Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09COTONOU195
2009-05-14 06:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Cotonou
Cable title:  

COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND

Tags:  OEXC SCUL OIIP KPAO BN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO4140
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHCO #0195/01 1340656
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 140656Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0915
INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1440
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000195 

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (ANYASO, TITUS, LISENBY),AF/W (ACOOK)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL OIIP KPAO BN
SUBJECT: COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND
MISSION-PRODUCED MATERIALS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000195

DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (ANYASO, TITUS, LISENBY),AF/W (ACOOK)

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OEXC SCUL OIIP KPAO BN
SUBJECT: COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND
MISSION-PRODUCED MATERIALS


1. PAS Cotonou reports the following placements of State Department
materials, articles on Mission-hosted activities and U.S. centered
articles in the government-owned newspaper, La Nation, and various
independent newspapers:

March 2
The following articles were published:
The entirety of a Mission-produced press release in the
right-of-center independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien and
Le Challenge, about the Mission-hosted seminar organized by the
Defense Institute of International Legal Studies on the topic "Les
Droits de l'Homme et le Droit Humanitaire International." (Human
Rights and the International Humanitarian Law).

An article in the right-of-center independent daily L'Aurore, about
President Boni Yayi's visit to the Mercy Ships, titled "Le President
de la Republique visite le plus grand bateau htpital en mission au
Benin." (The President of the Republic visits the biggest medical
ship on mission to Benin).

Two articles in the left-of-center independent daily Nouvelle
Expression, about President Barack Obama's participation in the
summit between the European Union and the United States, titled
"Sommet UE-USA avec Obama le 5 avril a Prague." (The summit between
the European Union and the United States in Prague on April 5).

An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matinal,
about the Mission-hosted Speaker's Program titled "Systeme educatif
et emploi au Benin: les Etats-Unis veulent s'impliquer plus."
(Education and Youth Employment: the United States shows more
commitment).

Two articles in the left-of-center independent daily L'Informateur,
based on two Mission-produced press releases titled "Pulverisation
intra-dimiciliaire pour lutter contre le paludisme," and "l'USAID
annonce 160 millions de dollars americains pour la reponse globale a
la securite alimentaire pour l'Afrique occidentale." (Indoor
Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria) and (USAID announces the
allocation of 160 million Dollars as a contribution to food security
in West Africa).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Obama et Sarkozy sur la
liste des nominations pour le Prix Nobel de la Paix 2009. " Obama
and Sarkozy on the list of nominees for the 2009 Nobel Peace

Prize).

March 3
An article in the government-controlled daily La Nation, based on
the Mission-hosted seminar organized by the Defense Institute of
International Legal Studies (DIILS, titled "Seminaire international
de DIILS: instaurer un dialogue fecond entre civils et militaries."
(International seminar sponsored by DILLS: establishing a productive
dialogue between civilians and the military).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Les cles du nouveau
Proche-Orient entre les mains d'Obama. " (The Keys of the New Middle
East in Obama's Hands).

March 4
The following articles were published:
An article in L'Aurore, about the endangered species, titled
"Especes menacees: Barack Obama decide de suspendre une decision de
George Bush." (Endangered species: Barack Obama decides to suspend a
decision taken by former President George Bush).

An article in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Clinton lance au
Proche-Orient une diplomatie aggressive." (Clinton launches dynamic
outreach diplomacy in the Middle-East).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Obama propose a Moscou de
discuter du bouclier anti-missile en Europe de l'Est. " (Obama
suggests to Moscow to address the Eastern Europe anti-missile
shield).

An article in Le Challenge, based on the entirety of the
Mission-produced press release on the DIILS seminar, titled
"Seminaire international sur les Droits de l'Homme et le Droit
Humanitaire International." (International seminar on human rights
and international humanitarian law).

An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Proche-Orient: le message
de paix d'Hillary Clinton." (Middle East: Hillary Clinton's message
of peace).

An article in Le Telegramme, titled "Russie/Etats-Unis: Medvedev
refuse la proposition d'Obama." (Russia/United States : Medvedev
rejects Obama's suggestion).

March 5

COTONOU 00000195 002 OF 005


The following articles were published:
An article in La Nation, based on MCA-Benin's partnership with the
Port of Cotonou titled "Partenariat entre le MCA et le Port autonome
de Cotonou: identifier les problemes environnementaux cls. "
(MCA-Benin's partenership with the autonomous port of Cotonou :
identifying key environmental problems).

An article in the left-of -center independent daily La Nouvelle
Tribune, titled "Etude d'impact environnemental et social au Port:
MCA-Benin organise une 3eme consultation. " (Examining the
environmental and social impact at the port of Cotonou : MCA-Benin
holds a third consultation).

