COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 COTONOU 000071 PARIS FOR ARS (DWINTON) DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (ANYASO, TITUS, LISENBY),AF/W (ACOOK) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KIRC OIIP KDEM KPAO KISL PINR BN SUBJECT: COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND MISSION-PRODUCED MATERIALS PAS Cotonou reports the following placements of State Department materials and articles on Mission-hosted activities and U.S. centered articles in the government-owned newspaper, La Nation, and various independent newspapers: ¶1. Print January 6 The following articles were published: An article in the government-owned newspaper, La Nation, in the independent daily newspapers Le Matin and Le Telegramme, based on the Mission-produced press release on USS Robert Bradley's visit to Benin titled "Cooperation militaire: une Fregate des Forces Navales Americaines en escale au Benin." (Military cooperation: a US Navy ship on visit to Benin). An article in the government-owned La Nation, about the transition titled "Etats-Unis: Obama s'installe a Washington et s'attaque au plan de relance economique." (United Stated: Obama settles in Washington and gets to work on his economic rescue plan). January 7 An article in the independent daily, L'Option Infos, about the 111th opening session of the Congress of the United States titled: "Une Rentree parlementaire un peu agitee." (United States: a rough opening of the 111th session of the Congress of the United States). January 8 An article in La Nation, Le Matin and L'Options Infos about the reception held at the White House in honor of the former Presidents titled "Etats-Unis: Bush, Obama et les anciens Presidents dejeunent a la Maison Blanche." (United States: Bush, Obama and the former presidents have lunch at the White House). January 9 An article in the independent daily, Nouvelle Expression, about the fight against terror strategy titled "Barack Obama veut reformer l'anti-terrorisme." (Barack Obama wants to bring reforms into the fight against terrorism). January 12 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matin on President Barack Obama's plan to hold legally liable some members of the Bush administration titled "Etats-Unis: Obama n'exclut pas des poursuites judiciaires contre l'administration Bush." (United States: Obama does not exclude the possibility of bringing to justice some members of the Bush administration). An article in the independent daily, La Nouvelle Tribune, about the Access to Land project of the Millenium Challenge Account titled "MCA-Benin / Projet Acces au Foncier: 4 nouvelles communes signent le protocole d'accord."(MCA-Benin's Access to Land Project: 4 new districts sign a protocol agreement). An article in the independent daily, Le Telegramme, titled "Etats-Unis d'Amrique: Obama plait a Bush." (United States of America: George Bush likes Obama). January 13 The following articles were published: Two articles in the independent Daily Nouvelle Expression, titled "Etats-Unis: un Nigerian elu a la Chambre des Representants du New Hampshire) and "Etats-Unis: Bush dresse le bilan de sa presidence." (United States: a Nigerian elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives and United States: Bush makes an assessment of his presidency). An article in the independent daily, Le Telegramme, about President Barack Obama's diplomatic outreach efforts titled "Etats-Unis: Barack Obama: la diplomatie en marche." (United States: Barack Obama: Diplomacy in progress). An article in the independent daily L'Option Infos about a local football competition organized by the local Obama support committee to mark President Barack Obama's inauguration: the article is titled "Tournoi de Football Barack Obama." (Barack Obama Football match). January 14 The following articles were published: An article in La Nouvelle Tribune about President Barack Obama's efforts to end the economic crisis titled "Etats-Unis: Obama prt a en decoudre avec la crise. " (United States: Obama is determined to end the crisis). An article in the independent daily L'Autre Quotidien, about the COTONOU 00000071 002 OF 006 implementation of MCA-Benin's Access to Land Project titled "Securisation du Foncier Rural: 4 communes de l'Oueme signent un protocole d'accord avec le Millenium Challenge Account." (Land security in Benin: four villages in the Oueme Department sign a protocol agreement with MCA-Benin). An article in Le Matin, about President Barack Obama's inauguration titled "Investiture d'Obama: un eveque homosexual va lancer les festivities." (Obama's inauguration: a Gay Bishop will launch the celebration). January 15 The following articles were published: Two articles in L'Autre Quotidien, about President Barack Obama's new administration titled "Obama promet 1,000 dollars aux mnages Americans pour degripper l'economie," and "Hillary Clinton pour une politique etrangere pragmatique." (Obama promises 1,000 dollars to the American families to rescue the economy) and (Hillary Clinton for a pragmatic foreign policy). An article in Le Telegramme titled "Les ambitions diplomatiques de Hillary Clinton." (Hillary Clinton's diplomatic ambitions). Two articles in the independent daily Nouvelle Expression titled "Gaza: Oussama Ben Laden sort du silence et appelle au djihad," and "Pressenti au Tresor par Obama, Geithner n'a pas paye ses impots pendant