Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA27
2009-01-26 08:45:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
GSE TAKES NEW COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO UNMEE
how-toR 260845Z JAN 09 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0116 INFO AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI USMISSION USUN NEW YORK CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CIA WASHDC CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000027
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AND
AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2029
TAGS: KPKO ER ASEC PGOV
SUBJECT: GSE TAKES NEW COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO UNMEE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000027
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AND
AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2029
TAGS: KPKO ER ASEC PGOV
SUBJECT: GSE TAKES NEW COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO UNMEE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) The Eritrean government (GSE) has become more
cooperative in its dealings with UNMEE, according to our
closest UNMEE contact. Last week, the GSE sent four
officials from the Ministry of Finance to help facilitate a
VAT refund to UNMEE of more than $500,000, levied during the
past eight years. The GSE also requested UNMEE retrieve
equipment such as water/fuel tanks and communications gear
from their former sites in Assab, Barentu, and Adi Quala.
Previously, the GSE refused to grant UNMEE travel permits or
permission to retrieve this equipment. UNMEE's liquidation
schedule has also been extended to at least the end of
February 2009.
2. (C) UNMEE source said he thought the GSE was trying to
make amends with UNMEE and the UN as a result of the recent
Security Council resolution ordering Eritrea to depart
Djiboutian territory by mid-February 2009. If so, we might
expect to see GSE also soften its stance toward other UN
agencies here, perhaps by permitting fuel deliveries. Post
has likewise noted improved cooperation from the GSE on
travel permits, pouch flow, and extension and acceptance of
social invitations (septel).
MCMULLEN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AND
AF/E
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2029
TAGS: KPKO ER ASEC PGOV
SUBJECT: GSE TAKES NEW COOPERATIVE APPROACH TO UNMEE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) The Eritrean government (GSE) has become more
cooperative in its dealings with UNMEE, according to our
closest UNMEE contact. Last week, the GSE sent four
officials from the Ministry of Finance to help facilitate a
VAT refund to UNMEE of more than $500,000, levied during the
past eight years. The GSE also requested UNMEE retrieve
equipment such as water/fuel tanks and communications gear
from their former sites in Assab, Barentu, and Adi Quala.
Previously, the GSE refused to grant UNMEE travel permits or
permission to retrieve this equipment. UNMEE's liquidation
schedule has also been extended to at least the end of
February 2009.
2. (C) UNMEE source said he thought the GSE was trying to
make amends with UNMEE and the UN as a result of the recent
Security Council resolution ordering Eritrea to depart
Djiboutian territory by mid-February 2009. If so, we might
expect to see GSE also soften its stance toward other UN
agencies here, perhaps by permitting fuel deliveries. Post
has likewise noted improved cooperation from the GSE on
travel permits, pouch flow, and extension and acceptance of
social invitations (septel).
MCMULLEN