.S.-ERITREAN
how-toP 260754Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0342 INFO IGAD COLLECTIVE DIA WASHDC NSC WASHDC SECDEF WASHDC CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE COMUSNAVCENT CIA WASHDC
S E C R E T ASMARA 000198
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2019
TAGS: PREL MOPS ER
SUBJECT: ERITREAN DEFENSE MINISTER ON U.S.-ERITREAN
RELATIONS
REF: WHITE HOUSE 162222Z JUN 09
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d)
S E C R E T ASMARA 000198
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2019
TAGS: PREL MOPS ER
SUBJECT: ERITREAN DEFENSE MINISTER ON U.S.-ERITREAN
RELATIONS
REF: WHITE HOUSE 162222Z JUN 09
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d)
1. (S) Major General Sebhat Efrem, Eritrea's popular minister
of defense, warmly greeted the ambassador on the margins of
an Italian defense attache function June 25. He was aware of
the letter from President Obama to President Isaias (ref) and
said he seemed pleased at the prospect of improved relations.
When the ambassador went on to describe how the embassy has
been trying for three days to get a call through from
Secretary Clinton to President Isaias, Defense Minister
Sebhat looked unpleasantly surprised, even crestfallen.
"Perhaps the president has been traveling," he offered.
2. (S) The ambassador said there was a window for a more open
and normal relationship, but Eritrea's action in Somalia was
an obstacle. When the ambassador said the window for
improved relations would not remain open indefinitely, the
defense minister grabbed the ambassador's arm and said, "Keep
pushing! Keep pushing!"
3. (S) Defense Minister Sebhat then hiked up the sleeve of
his jacket and shirt to reveal that he was wearing a silver
and gold United States Marine Corps wrist watch. "My old DAO
friend Chris gave me this watch," Sebhat confided. The
defense minister had earlier reminisced fondly of his student
days, when his math and science classes had been tutored by
GI's from Kagnew Station. In early 2009 a senior Eritrean
opposition figure advised us to "keep on good terms with
Defense Minister Sebhat."
MCMULLEN
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/EX AND AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2019
TAGS: PREL MOPS ER
SUBJECT: ERITREAN DEFENSE MINISTER ON U.S.-ERITREAN
RELATIONS
REF: WHITE HOUSE 162222Z JUN 09
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d)
1. (S) Major General Sebhat Efrem, Eritrea's popular minister
of defense, warmly greeted the ambassador on the margins of
an Italian defense attache function June 25. He was aware of
the letter from President Obama to President Isaias (ref) and
said he seemed pleased at the prospect of improved relations.
When the ambassador went on to describe how the embassy has
been trying for three days to get a call through from
Secretary Clinton to President Isaias, Defense Minister
Sebhat looked unpleasantly surprised, even crestfallen.
"Perhaps the president has been traveling," he offered.
2. (S) The ambassador said there was a window for a more open
and normal relationship, but Eritrea's action in Somalia was
an obstacle. When the ambassador said the window for
improved relations would not remain open indefinitely, the
defense minister grabbed the ambassador's arm and said, "Keep
pushing! Keep pushing!"
3. (S) Defense Minister Sebhat then hiked up the sleeve of
his jacket and shirt to reveal that he was wearing a silver
and gold United States Marine Corps wrist watch. "My old DAO
friend Chris gave me this watch," Sebhat confided. The
defense minister had earlier reminisced fondly of his student
days, when his math and science classes had been tutored by
GI's from Kagnew Station. In early 2009 a senior Eritrean
opposition figure advised us to "keep on good terms with
Defense Minister Sebhat."
MCMULLEN