quatre ans. " (Gaza :Usama Bin Laden comes out of silence and appeals for a holy war) and (Chosen by Obama to be appointed Secretary of Treasury, Geithner did not pay his taxes for the past four years). An article in Le Matin about President Obama's administration titled "Le General Jonathan Gration, choix probable d'Obama a la tete de la NASA." (General Jonathan Gration, Obama's possible choice to head NASA). January 16 The following articles were published: An editorial in the independent daily L'Autre Quotidien, about the war in the Middle-East titled "Guerre a Gaza: que fera Barack Obama?" (War in Gaza: What will Barack Obama do?) A full page editorial in the independent daily l'Option Infos, titled "Opinion: la classe politique beninoise et le modele Obama." (Opinion editorial: Benin's political leaders and Obama as a model). An article in Le Telegramme, about President Bush's end of tenure titled "Etats-Unis: Adieu Bush, et bon debarras!" (United States: Farewell Bush and good riddance!). An article in Le Matin, about President Bush's departure titled "Etats-Unis: Bush doit prononcer une allocution d'adieu ce soir." (United States: Bush will deliver his farewell speech tonight). An article in La Nation and la Nouvelle Tribune about the MCA-Benin's Access to Land project titled, " Accord de partenariat pour la securisation du foncier rural: le cadre legal entre les communes du plateau et MCA-Benin cree. " (Partnership agreement for rural land safety: signing of a partnership agreement between the districts of the Plateau Department and MCA-Benin). January 19 An article in Le Matinal, based on the handover of bed nets to the Ministry of Health titled "Pour mieux faire face au paludisme, les Etats-Unis offrent 28.000 moustiquaires aux Beninois." (In order to fight malaria more efficiently, the United States offers 28,000 bed nets to the Beninese). January 20 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matinal, Le telegramme, Le Matin, La Nouvelle Tribune and L'Autre Quotidien, about President Barack Obama's inauguration; La Nouvelle Tribune also carried a full page photo of the members of President Obama's administration. The article in La Nouvelle tribune is titled "Obama, 44eme president des Etats-Unis: comprendre l'investiture. " (Obama, as the 44th President of the United States: understand the inauguration). An article in Fraternite, about President Obama's inauguration titled "Investiture du President americain: Angelique Kidjo chante pour Barack Obama." (Inauguration of the President of the United States: Angelique Kidjo in concert for Barack Obama). An article in Nouvelle Expression and L'Aurore, titled "Bush fait son bilan et ses adieux a la communaute internationale. " (Bush makes the assessment of his presidency and bids farewell to the international community). COTONOU 00000071 003 OF 006 Two lengthy articles in the state-controlled La Nation, titled "Barack Obama: l'histoire d'un pionnier politique des Etats-Unis," and "Investiture de Barack Obama: l'histoire d'un processus passionnant. " (Barack Obama : the history of a political pioneer of the United States) and (Barack Obama's inauguration: the story of a fascinating process). An article in L'Autre Quotidien, about the celebration of Martin Luther King's birthday titled:"Celebration de Martin Luther King au Bnin: d'eminentes personnalites edifient la jeunesse." (Martin Luther King's celebration in Benin: Distinguished guests brief the youth). An article in Le Telegramme congratulating Ambassador Gayleatha B. Brown for the extremely careful manner in which she has been supervising the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Account program in Benin. An article in L'Option Infos, titled "United States: Michelle Obama, une premiere dame influente" (Michelle Obama, an influential first lady). The article indicated that she celebrated her 45th birthday before entering the White House. January 21 An article in Fraternite, based on the entirety of President Obama's inauguration speech. A front page article in Le Matin, titled "Investiture du 44eme President des Etats-Unis: Barack Obama suscite deja l'espoir; " (Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States: Barack Obama is already sparking hope) and nine additional articles devoted to the inauguration. An article in La Nouvelle Tribune about the celebration of Martin Luther King's anniversary and a second article based on the entirety of President Barack Obama's inauguration speech. Three articles in L'Autre Quotidien and the state-controlled La Nation, titled "Bientot une universite Barack Obama au Benin;" "Barack Obama devient le 44eme President des Etats-Unis " and " Michelle Obama: des faubourgs de Chicago a la Maison Blanche. " (A University named after Barack Obama is soon coming to Benin); (Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States); and (Michelle Obama: from the outskirts of Chicago to the White House). Two articles in L'Evenement Precis, titled "Investiture du 44eme President des Etats-Unis: les grands chantiers d'Obama;) and "Investiture aux Etats-Unis: les grands points du discours d'investiture de Barack Obama. " (Inauguration of the 44th President of the United States : the major areas in which Obama plans to perform actively); and (Presidential inauguration in the United States: the main points of Barack Obama's inauguration speech). L'Evenement Precis