March 6
The following articles were published:
An article in L'Informateur, based on a Mission-hosted book
discussion program, titled "Lancement du livre Autonomisation et
Reduction de la Pauvrete: un outil pour permettre aux populations de
se prendre en charge. " (Launching of the book entitled "Empowerment
and poverty reduction : a tool to enable the populations to become
self-reliant").

An article in the independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien, Le
Telegramme, La Nouvelle Tribune, Le Challenge, based on the book
discussion and the art exhibit held at the American Cultural Center
to launch Women's Day celebration titled "Lancement du mois de la
femme au Centre Culturel Americain: un expose, un film et une
exposition artistique pour celebrer la femme." (Launching of Women's
month at the American Cultural Center: a book discussion, a film
show and an art exhibit to celebrate women).

March 10
The following articles were published:
An article in the independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien and
La Nouvelle Tribune, based on MCA-Benin's workshop on HIV/AIDS
awareness titled "Etude d'impact environnemental et social au Port
Autonome de Cotonou: le plan de sensibilisation aux infections
sexuellement transmissibles et le VIH/SIDA. " (Examining the
environmental and social impact at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou:
sensitization about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS).
L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article about MCA-Benin's handover
of computer equipment to the decentralized offices of the Ministry
of Finance, titled "MCA-MFE: Pour une supervision efficace du
secteur de la micro-finance." (Millennium Challenge Account
(MCA)-Ministry of Finance and Economy: for an efficient supervision
of the Micro-finance sector).

An article in the government-controlled La Nation, titled "Mois de
la Femme au Centre Culturel Americain: sous le signe de
l'autonomisation et de la reduction de la pauvrete. " (Women's month
at the American Cultural Center : Women's empowerment and poverty
reduction).
La Nation also carried an article titled "Projet Acces aux services
financiers: Le MCA-Benin equipe la Cellule de Surveillance des
structures financieres decentralisees. " (Access to market :
MCA-Benin donates computer equipment to the decentralized financial
institutions).

March 11
An article in Le Matinal, about the arts exhibit at the American
Cultural Center titled "Lancement du mois de la femme au CCA: trois
artistes plasticiens a l'honneur." (Launching of Women's month at
the American Cultural Center: three artists exhibit their works).

March 12
The following articles were published:
An article in the left-of-center le Matin, based on the entirety of
the Mission-provided President Obama's statement on the celebration
of women's month titled "Le President Obama rend hommage aux femmes
ecologistes." (President Obama honors women environmentalists).

An article in the right-of-center independent daily Fraternite,
based on a meeting held between Beninese businessmen and a group of
visiting American businessmen titled "Cooperation entre le Benin et
les Etats-Unis a l'ere Obama: des possibilities d'affaires pour les
operateurs economiques." (U.S.-Benin cooperation during President
Obama's tenure: business opportunities for local businessmen).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Etats-Unis: un homme arme
tue 10 personnes dans l'Alabama avant de se suicider. " (United
States : a man armed with machine gun kills 10 people in Alabama
before committing suicide).

March 13
An article in La Nation, titled "USA: Bernard Madoff devant la
justice et face a ses victimes." (United States of America: Bernard
Madoff appears in Court and faces his victims).

March 15

COTONOU 00000195 003 OF 005


An article in the centrist weekly Le Municipal, based on the
entirety of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's op-ed on the
International Women's Day titled "Hillary Clinton: je ferai entendre
la cause des femmes a travers le monde." (Hillary Clinton: I will
let women's concerns be heard around the world).

March 16
The following articles were published:
An article in Le Matinal, about a film program held at the American
Cultural Center titled "Soiree cinematographique au Centre Culturel
Americain (CCA):Iron Jawed Angels." (Film showing at the American
Cultural Center: Iron Jawed Angels).

An article in L'Informateur, based on the entirety of a
Mission-produced press release titled "Conference internationale sur
la mise en oeuvre de l'Initiative pour la Justice et
l'Autonomisation des Femmes. " (International Conference on Women's
Justice and Empowerment Initiative (WJEI)).

March 17
The following articles were published:
An article in La Nation, L'Autre Quotidien, L'Option Infos and
Nouvelle Expression, about the Mission-hosted international
conference on Women's Justice and Empowerment Initiative."
(Conference Internationale sur l'Autonomisation et la Justice faite
aux Femmes).
L'Option Infos also carried an article titled "Diplomatie/Benin: le
Corps de la Paix confirme la mort de Catherine Puzey. "
(Diplomacy/Benin : Peace Corps confirms Catherine Puzey's death).

An article in L'Informateur, about the film show at the American
Cultural Center titled "Projection cinematographique: le combat pour
le droit de vote des femmes aux Etats-Unis en image. " (Film show :
fighting for women's right to vote).

March 18
The following articles were published:
An article in the left-of-center independent daily 24 au Benin,
titled "Meurtre d'une Americaine dans la commune de Ouake: les
presumes assassins artes." (Murder of an American woman in the
district of Ouake: the suspects arrested).

