DOHA DARFUR TALKS SITREP FIVE (EU, JAPAN)

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DOHA 000357 SENSITIVE FOR AF/SPG AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SU EG QA ER JA EUN SUBJECT: DOHA DARFUR TALKS SITREP FIVE (EU, JAPAN) -------------- (SBU) KEY POINTS -------------- -- EU Envoy for Sudan Torben Brylle emphasized the central importance of CPA success and the need for medium-term development planning during a meeting with SE Gration 27 May. -- Brylle described the EU as pragmatic on contact with Bashir, encouraged taking Egypt's interests into account on Sudan, and worried Eritrea could be a trouble-maker in the east. He also offered EU contacts and advice to facilitate a trip by SE Gration to eastern Sudan. -- Separately, Japanese Envoy for Sudan Amb. Keitaro Sato offered his full support to SE Gration and described Japan's USD 30 million contribution to a Sudan unity fund and separate funding of a vocational training center in south Sudan. End Key Points. EU Focused on Challenges of CPA Success -------------- ¶1. (SBU) During a May 27 meeting, EU Envoy on Sudan Torben Brylle commended SE Gration's comprehensive focus on Sudan, noting the CPA is "the real big thing" and Darfur can be a distraction. SE Gration responded that he would welcome EU participation in the June 23 Washington Forum on Sudan, particularly as there are both implied and overt requirements for the EU in the CPA. Brylle agreed with this characterization and mentioned the EU's own June 8-9 conference which will proceed in two steps: giving a platform to Sudan experts and then bringing in political decision-makers. Brylle said expanding an understanding of CPA issues will show to all parties the unattractiveness of separation - a North and South Sudan would still be neighbors and share many issues, necessitating coexistence under any situation. ¶2. (SBU) Brylle feared the international community is facing today a far graver situation than anticipated when the CPA was signed. The decline in the oil price is hurting Sudan badly, the SPLM is facing political challenges and often taking decisions outside of unity mechanisms, and there is a political-security meltdown in the south. Brylle emphasized the need to plan for the medium-term, as there are currently no development instruments in place. He criticized the international community for trying to use conventional concepts for unconventional situations in Sudan. EU Pragmatic on Bashir Contacts -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Asked by SE Gration for his advice on approaching Bashir, Brylle said the EU does not itself have precise guidelines on meetings with the Sudanese President. EU members can have contact with Bashir on a case-by-case basis - but it can't be just for tea; real peace and security issues must be at stake. Brylle offered no recipe but said certain political issues are of such a critical nature as to require contact with Bashir. He reiterated that for the EU the ICC is important on principle, though he does not expect the ICC prosecutors to continue issuing indictments for VP Taha or others. ¶4. (SBU) Brylle commended SE Gration's efforts to consult Egypt on Sudan, noting Cairo has interests that should be respected. At the same time, Egypt must be taken out of its political and psychological opposition to Qatar. Brylle also lauded SE Gration's efforts to get concessions from the Sudanese government on NGO/humanitarian access to Darfur. EU Concern Over Eritrea's Role and Eastern Sudan -------------- -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Brylle noted he was surprised none of the Envoys mentioned Eritrea during the plenary meeting as Asmara could be a trouble-maker on Sudan. The Eritreans have "profound knowledge" of the situation in Sudan, according to Brylle, and some of President Isaias's key ministers and advisors are involved in Sudan issues. SE Gration responded that the USG may need EU help on positively engaging Eritrea on Sudan. ¶6. (SBU) Brylle continued that he has good contacts in eastern Sudan and he recommended SE Gration visit the area early as "it's the next show in town." Brylle offered to recommend key experts and contacts in eastern Sudan to help prepare and guide a Gration visit. EU Ready to Assist with Elections, Other Areas -------------- -- ¶7. (SBU) Brylle passed SE Gration a recent EU statement on Sudan elections and recommended this as a very useful area to work together with the USG - to set up standards and proper implementation for the elections. Brylle believed ongoing issues of disarmament, demobilization, and rehabilitation will be critical and must be related to broader peace efforts. ¶8. (SBU) Brylle said he had talked to JEM in Doha a week earlier and the leaders seemed less belligerent. However, once the mediators get through the prisoners and ceasefire deadlock, there will be a multitude of issues to address. On compensation, Brylle agreed with SE Gration's concern that it is no good to just throw cash at people, and others forms of payment are needed. Japan Offers Support and Money for U.S. Efforts -------------- --- ¶9. (SBU) In a separate May 27 meeting, Japanese Envoy for Sudan Amb. Keitaro Sato also noted the CPA is probably more important overall than Darfur, as a civil war is a high possibility without success of the agreement. Sato noted Japan was ready to give USD 30 million for a unity fund. (Note: As described by a Japanese embassy officer later, the GOJ would cancel USD 30 million of GOS debt which would then be deposited into a unity fund in support of peace-building activities). Sato also noted that Japan had recently started direct grant aid to south Sudan, and would be funding a vocational training center. ¶10. (SBU) Sato reiterated that the Japanese government wanted to take advantage of SE Gration's appointment and efforts to do something positive on Sudan. He expressed willingness to go "hand-in-hand" with SE Gration and follow his lead on peace efforts. ¶11. (U) SE Gration's delegation has cleared this cable. LEBARON