COTONOU: OCTOBER 2009 REPORT ON THE MEDIA PLACEMENT OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000595 DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE, AND AF/W ASHLEY STEWART SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV KMDR KPAO BN SUBJECT: COTONOU: OCTOBER 2009 REPORT ON THE MEDIA PLACEMENT OF STATE AND MISSION-PRODUCED MATERIALS ¶1. PAS Cotonou reports the following placement 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. ¶2. Print media October 1 An article in the left-of-center independent daily newspapers Le Matinal and Fraternite and in the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Blocage de l'enquete sur l'assassinat de Catherine Puzzey: Maitre Atita denonce le role de l'expertise americaine." (Deadlock in the investigations in the case of the murder of a Peace Corps Volunteer in Benin: Attorney Atita denounces the role of the American experts). An article in the left-of-center independent daily newspapers Le Matin, La Nouvelle Tribune and the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Lancement du concours Eco Citoyen des Communes pour une gestion durable des terres securisees. " (Launching of the MCA-Benin's environmental contest for a sustainable management of the secured lands). La Nouvelle Tribune also carried an article titled "Etats-Unis: une commission du Senat refuse l'assurance sante publique. " (United States: A Senate committee rejects the Public Health Insurance Option). October 2 An article in Le Matinal titled, "Lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes et aux filles: Empower au chevet des acteurs du Zou et des collines. " (Empower assists local communities in the department of Zou with fighting gender-based violence: Care International gave out checks). October 5 An article in the government-controlled, La Nation, titled "Contre les violences faites aux femmes, le projet EMPOWER/USAID/CARE finance 22 nouvelles structures." (The EMPOWER Project funds 22 new NGOs to fight gender-based violence). La Nation carried another article titled, "Inauguration de l'Ecole Primaire Publique de Konarou pres de Bembereke: un joyau de plus de 58 millions CFA mis en service et finances par l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis d'Amerique." (Inauguration of three classroom blocks at the Public Primary School of Konarou, near Bembereke: an infrastructure of more than 58 million CFA funded by the Embassy of the United States of America). An article in the independent weekly, Le Municipal, titled "50 nouveaux Volontaires du Corps de la Paix pretent serment. " (50 new Peace Corps Volunteers are sworn-in). Le Municipal also carried another article titled " Lutte contre le Paludisme: l'USAID fait don de 275.240 moustiquaires impregnees au Benin. " (Fighting Malaria: USAID donates 275.240 impregnated mosquito nets to Benin). October 6 An article in the left-of-center independent daily, L'Informateur, based on the Mission-Produced press release titled "Inauguration d'infrastructures scolaires dans le village de Konarou." (Inauguration of school infrastructures in the village of Konarou). October 7 The following articles were published: An article in the left-of-center independent daily newspapers, Le Matinal, Le Matin, L'Autre Quotidien and La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Amenagement sur terre et sur mer a realiser au Port de Cotonou: MCA-Benin informe et sensibilise les acteurs portuaires. " (Renovation works off-shore and on-shore at the port of Cotonou : MCA-Benin informs and sensitizes the various actors and users of the port). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Fraternite, titled "Intervention du Millenium Challenge Account Benin: 24 milliards de Francs CFA injectes pour revolutionner le port de Cotonou." (MCA-Benin ativities: 24 billion CFA injected to modernize the port of Cotonou). An article in Le Matin, titled "Avant l'injection fatale, Michael Jackson se portrait bien. " (Prior to the fatal injection, Michael Jackson was in good health). An article in the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre Quotidien and the government-controlled La Nation, titled "Obama repousse sa rencontre avec le Dalai-Lama." (Obama postpones his meeting with the Dalai-Lama). La Nation carried another article based on the Washington File article titled "Violences contre les femmes dans les conflits: L'Onu adopte une resolution pour proteger les femmes." (Gender-based violence in conflict zones: the United Nations adopts a new resolution to protect women). October 8 COTONOU 00000595 002 OF 005 The following articles were published: An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Fraternite, and the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Amenagement sur terre et sur mer a realiser au port de Cotonou: MCA-Benin informe et sensibilise les acteurs portuaires." (Renovation works off-shore and on-shore at the port of Cotonou: MCA-Benin informs and sensitizes the users of the port). Two articles in the government-controlled La Nation, titled: "Les Etats-Unis font pression sur la Guinee en vue d'une transition democratique. " (The United States maintains the pressure on Guinea with a view to ensuring a democratic transition). "Realisation d'amenagement au port de Cotonou par MCA-Benin: la dimension environnementale: un imperatif. " (Renovation at the port of Cotonou: the environmental dimension is a must). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "MCA-Benin: Projet Acces aux marches: la preservation de l'environnement est une obligation pour le programme. " (MCA-Benin's access to markets project: preserving the environment is indispensable for the implementation of the program). October 9 The following articles were published: An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Crise Financiere Mondiale: le soutien vigoureux des Etats-Unis a l'Afrique." (Global financial crisis: the US strongly supports Africa). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, " Etats-Unis: vers un traitement plus humain des clandestins. " (United States: towards a much more human treatment of the illegal aliens). October 12 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, " Etats-Unis: Obama veut mettre fin a la discrimination des Gays. " (United States: Obama wants to end discrimination against gays). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Obama, prix Nobel de la Paix: Une mesure positive pour Castro. " (Nobel Peace Price for Obama : according to Castro, this is a positive initiative). An article in Le Matin, titled, "Distinction: Obama, Prix Nobel de la Paix 2009. " (Distinction: Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Price). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Obama adopte une diplomatie entre encouragements et pressions envers le Soudan. " (Obama wants to adopt a new diplomacy of encouragement and pressure towards Sudan). La Nouvelle Tribune carried another article quoting President Obama as saying "Prix Nobel de la Paix 2009: je n'ai pas l'impression de le meriter. " (I do not have the impression that I deserve the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize). Two articles in L'Aurore, titled: "Le President du comite Nobel s'explique sur le choix d'Obama. " (The President of the Nobel Committee explains why Obama was selected). "Le monde n'attendra pas indefiniment que l'Iran remplisse ses obligations, selon Mme Clinton." (According to Hillary Clinton, the world will not wait indefinitely for Iran to fulfill its obligations). October 13 An article in the right-of-center independent daily, L'Aurore, titled "Le Nobel d'Economie a deux Americains, dont la premiere femme." The Economics Nobel Price has been awarded to two Americans, including a woman, for the first time. Two articles in Le Matinal, titled, "Prix Nobel d'Economie: pour la premiere fois, une femme recompensee." (For the first time, an American female Scholar receives the Economics Nobel Prize). " Projet Acces au Foncier de MCA-Benin: les activites demarrent bientot. " (MCA-Benin's Access to Market project : the activities will soon begin). Two articles in L'Autre Quotidien titled, Prix Nobel d'Economie: deux Americains, dont la premiere femme, honores. " (Economics Nobel Prize: two American winners, including for the first time, a female scholar). October 14 The following articles were published: An article in L'Aurore, titled, "Etats-Unis: vote determinant au COTONOU 00000595 003 OF 005 Senat sur la reforme de la couverture sante. " (Decisive vote at the Senate on the Health Insurance reform). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, L'Informateur, titled, "Ambassade des Etats-Unis d'Amerique: Remise d'equipement dans le cadre de la lutte contre la grippe A H1N1 et H5N1. " (Embassy of the United States: handover of equipment to fight the H1N1 and H5N1 virus). Three articles in Le National titled: "Remise officielle du Prix Nobel de la Paix: Obama se rendra a Oslo le 10 decembre prochain. " (Obama will go to Oslo on December 10 to receive his Nobel Peace Price). "Lutte contre les changements climatiques: Obama et les Parlementaires." (Obama and the Senators met to discuss climate change). " Piratage de la carte bancaire aux Etats-Unis : Albert Gonzales detourne plus de 400 millions de dollars ". (Credit card fraud in the United States: Albert Gonzales stole more than 400 million dollars). An article in La Nation, titled, "Nucleaire Iranien: Hillary Clinton affiche une unite de ton avec Moscou." (The Iranian nuclear issue: Hillary Clinton's view concurs with the Russian opinion). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "MCA-Benin: evaluation a mi-parcours du programme: apprecier le chemin parcouru, pour optimiser les performances. " (MCA-Benin's mid-term review : assessing the results achieved in order to maximize the performance). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matin, titled, "projet Acces au Foncier du MCA-Benin: renforcement des capacites des cadres et autres professionnels. " MCA-Benin's Access to land project : capacity building training session for the workers and other professionals). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Fraternite, titled, "Validation du rapport provisoire du MCA-Benin: une evaluation reluisante a mi-parcours du programme." (Validation of MCA-Benin's temporary report: a positive mid-term review of the program). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Etats-Unis/Afghanistan: Obama envoie 13000 soldats supplementaires en Afghanistan. " (United States : Obama sends 13000 supplementary troops to Afghanistan). October 15 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, " Trois ans de mise en Quvre du MCA: Bilan elogieux selon le Coordonnateur National. " (Three years of implementing the MCA-Benin's program: according to the National Coordinator, the result is overwhelmingly good). The front-page of this newspaper carries a photo of the Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy and MCA-Benin's National Coordinator, presenting the results). A lengthy article in Le Matin, titled, "Validation a mi-parcours de l'execution du MCA-Benin: des difficultes, certes, mais l'espoir demeure. " (MCA-Benin's mid-term review: despite the difficulties, there is room for hope). An article in Fraternite, titled, "Trois ans d'execution de MCA-Benin: une avancee notable." (Three years of implementing the MCA-Benin's program: some significant progress has been achieved). An article in the right-of-center, Le Telegramme, titled, "Etats- Unis: Economie: Resultats insolents pour les banques americaines." (The Economy of the United States: overwhelming results for the American banks). Le Telegramme also carries another article titled "Millenium Challenge Account Benin: Simon Adovelande passe au scanner ses activites." (MCA-Benin: Simon Adovelande scrutinizes his activities). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Trois ans de mise en oeuvre du programme: MCA-Benin decroche l'excellence. " (After three years of implementing the program, MCA-Benin achieved an excellent result). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Millenium Challenge Account, Benin ; Je n'ai pas de doute, nous arriverons a bon port : dixit le Coordonnateur National, Simon Pierre Adovelande." (Millenium Challenge Account-Benin ; I have no doubt that we will achieve good results, said the National Coordinator, Simon Pierre Adovelande). October 16 COTONOU 00000595 004 OF 005 An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matinal, titled, "Apres trois ans de mise en execution, MCA-Benin entre dans sa derniere phase." (After running the program for three years, MCA-Benin begins the last phase of the program). October 19 The following articles were published: An article in L'Autre Quotidien and Le Matin, titled, "Initiative de la Mission Diplomatique des Etats-Unis pres le Benin: Seance publique de collecte de sang." (Public blood drive initiated by the Embassy of the United States to Benin). An article in the independent weekly, Le Municipal, titled, "Apres trois ans d'activite du Millenium Challenge Account- Benin, le Benin resolument engage sur la voie de la croissance economique. " (After three years of implementing the Millenium Challenge Account program, Benin is totally engaged on the path to economic growth). October 20 The following articles were published: Two articles in La Nation, titled, "Etats-Unis: No smoking: une lyceenne en tenue masculine fait grincer des dents aux USA. " (No smoking: a college girl in the United States became a serious source of concern for wearing men's clothing, instead of the school uniform). "Alger: Washington salue le role d'Alger dans la lutte contre le terrorisme. " (Washington commends Algeria for the role it played in the fight against terror). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, La Nouvelle Tribune, Le Matin and Fraternite, titled, "MCA/Restitution du livre blanc de politique fonciere aux institutions et directions techniques: penultieme etape d'un processus essentiel. " (Release of MCA-Benin's White paper on the access to land project: penultimate stage of an essential procedure). An article in L'Informateur, based on a Mission-produced press release titled, "Ambassade des Etats-Unis d'Amerique: Seance publique de collecte de sang." (Public blood drive initiated by the embassy of the United States). October 21 The following articles were published: An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Vox Populi, titled, "Apres trois ans de mise en oeuvre du programme, plus de 65 percent de realization pour MCA-Benin. " (Three years after the beginning of the program, MCA-Benin achieved the project to the tune of 65 percent). An article in La Nation and La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Appui de l'USAID au systeme educatif beninois: lancement du projet Motivation et formation des enseignants. " (USAID supports the Beninese educational system by launching a teachers' motivation and training project). