Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA252
2009-08-04 14:53:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
ISAIAS GIVES EC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER COLD
how-toVZCZCXRO4391 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHAE #0252 2161453 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 041453Z AUG 09 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0408 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RHRMDAB/COMUSNAVCENT RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000252
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NAIROBI FOR USAID
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID EUN ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS GIVES EC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER COLD
SHOULDER
REF: ASMARA 113
Classified By: Amb. Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000252
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NAIROBI FOR USAID
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID EUN ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS GIVES EC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER COLD
SHOULDER
REF: ASMARA 113
Classified By: Amb. Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) Louis Michel, former European Commission (EC)
Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, met with
President Isaias July 30 to discuss the details of the
upcoming 122 million euro aid package Eritrea is set to
receive (reftel). In addition, Michel brought up two
specific political concerns, according to an EC
representative. He asked Isaias to improve Eritrea's
relations with the United States. Michel also asked about
the prospects for the release of long-incarcerated Swedish
journalist, Dawit Isaak. President Isaias directly responded
with a "no" on both accounts. In typical fashion, Eritrea's
local media reported only that "Louis Michel... shares
similar views as that of the President."
2. (C) COMMENT: The EC is Eritrea's largest bilateral donor
and has consistently channeled hundreds of millions of euros
directly to the government via its Economic Development Fund
(EDF). In exchange, the EC has been granted frequent
in-country travel permits and relative immunity from the
GSE's daily anti-Western rhetoric. EC ambassadors have even
begun regular dialogue with high-level officials on a range
of topics such as human rights and migration. It is clear
there is no real political payback, however, as shown by
Isaias's refusal to consider Michel's concerns.
MCMULLEN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/E AND NAIROBI FOR USAID
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/03/2019
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID EUN ER
SUBJECT: ISAIAS GIVES EC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER COLD
SHOULDER
REF: ASMARA 113
Classified By: Amb. Ronald K. McMullen for reason 1.4(d).
1. (C) Louis Michel, former European Commission (EC)
Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, met with
President Isaias July 30 to discuss the details of the
upcoming 122 million euro aid package Eritrea is set to
receive (reftel). In addition, Michel brought up two
specific political concerns, according to an EC
representative. He asked Isaias to improve Eritrea's
relations with the United States. Michel also asked about
the prospects for the release of long-incarcerated Swedish
journalist, Dawit Isaak. President Isaias directly responded
with a "no" on both accounts. In typical fashion, Eritrea's
local media reported only that "Louis Michel... shares
similar views as that of the President."
2. (C) COMMENT: The EC is Eritrea's largest bilateral donor
and has consistently channeled hundreds of millions of euros
directly to the government via its Economic Development Fund
(EDF). In exchange, the EC has been granted frequent
in-country travel permits and relative immunity from the
GSE's daily anti-Western rhetoric. EC ambassadors have even
begun regular dialogue with high-level officials on a range
of topics such as human rights and migration. It is clear
there is no real political payback, however, as shown by
Isaias's refusal to consider Michel's concerns.
MCMULLEN