also carried the entirety of President Barack Obama's inauguration speech. Three articles in Nouvelle Expression, about President Barack Obama's inauguration titled "Investiture de Barack Obama aux Etats-Unis: un nouveau regard desormais porte sur l'homme Noir;" " L'Amerique choisit l'espoir contre la peur, affirme Obama ;" and " 44eme President des Etats-Unis : la journee historique de Barack Obama. " (Barack Obama's inauguration in the United States: a new look at the Black man); (America chooses hope against fear: affirms Obama) and (44th President of the United States: a historical day for Barack Obama.) Two full pages articles in L'Informateur, titled "Obama a la Maison Blanche: les spectateurs emus, solennels et enthousiastes. " (Obama at the White House : the spectators were impressed, solemn and enthusiastic). Two articles in La Nation, about President Barack Obama's inauguration titled "Etats-Unis: Obama devient le 44eme President," and "Reactions a travers le monde entier apres l'investiture d'Obama." (United States: Obama becomes 44th President) and (Worldwide reactions to Barack Obama inauguration). January 22 The following articles were published: Four articles in Le Matin, titled "Etats-Unis: l'investiture d'Obama suscite des espoirs tres prudents dans le Golfe ;" " Obama induit en erreur en recitant son serment d'investiture ; " " San Francisco : des farceurs rebaptisent la rue Bush du nom d'Obama. " (United States: Obama's inauguration provokes very cautious hopes in the Gulf); (Obama misled while taking his swearing-in oath); (San Francisco: some jokesters are renaming the Bush avenue after Obama). The Februray 22 edition of Le Matin also carried the entirety of COTONOU 00000071 004 OF 006 President Barack Obama's inauguration speech. Two articles in La Nation, titled "Barack et Michelle Obama: de bal en bal, un petit tour, puis s'en vont " and "Guantanamo: suspension du proces de cinq detenus." (Barack and Michelle Obama: from one party to another: a short tour, and they left) and (Guantanamo: suspension of the trial of five detainees). Two articles in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Obama prend possession du Bureau oval et s'attaque a une tache gigantesque," and " A peine investi, Obama plonge dans la crise du proche-Orient. " (Obama takes over the oval office of the White House) and (Soon after his inauguration, Obama is faced with the crisis in the Middle-East). An article in the independent daily Nouvel Horizon, titled "Que peut gagner le continent africain de l'election de Barack Obama?" (What can the African continent benefit from Barack Obama's election?). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled " Etats-Unis : Obama au travail !" (United States: Obama at work!). January 23 The following articles were published: Two articles in Le Telegramme about the Guantanamo shutdown titled "Etats-Unis: Barack Obama decrete la fermeture du camp de Guantanamo," and "Droits de l'Homme a Guantanamo: un ex-detenu temoigne." (United States : Barack Obama orders the shutdown of the Guantanamo detention camp),and (Human rights in Guantanamo camp : a detainee talks about his experience). An article in the La Nouvelle Tribune, Le Challenge, L'Informateur and Le Matin, about President Obama's inauguration oath titled " Obama a prete serment pour la deuxieme fois." (Obama took oath for the second time). An article in the state-controlled La Nation, about president Obama's cabinet titled "Etats-Unis: le senat approuve la nomination de Geithner au Tresor." (United States: the Senate approves the appointment of Geithner as Secretary of Treasury). An article in Nouvelle Expression, about the appointment of Hillary Clinton as Secretary of State titled "Etats-Unis: Clinton devient officiellement Secretaire d'Etat d'Obama." (United States: Hillary Clinton becomes Obama's Secretary of State). Two articles in L'Autre Quotidien, about Global warming titled "Rechauffement Planetaire: Barack Obama, nouveau Directeur du developpement durable de l'entreprise Monde? " (Global Warning: Has Barack Obama become the new Director of Sustainable Development for the World Enterprise?); and "Mode: Le Style Michelle Obama." (Fashion: Michelle Obama Style): the second article is ilustrated with photos of Michelle Obama in various stylish outfits. January 25 An article in Le Municipal, an independent weekly specialized in publishing news on decentralization, titled "Securisation fonciere dans les departments du Plateau et de l'Oueme: signature d'un accord de partenariat entre le MCA-Benin et les communes. " (Land safety in the departments of Plateau and Oueme: signing of a partnership agreement between MCA-Benin and the districts). January 26 The following articles were published: An article in La Nouvelle Tribune and Le Matin, titled "Etats-Unis: Obama fait tomber un a un les pans de presidence Bush. " (Obama is canceling one by one the major decisions taken by President Bush's administration). An editorial in Le Telegramme, titled "Obama: s'en inspirer;" and an article in the same newspaper titled "Etats-Unis: Obama met fin a la torture." (Obama as a source of inspiration) and (United States: Obama ends torture). Two articles in Nouvelle Expression, based on an interview with the Beninese Minister of Foreign Affairs titled "L'Election du President Barack Obama est porteur d'espoir pour tout le monde entier;" and "Investiture