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Dollar americain: suprematie contestee." (The supremacy of US Dollar is put to the test). An article in the right-of-center, Vox Populi, titled, "Apres trois ans de mise en oeuvre du programme, 65percent de realisation pour le MCA-Benin. " (Three years following the beginning of the program, MCA-Benin achieved 65percent of implementation). October 22 An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matinal, titled, "Afghanistan: Quels scenarios pour Barack Obama?" (Afghanistan: what scenarios for Barack Obama)? An article in L'Autre Quotidien and La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Fonds Facilite/MCA-Benin: Pierre Adovelande descend sur les sites des beneficiaires ". (MCA-Benin facility grants: Pierre Adovelande inspects the winners' places of work). October 23 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, "Etats-Unis: certains detenus pourront etre transferes su le sol americain. " (United States : some detaiees may be transferred to American soil). An aricle in Fraternite, titled, "Le dessous du prix Nobl de la Paix." (What is behind the Nobel Peace Pize). Two articles in le Matin, titled, "Lancemnt du projet de l'USAID: Motivation et formationdes enseignants. " (Launching of the USAID projet titled teachers' motivation and training). "Mie en oeuvre de la facilite a MCA-Benin: le Coordonateur Simon Pierre Adovelande en visite d'inspecion. " (Implementing MCA-Benin Facility grant : ational Coordinator Simon Pierre Adovelande on an COTONOU 00000595 005 OF 005 inspection visit to the various projects that won the facility grant). An article in Le Matinal, titled, "Michelle Obama joue du hula-hoop!" (Michelle Obama plays the Hula-hoop game!) October 26 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matin, titled, "Opportunite du MCA-Benin pour le monde universitaire: les etudiants de Parakou impregnes du programme. " (MCA-Benin's opportunity for the university community: the students at the university of Parakou have been briefed about the program). An article in L'Informateur, titled, "Etats-Unis: Obama proclame l'etat d'urgence sanitaire face a la grippe A. " (United States : Obama proclaimed the state of siege to deal with the A/H1N1 virus). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Obama peine a trouver un chef pour l'USAID. " (Obama is finding it difficult to appoint a USAID Director). October 27 An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Sortie cinematographique: le film sur les dernieres heures de Michael Jackson sort demain." (Launching of a movie: the film about the Michael Jackson's last hours will be released tomorrow). October 28 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, "Projet Acces au foncier de MCA-Benin: un livre blanc sur la securisation des terres en etude de validation. " (The MCA-Benin's white paper on the Land safety project will soon be validated). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, Le Matin and Fraternite, titled, "MCA-Benin: projet acces au foncier: une centaine de motos pour quatorze communes." (For the implementation of MCA-Benin's access to land project, one hundred motorcycles were distributed to 14 communes). October 29 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matinal, titled, "Soutien aux oeuvres caritatives: MTN offre 10 millions a Mercy Ships. " (Support for charitable actions: MTN donates 10 million FCFA to the Mercy Ships). An article in Le Matin, titled, " Revocation de la licence des 2 pilotes de la Northwest Airlines. " (Withdrawal of the pilot licenses of two Northwest pilots). October 30 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matin, titled, " Etats-Unis : Joe Jackson recoit le trophee du bon pere de famille." (United States: Joe Jackson receives the trophy as Good Father). An article in the government-contolled daily, La Nation, titled "Audience au Conseil Economique et Social: Simon Pierre Adovelande regu par le President du Conseil Economique et Social. " (Audience at the Economic and Social Council : Simon Pierre Adovelande received by the President of the Economic and Social Council). ¶3. Electronic Media: During the period of this report, the state-owned TV and radio station, ORTB, covering the entire country, broadcast reports and news segments on all major Mission hosted activities, including USAID, Peace Corps and MCA-Benin. 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 8:00, while the news in English is scheduled from Monday through Friday, beginning at 17:30. Golfe TV also broadcasts the Box Office news segments during its weekly news hour programs. A new VOA partner, Canal 3 broadcast the Washington Forum in French. A former WorldNet partner, LC2, continues to broadcast the Crossroads Cafe series in English. Knight