MESSAGE TO JUNTA ON JUSTICE FOR 28 SEP AND

S E C R E T STATE 132155 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/30/2019 TAGS: PINS PREL PHUM PGOV EAID GV SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO JUNTA ON JUSTICE FOR 28 SEP AND EFFECTING A DEMOCRATIC TRANSITION REF: A. A. TD-314/087047-09 ¶B. B. TD-314/087026-09 ¶C. C. MOLLER-YAMAMOTO E-MAIL OF 12/30/2009 0619 HRS EST Classified By: A/S JOHNNIE CARSON ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 4 and 5. ¶2. (S/NF) Background: According to sensitive reporting (Ref A),acting president of the Guinean junta, General Sekouba Konate, has assessed that junta leader Captain Dadis Camara is physically unable to resume his duties. Therefore, General Konate will be returning to Guinea to assume leadership of the junta on December 31. Dadis' departure from power opens a window of opportunity for the U.S. and international community to facilitate a democratic transition. ¶3. (S) Konate may be gauging domestic and international reaction to any move towards replacing Dadis and assuming control of the junta. Therefore, we want to clearly signal to Konate both our support for his taking charge of a transition government leading to timely elections and the conditions that must be met to trigger our support. Dadis Camara's departure could also act as a trigger for increased instability and violent conflict if not appropriately managed. ¶4. (SBU) ACTION REQUESTED: In anticipation of General Sekouba Konate's return from Rabat, post is instructed to deliver the following points to General Toto Camara or other appropriate interlocutor(s): -- We would support your efforts to effect a democratic transition in Guinea based on the following conditions: -- The transitional government will cooperate with UN and international efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators of the September 28th massacre and the human rights violations committed in the following days. The government will also cooperate fully with any follow-on investigations and activities generated by or arising from the UN Commission of Inquiry (CoI); -- The government will request and welcome in a timely manner observers from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other international organizations that may offer to participate, such as the African Union (AU),the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC),the UN's High Commission for Human Rights (UNHCHR) and other accredited international bodies; -- The government will welcome the opening of a UNHCHR office in Guinea; -- A date will be announced for holding credible, free, fair, timely and transparent elections for president and the national assembly; -- No National Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) member may run for office in those elections; and -- The military will end its political role and return to the barracks leaving a civilian-led transition government to shepherd Guinea through elections. ¶5. (SBU) ACTION REQUESTED (CONT'D): Following a public statement from the Guinean junta's leadership affirming its acceptance of these stipulations, the United States will commit to supporting and assisting the civilian transitional government and the holding of elections. This would include: -- Restarting Department of State electoral assistance programs; -- Providing human rights and professionalization training for elements of the Guinean military not involved in the events of September 28th and their aftermath; -- Providing maritime safety and security training; and -- Re-evaluating Guinea's eligibility for trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). CLINTON