d'un Noir a la Maison Blanche: On n'a visiblement pas compris." (President Barack Obama's election is a source of hope for the entire world) and (Inauguration of a black man at the White House: It is visibly hard to understand). An article in Le Matinal and l'Option Infos, based on a Mission-hosted event titled "Les Etats-Unis priment les efforts des grossistes des produits distribues par PSI. " (The United States recognizes the efforts of the wholesalers of PSI products). January 27 The following articles were published: COTONOU 00000071 005 OF 006 An article in L'Autre Quotidien and Le Matin, based on the Mission-produced press release about Second Secretary Christina Day's trip upcountry titled "La deuxieme Secretaire de l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis en visite de travail a l'interieur du pays." The Second Secretary of the Embassy of the United States on a working visit upcountry). An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Etats-Unis: semaine decisive pour Obama au Congres avec le plan de reliance." (United States: difficult week for Obama at the Congress with his economic rescue plan). An article in Nouvelle Expression titled, "Etats-Unis d'Amerique: Obama commence a tenir la promesse d'une nouvelle politique environnementale. " (United States of America : Obama begins to fulfil the promise of a new environmental policy). January 28 The following articles were published: An article in Le Matin, titled "Une femme met au monde huit bebes. "(A woman gives birth to eight babies). Two articles in L'Informateur, based on the entirety of two Mission-produced press releases titled "La deuxieme Secretaire de l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis en visite de Travail a l'interieur du pays;" and "Ceremonie de reconnaissance a l'honneur des grossistes distributeurs des produits de sante. " (The Second Secretary of the Embassy of the United States' trip upcountry) and (Certificate awarded to PSI wholesalers). An article in Le Telegramme, titled "Etats-Unis: 50,000 emplois supprimes en un seul jour. " (United States : 50,000 jobs cut in a day). An editorial in La Nouvelle Tribune, based on President Obama's election titled, "Un Noir au soleil;" and an article in the same newspapers titled, "Etats-Unis: Obama envoie son emissaire au Proche-Orient. " (A black man in the sun); and (United States: Obama sends his emissary to the Middle East). L'Autre Quotidien also carried the second article. An article in Le Matinal, titled "Apres l'investiture du 44eme President americain, Francis Ahouadi toujours dans l'euphorie depuis les Etats-Unis. " (Following the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States, Francis Ahouadi is still euphoric).( Note: Francis Ahouadi is a Beninese journalist living in the United States). An article in L'Aurore titled, "Obama defend son plan de relance devant les Republicains du Congres. " (Obama defends his economic rescue plan before the Republicans in Congress). January 29 An article in Nouvelle Expression titled, "Les efforts de reliance d'Obama se heurtent a l'opposition. " (Obama's rescue plan faces the reluctance of the Republican-led opposition in Congress). January 30 An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, about a seminar organized by the Millenium Challenge Account for the implementation of the Access to Land project titled "Mutation des titres de propriete et des methodes d'enregistrement: MCA-Benin reunit plusieurs Experts a Possotome." (Delivery of land certificates and registration methods: MCA-Benin held a workshop with several Experts in Possotome). An article in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Proche-Orient: George Mitchell veut consolider la treve." (Middle-East: George Mitchell wants to consolidate the cease-fire). Two articles in the government-controlled La Nation, titled "Detenus de Guantanamo: Solana appelle les pays de l'Ue a rester Ouverts;" and "OMC: l'Inde compte sur les Etats-Unis pour un accord. " (Release of the Guantanamo detainees : Solana appeals to the European Union for a sincere cooperation) and (World Trade Organization: India counts on the United States to reach an agreement). ¶2. Electronic media: During the period of this report, the state-owned ORTB (radio and TV) and several privately-owned radio and TV stations broadcast lengthy reports on Mission-hosted activities, in French and 13 major local languages. The electronic media also reported lengthily on the transition period leading up to President Barack Obama's inauguration. In partnership with WorldNet, LC2 (first private TV station in Benin) continued to broadcast the "Crossroad Caf" series. COTONOU 00000071 006 OF 006 In partnership with VOA, Golfe FM (the most prominent Cotonou-based private radio station) regularly aired VOA news in English and French, from Monday through Friday. VOA news in French, a news program titled "Escale en Afrique de l'Ouest", is broadcast on Golfe FM every morning (Monday through Friday),beginning at 7:30, while the news in English is scheduled from Monday through Friday, beginning at 17:30.In addition, Golfe FM and another affiliate station, Fraternit FM broadcast more VOA programs such as "Media d'Afrique et d'Ailleurs", "Washington Forum" and "Africa World Tonight." Because Fraternite FM is located in the north of the country, it carried the entirety of the news program in Hausa. Brown