An article in Le Matin, about the Mission-sponsored training of the
University of Abomey-Calavi students in Methodology titled
"Universite d'Abomey-Calavi: atelier de formation en Methodologie."
(University of Abomey-Calavi: training workshop in methodology."

An article in the government-controlled La Nation, about the
month-long arts exhibit at the American Cultural Center titled "Zoom
sur la contribution des Amazones dans le royaume de Danxome: Nelly
Denakpo, l'artiste qui entend restaurer l'image de ces femmes
battantes." (Focus on the contribution of the Amazones in the
kingdom of Danxome (Dahomey): Nelly Denakpo, the artist who wants to
restore the image of those women warriors).

March 19
The following articles were published:
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, based on the entirety of the
Mission-produced press release on the training workshop for the
students of the University of Abomey-Calavi titled "Ambassade des
Etats-Unis d'Amerique: atelier de formation en Methodologie a
l'Universite d'Abomey-Calavi." (Embassy of the United States of
America: training seminar on Methodology at the University of
Abomey-Calavi).

A front-page article in Le Matinal, about the changing of the
configuration of MCA-Benin's board of governors titled
"Recomposition du conseil d'administration de MCA: les Etats-Unis
s'opposent au gouvernement beninois." (Modification of MCA-Benin's
board of governors: the United States opposes the government of
Benin's position).

An article in Le Matin, about the Mission-sponsored seminar titled
"Initiative pour la justice et l'Autonomisation des femmes: une
conference internationale se deroule a Cotonou. " (Women's Justice
and Empowerment Initiative : an international conference is being
held in Cotonou).

A front-page article in Fraternite, about the modification of
MCA-Benin's board of governors titled "Modification unilaterale de
la composition du conseil d'administration du MCA-Benin: Boni Yayi
compromet le financement des milliards du MCA." (Unilateral
modification of MCA-Benin's board of governors: Boni Yayi
jeopardizes the financing of MCA's billions).

An article in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Ambassade des Etats-Unis
d'Amerique: le Corps de la Paix pleure la disparition de la
Volontaire Catherine Puzey Kate. " (Embassy of the United States of
America: Peace Corps mourns the death of Peace Corps Volunteer

COTONOU 00000195 004 OF 005


Catherine Puzey).

March 20
The Following articles were published:
An article in Le Matinal, titled "Recomposition du Conseil
d'Administration du MCA: la lettre de Dako et la replique de
l'Ambassadeur des USA. " (Modification of MCA-Benin's board of
governors: Dako's letter and the reply of the Ambassador of the
United States of America).

An article in the left-of-center independent daily L'Avenir titled
"Somalie: Oussama Ben Laden appelle a renverser le president
somalien." (Somalia: Usama Bin Laden calls for the overthrowing of
the President of Somalia).

March 24
The following articles were published:
An article in L'option Infos, titled "Etats-Unis: Johnnie Carson
nomme Secretaire d'Etat adjoint aux Affaires Africaines." (United
States: Johnnie Carson appointed Assistant Secretary of State for
African Affairs).

An article in Le Matin, titled "Crash d'un avion dans un cimetiere
aux Etats-Unis: 14 morts dont plusieurs enfants. " (jet crash in a
U.S. cemetery : 14 casualties including many children).

An article in Le Matinal, about the showing of a film at the
American Cultural Center titled "Projection de Sisters in Law au
CCA: le combat des femmes engagees a l'ecran." (Showing of the film
"Sisters in Law", a film about women fighting for more justice for
women).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien and la Nouvelle Tribune, based on
the entirety of Ambassador Gayleatha B. Brown's op-ed on World
Tuberculosis day titled "Prise en charge correcte et gratuite des
cas de tuberculose pulmonaire: d'importants efforts ont ete deployes
par le gouvernement du Benin. " (Adequate treatment at no cost to
pulmonary tuberculosis patients : an important effort has been made
by the government of Benin).


March 25
The following articles were published:
An article in English in L'Autre Quotidien, about the modification
of MCA-Benin's board of governors titled "Millenium Challenge
Account Benin: US Ambassador opposes the government's move."
L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article about the implementation
of MCA-Benin's land safety project titled "Acces au titre foncier:
les members de la commission nationale d'appui installs." (Access
to land titles; the members of the national support committee
installed)

An article in L'Informateur and Le Matin, titled "Etats-Unis: les
Noirs Americains font la cour a l'Afrique." (United States of
American: Black Americans courting Africans).
Le Matin also carried an article titled "Etats-Unis: un fils cache
pour John Fitzgerald Kennedy?) (United States, a hidden son of John
Fitzgerald Kennedy)?

An article in Le Telegramme, recognizing Ambassador Gayleatha B.
Brown's efforts in supervising the smooth implementation of the
Millenium Challenge Account Program in Benin.

