COTONOU: NOVEMBER 2009 REPORT ON THE MEDIA PLACEMENT OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000606 DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE),AF/W (ASTEWART) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KPAO BN SUBJECT: COTONOU: NOVEMBER 2009 REPORT ON THE MEDIA 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. ¶2. Print media November 2 The following articles were published: An article in the state-controlled La Nation, titled, "SIDA: entree des seropositifs aux Etats-Unis: Ban Ki-moon felicite Obama." (Lift on the ban preventing the VIH-positive persons from visiting the United States: Ban K-Moon congratulates Obama). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Realisations de MCA-Benin: Simon Pierre Adovelande face aux Etudiants de Parakou. " (MCA-Benin's National Coordinators Simon Pierre Adovelande meets the students of the University of Parakou to brief them about MCA-Benin's achievements). La Nouvelle Tribune also carried an article titled "Simon Idohou a l'Ambassade de Washington: Yayi se plie aux injonctions de Kerekou. " (Appointment of Simon Idohou to serve at the Embassy of Benin in Washington: Boni Yayi obeys Kerekou's orders). An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Le Challenge, titled, "Projet EMPOWER sur les violences faites aux femmes et aux filles: rencontre de suivi et d'information de la synergie avec les acteurs de l'Oueme." (The EMPOWER project on Gender-based violence: follow-up meeting to brief the various parties involved in the project in the Department of Oueme). An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Info-Plus, titled, "Etats-Unis-Afghanistan: le dilemme afghan d'Obama." (United States: Obama's dilemma in Afghanistan). November 3 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, "Consultation annuelle entre le Benin et les Etats-Unis: la cooperation benino-americaine passee en revue. " (Annual bilaterals between Benin and the United States : the US-Beninese cooperation has been reviewed). La Nation carried another article titled "Economie Americaine: retour de la croissance aux Etats-Unis." (Status of the U.S. Economy: economic growth is back) An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matin, titled "Lutte contre les violences faites aux enfants: Un seminaire d'information et de formation des acteurs." (Fighting child trafficking: a seminar to inform and sensitize the various actors involved). An article in the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Les Etats-Unis sont officiellement sortis de la recession. " (The recession is officially coming to an end in the United States). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Hillary Clinton au Maroc pour la 6eme edition du Forum pour l'Avenir." (Hillary Clinton's trip to Morocco to participate in the 6th edition of the Forum for the Future). An article in the left-of-center independent daily, L'Informateur, titled, "Genocide Rwandais: Washington juge inexcusable le non transfert de Bosco Ntagnada a la CPI." (Rwanda genocide: Washington finds the failure to transfer Bosco Ntaganda to the International Penal Court inexcusable). November 4 The following articles were published: An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matin, titled "Cinq nouveaux Ambassadeurs, y compris celui des Etats-Unis, presentent leurs lettres de creances." (Five new Ambassadors, including the U.S. Ambassador to Benin, present their credentials to President Boni Yayi). Le Matin also carried another article titled "Michael Jackson: succes phenomenal en France du film This is it." (Michael Jackson: phenomenal success of the "This is It" film). An article in La Nation, titled, "Presentation de lettres de creances au palais de la Republique : cinq nouveaux Ambassadeurs accredites au Benin. " (Presentation of credentials at the President's office: five new Ambassadors accredited to Benin). La Nation also carried an article based on the PD-initiated book discussion titled, "Problematique de gestion du capital humain dans une organisation: Bien Diriger Son Equipe. " (Issues related to the management of human resources in an enterprise: how to manage the staff). This article was accompanied by a photo of Ambassador Knight and the PAO, with the Presenter of the book discussion, Abraham Voglozin. COTONOU 00000606 002 OF 005 An article in the independent daily newspapers, La Nouvelle Tribune, Le Matinal, L'Autre Quotidien, the right-of-center independent daily L'Aurore and the left-of-center independent daily newspapers, Fraternite and L'Informateur, titled, "Palais de la Marina: Cinq nouveaux Ambassadeurs, y compris le nouvel Ambassadeur des Etats-Unis pres le Benin, presentent leurs lettres de creances. " (Marina Palace: five new Ambassadors, including the new Ambassador of the United States to Benin, present their credentials). L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article titled "MCA: livre blanc de politique fonciere au Benin: une reforme en marche expliquee aux professionnels des medias. " (MCA-Benin's white paper on land safety in Benin : MCA-Benin's National Coordinator explains the contents of the reform to the members of the media). Fraternite carried a second article titled, "Hillary Clinton presente une aide americaine au monde musulman." (Hillary Clinton presents American assistance to the Muslim world). L'Aurore carried a second article titled "USA: les elections barometre dans l'etat de New York pour Obama et pour les Republicains." (United States: the elections in the state of New