RWANDA REACTION: PRESIDENT'S INTERVIEW WITH

UNCLAS KIGALI 000075


DEPT FOR PA/PRS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO PREL
SUBJECT: RWANDA REACTION: PRESIDENT'S INTERVIEW WITH
AL-ARABIYA

REF: STATE 7500



1. (U) Poloff delivered reftel talking points and interview
transcript to Rwandan Mufti Sheikh Saleh Habimana on February

2. Habimana said he hopes the United States will fully
utilize the "opportunity" presented by President Obama's
election to engage with the Muslim world, and make the strong
distinction between Muslims as a whole and "the very small
minority" of extreme terrorist elements. Habimana expressed
his personal admiration for President Obama, and produced a
copy of the President's inaugural address, saying he has
referred to it regularly. In conclusion, Habimana reiterated
the high regard in which Rwandan Muslims and Rwandans
generally hold the United States.


2. (U) Comment. Rwanda's Muslim community is relatively
small (approximately five percent of the population),but it
has been generally well-disposed toward the United States.
Outreach, such as the President's interviews and increased
dialogue with the Muslim world by the administration,
particularly in Africa, will be well received locally. End
comment.


SYMINGTON