An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Recomposition du Conseil
d'Administration du MCA-Benin : Les USA disent non a Boni Yayi. "
(Modifying the configuration of MCA-Benin's board of governors : the
United States says "No" to Boni Yayi).

March 26
The following articles were published:
An article in Le Matin, titled "Declaration de Barack Obama sur la
crise economique." (President Barack Obama's statement about the
financial crisis).
Le Matin also carried an article titled " Residence de
l'Ambassadfeur des Etat-Unis: hommage et recueillement en la memoire
de feue Catherine Puzey. " (Residence of the Ambassador of the
United States: tribute to the late Catherine Puzey).

An article in L'Autre Quotidien, based on a biographical information
of MCC's Deputy Director, Darius Mans, titled "(Biographie de Darius
Mans, vice-President du Millenium Challenge Corporation,."
(Biography of Darius Mans, Vice-President of the Millennium
Challenge Corporation).

An article in Nouvelle Generation, titled " Cooperation Benin-USA :
prochaine visite au Benin d'une delegation du Millenium Challenge
Corporation." (U.S.-Benin cooperation: upcoming MCC visit to Benin).



COTONOU 00000195 005 OF 005


An article in Le Telegramme, titled "Russie/Etats-Unis: Obama defend
le droit de l'Otan a s'etendre. " (U.S.-Russia relations : Obama
defends Nato's right to enlargement).

An article in L'Informateur, based on the entirety of the
Mission-produced press release about "President Obama's statement on
the financial crisis."

A series of three-page articles in the right-of center Le Fleuron,
about the tribute ceremony held at the Ambassador's residence in
honor of the late Catherine Puzey titled "Assassinat de Mademoiselle
Catherine Puzey dans le nord du Benin: le Directeur de Cabinet du
Chef de l'Etat, Nestor Dako rassure que justice sera faite."
(Killing of Miss Catherine Puzey in northern Benin: the Director of
Cabinet of the Head of State assures that justice will be done).

March 27
The following articles were published:
An article in La Nation and l'Autre Quotidien, titled "Sixieme
session du Conseil d'Administration de MCA-Benin : des inquietudes
pour le reste du temps d'excution du programme. " (6th session of
MCA-Benin's board of governors : some concern over the remaining
time for the full implementation of the program).

L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article titled "Barack Obama
utilize l'internet pour s'adresser directement aux Americains."
(Barack Obama uses internet to interact directly with Americans).

An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Millenium Challenge
Corporation: le vice-President Darius Mans et son adjoint en visite
au Benin. " (Millenium Challenge Account : Vice-President Darius
Mans and the Deputy Vice-President on visit to Benin).

An article in Le Matinal, titled "Deux semaines apres son
assassinat, Catherine Puzey recoit des hommages dignes son rang. "
(Two weeks after her murder, Catherine Puzey receives an homage
worthy of her rank).

Le Matinal also carried a front-page photo of Ambassador Gayleatha

B. Brown asking herself "Pourquoi modifier le conseil
d'administration du MCA?" (Why modify MCA's board of governors)?

An article in Le Matin, titled "Visite du President Americain en
France: Obama sur les plages du debarquement le 6 juin. " (U.S.
President's visit to France : Obama will be visiting the beaches of
the Normandy landings on June 6).

March 30
The following articles were published:
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Don de kits de microscopes
au Ministere de la Sante : L'USAID contribue a l'amelioration de la
qualite du diagnostic du paludisme au Benin. " (Handover of
microscope kits to the Ministry of Health : USAID contributes to
improving the quality of malaria diagnostics in Benin).

An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Rechauffement climatique:
Obama cree un forum des economies sur l'energie. " (Global warming :
Obama creates an economic forum on energy).

An article in L'Aurore, titled "Le Pakistan sera aide, mais devra
rendre des comptes, dit Obama. " (Pakistan will be assisted, but
must be accountable, says Obama).

March 31
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Le vice President du
Millennium Challenge Corporation et son adjoint visitent le port de
Cotonou. " (MCC's vice-President and his assistant visit the port of
Cotonou).


2. Electronic media:

During the period of this report, the state-owned radio station that
covers the entire country broadcast lengthy reports on most
Mission-hosted activities in French and all major local languages;
several privately-owned radio and TV stations, including the most
prominent Cotonou-based Golfe TV and a new VOA partner, Canal 3,
also covered most Mission events. In partnership with VOA, Golfe FM
regularly aired VOA news in English and French, from Monday through
Friday. VOA news in French on Golfe FM is broadcast every morning
(Monday through Friday),beginning at 7:30, while the news in
English is scheduled from Monday through Friday, beginning at 17:30.
A former WorldNet partner, LC2, continues to broadcast the Crossroad
Caf series in English.

Brown