York constitute a test for Obama and the Republicans). November 5 The following articles were published: An article in L'Informateur, based on the book discussion titled, "Bien Diriger son Equipe." (Managing Staff Well) An article in Le Matin, based on the Mission-produced press release titled, "Foire au Projet des Rotariens." (The Rotarians Fair Project). An article in la Nation, titled, "Processus de Paix: Clinton cherche a rassurer. " (Peace process: Clinton seeks to re-assure). An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Le Telegramme, and in L'Autre Quotidien, La Nouvelle Tribune and Fraternite, titled " Etats-Unis d'Amerique : l'anniversaire de la victoire d'Obama terni par des defaites electorales. " (United States: the anniversary of Obama's victory has been tarnished by electoral defeats). Fraternite carried a second article titled "Barack Obama: le reve continue." (Barack Obama: the dream continues). L'Autre Quotidien carried a second article titled, "Obama abroge l'interdiction d'entree aux Etats-Unis des seropositifs." (Obama removes the ban on the HIV-positive persons' travel to the United States). La Nouvelle Tribune carried a second article titled "MCA-Benin: Projet Acces au Foncier: la nouvelle politique fonciere et ses multiples avantages. " (MCA-Benin: Access to land: the new land policy and its multiple advantages). November 6 An article in La Nation, titled, "Activites de l'Ambassade des USA au Benin: James Knight echange avec des rotariens nord-americains. " (Activities of the Embassy of the United States: James Knight meets with North-American Rotarians). November 7 An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, based on the Mission-produced press release titled "Foire au Projet des Rotariens." (Rotarians Project Fair). La Nouvelle Tribune carried a second article titled "Etats-Unis: un algero-americain nomme Ambassadeur. " (United States: an Algerian-American appointed Ambassador). November 11 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, "Etats-Unis: la reforme de la sante porte un coup au droit a l'avortement. " (United States: the Health Insurance Reform negatively affects the right to abortion). An article in Fraternite, titled, "Prochaine Semaine Internationale de l'Education de l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis au Benin: plusieurs activites au programme. " (Celebration of the International Education Week at the Embassy of the United States: many activities are scheduled to be held). An article in la Nouvelle Tribune, based on the Mission-produced press release titled "Foire au Projet des Rotarians." (Rotarians Project Fair). November 12 An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Etats-Unis: nouvelle tuerie et Hommage aux victimes de Fort Hood. " (United States: homage to the victims of the Fort Hood shooting). COTONOU 00000606 003 OF 005 November 13 An article in La Nation, titled "USA: Obama annonce un forum sur l'emploi en decembre avec des entrepreneurs. " (United States: Obama announces an entrepreneurs forum on employment). November 15 Three articles in the weekly independent, Le Municipal, titled: "Realisation de MCA-Benin: Simon Adovelande fait le point aux etudiants de Parakou. " (MCA-Benin's achievements in Benin: Simon Adovelande gives an assessment to the students of the University of Parakou." "Suivi et Orientation de la synergie du projet EMPOWER dans les departements de l'Oueme et du Zou: vers l'eradication de la violence basee sur les genres. " (Follow-up of the implementation of the EMPOWER project in the departements of Oueme and Zou: towards the eradication of the Gender-Based violence.) "MCA-Benin: les projets beneficiant du programme de la Facilite ont recu la visite de Pierre Adovelande. " (MCA-Benin National Coordinator Pierre Adovelande is touring the projects that benefit from the Facility grant). November 16 The following articles were published: An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Chine/Etats-Unis: Barack Obama en route pour la Chine." (US-China relations: Barack Obama going to China). An editorial in Fraternite, titled, " Visite de Barack Obama en Chine: le G2 est en marche." (Barack Obama's visit to China: the G2 is in progress). Two articles in Le Telegramme, titled: "USA: Obama rend hommage aux victimes de la tuerie de Fort Hood. " (United States : Obama pays tribute to the victims of Fort Hood shooting). " Cooperation bilaterale: Obama a Shangai pour sa premiere visite en Chine. " (Bilateral cooperation : Obama in Shanghai for his first visit to China). Three articles in L'Aurore titled: " Cooperation bilateral: Obama a Shangai pour sa premiere visite en Chine. " (Bilateral cooperation : Obama in Shanghai for his first visit to China). "Les Etats-Unis ne veulent pas rester en Afghanistan a long terme, selon Clinton. " (According to Clinton, the United States does not intend to remain in Afghanistan for long). "Nucleaire Iranien: Washington et Moscou haussent le ton." (Iran's nuclear program: Washington and Moscow protest). Three articles in La Nation, titled: "Iran: Dmitri Medvedev et Barack Obama s'impatiente." (Iran : Dmitri Medvedev are impatient). " US-Afghanistan : les Etats-Unis ne veulent pas rester en Afghanistan a long terme. " (U.S.