DEMARCHE: ACTIVITIES IN SOMALILAND AND PUNTLAND

UNCLAS STATE 092938 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON PGOV PREL SO SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: ACTIVITIES IN SOMALILAND AND PUNTLAND ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2. OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Embassies Rome and Paris are asked to approach appropriate host government officials to collect information on their activities in the regions of Somaliland and Puntland in Somalia. In particular, the Department is seeking information about host government activities in each region in the areas of development, humanitarian, and security assistance, and the level of host government political engagement with each region, as well as information on which host government embassy (whether in Kenya, Ethiopia or Djibouti) is primarily responsible for Somaliland and Puntland. Please draw from the talking points in paragraph 3. ¶3. (SBU) Posts may draw from the following talking points in approaching host governments: -- The United States supports the Djibouti Peace Process and the resulting Transitional Federal Government (TFG) in Somalia. The TFG represents the best chance for stability in Somalia that we have seen in many years. It is the product of a Somali-led process that enjoys support from regional and international partners. -- The United States also remains engaged in Somaliland and Puntland, and we are focused on continuing assistance to both regions while simultaneously working to bolster and support the TFG. -- As we examine our engagement and assistance to both Somaliland and Puntland, we would be interested in hearing how you are engaging with both regions, including your current and future levels of development, humanitarian and security assistance, and how we can partner to achieve mutual goals of stability in Somaliland and Puntland. We welcome discussion on your plans for supporting all regions of Somalia as the country struggles to overcome its troubled history and retake its place among the family of nations. -- The United States remains minimally engaged in Somaliland and Puntland, and we are focused on continuing and expanding our assistance to both semi-autonomous regions while simultaneously working to bolster and support the TFG. While U.S. diplomatic representation on Somalia is seated within the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, our embassies in Djibouti and Addis regularly engage with TFG, Somaliland and Puntland officials and contacts. REPORTING DEADLINE -------------- ¶4. (U) The Department greatly appreciates Post's assistance and engagement on this issue. Please report results of this effort via front-channel cable to AF/E Pamela Fierst and AF/E Matt Walsh no later than Wednesday, September 9. POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶5. (U) Please contact AF/E Pamela Fierst (x7-5082) or Matthew Walsh (x7-8284) or via e-mail for any further background information or talking points needed to meet demarche objectives. CLINTON