-Afghanistan: the United States does not intend to remain in Afghanistan for long). "Semaine Internationale de l'Education: le campus de l'Universite de Parakou accueille l'evenement." (International Education Week: the campus of the University of Parakou hosts the event). November 17 The following articles were published: An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Pour Hillary Clinton, les Etats-Unis n'ont pas vocation a rester en Afghanistan. " (According to Hillary Clinton, the aim of the United States is not to remain in Afghanistan). An article in Le Matinal, titled "Semaine Internationale de l'Education: 4 jours de celebration dans les universites du Benin." (International Education Week: 4 days of celebration in the Beninese universities). Two articles in Le Matin, titled: "Chine: Obama parle d'amitie, mais aussi des droits de l'homme et de l'internet. " (China : Obama speaks about friendship, but also about human rights and Internet). "Semaine Internationale de l'Education: les manifestations se poursuivent jusqu'au 20 novembre. " (International Education Week: the celebration will be held until November 20). An article in la Nation, titled, "Formations Superieures aux Etats-Unis d'Amerique : des etudiants beninois sensibilises. " (Some Beninese students have been briefed about how to study in the United States). An article in Le Telegramme, about President Obama's trip to China, titled "Obama a Pekin." (Obama in Beijing). November 18 COTONOU 00000606 004 OF 005 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matinal titled, "Chine: Hu Jintao salue le dialogue franc avec Obama. " (China : Hu Jintao appreciates the franc talks he held with Obama). An article in Fraternite, titled, "Construction d'une base de controle obligatoire au port de peche de Cotonou: MCA-Benin recueille les preoccupations des populations. " (Mandatory construction of a data base in the fishery section of the Port of Cotonou: BCA-Benin consults with the members of the public to hear about their concerns). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, based on the entirety of the Mission-produced press release titled, " La Semaine Internationale de l'Education). An article in Fraternite, titled, "9eme session ordinaire du Conseil Consultatif du MAC-Benin : les activites realises et les perspectives au peigne fin. " (9th ordinary session of MCA-Benin's consultative board: the results achieved and future perspectives were examined). An article in La Nation, titled, "Climat: lueur d'espoir sur l'engagement americain a Copenhague. " (Climate change: a ray of hope about the American commitment in Copenhagen). November 19 An article in Le Telegramme, titled "En visite officielle en Chine, Obama rencontre son demi-frere." (On official visit in China, Obama meets with his half-brother). An article in La Nation, titled, "Decoration a la Presidence de la Republique: l'equipe de Mercy Ships dans l'Ordre National du Benin." (Award of Honor at the Presidency: Mercy Ships crew members receive an award of honor, in the National Order of Benin). November 20 Two articles in La Nation, titled: "Installations des centrales electriques: le Ministre Sacca Lafia visite les premiers equipements au port. " (Installation of electrical plants : Minister Sacca Lafia inspects the first set of equipment at the port). "Etats-Unis-Coree du Sud: Obama et Lee unis face au nucleaire nord-coreen. " (United States-North Korea: Obama and Lee discuss the North-Korean nuclear issue). November 25 The following articles were published: An article in La Nation, titled, "Afghanistan: Obama se prononcera dans les prochains jours sur les renforts. " (Afghanistan : Obama will speak in the next few days about the reinforcement of troops). An article in Le Matinal, related to the signing of the Self- Help agreement titled, "Les USA en lutte contre la pauvrete: 36 million pour des ONG et des groupements villageois. " (The United States in war against poverty: 36 million FCFA granted to NGOs and rural associations). November 26 An article in Le Matin, L'Informateur and La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Signature d'accord au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres: les USA octroient 32.830.000 dollars USA au Benin. " (Signing of a grant agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : the United States make a grant of 32,830,000 fcfa to Benin). November 30 The following articles were published: An article in Fraternite, titled, "Cooperation benino-americaine: les Etats-Unis d'Amerique financent 12 projets d'auto-assistance." (U.S.-Benin cooperation: the United States of America funds 12 Self- Help projects). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Un rapport du Senat Americain fustige l'echec de l'operation de capture de Ben Laden en ¶2001. " (A US Senate report condemns the failure of the plan to capture Bin Laden in 2001). ¶3. Electronic Media: During the period of this report, the state-owned TV and radio station, ORTB, covering the entire country, and several other privately-owned TV and radio stations broadcast reports and news segments on all major Mission-hosted activities, including specifically Ambassador Knight's presentation of credentials to President Boni Yayi and the signing of a grant agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. News segments on both events were broadcast in French, with translations in 18 major local languages. ¶4. In partnership with VOA, Golfe FM regularly aired VOA news in COTONOU 00000606 005 OF 005 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 broadcast the Box Office news segments during its weekly English hour news program. A new VOA partner, Canal 3 broadcast the Washington Forum in French. ¶5. A former WorldNet partner, LC2, continues to broadcast the Crossroads Cafe series in English. Knight