ERITREA PRESSES FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS, FAILS TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000895 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/13/2019 TAGS: PREL UNGA UNP PGOV PTER KPKO ET SO SUBJECT: ERITREA PRESSES FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS, FAILS TO ACKNOWLEDGE DESTABILIZING ROLE USUN NEW Y 00000895 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Ambassador Susan Rice. Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY. During a September 28 meeting with Ambassador Rice and AF DAS Fitzgerald, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Advisor Yemane Ghebreab underscored their desire to improve relations with the United States, while denying that Eritrea is fueling the insurgency in Somalia. Ghebreab stated that a new political settlement including a wider base of opposition groups is required for a lasting peace in Somalia, and that Eritrea wishes to work with the U.S. to achieve this goal. Saleh and Ghebreab failed to acknowledge that Eritrea occupied Djiboutian territory, but expressed interest in solving the long-standing border dispute. END SUMMARY. Eritrea "Ready and Serious" about Improving Relations -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) In a September 28th meeting with Ambassador Rice and Bureau of African Affairs Deputy Assistant Secretary William Fitzgerald, Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh and Presidential Advisor Yemane Ghebreab stated they were "ready and serious" about improving bilateral relations with the U.S., noting that the current situation is undesirable. Ambassador Rice cited Eritrea's failure to embrace previous opportunities to improve the relationship, including rejecting a call from Secretary Clinton, while e mphasizing that quick and tangible signs of change are now needed. Ghebreab stated that, "nothing is more important than improved relations with the U.S.," stressing that President Isaias is now willing to talk with Secretary Clinton and welcomes a visit by A/S Carson. Ghebreab pointed to two recent letters sent by President Isaias to President Obama, in which he offered to send a delegation to the United States for talks, as examples of progress. Ambassador Rice underscored the need for concrete action to match Eritrea's words, pointing to steps that can be taken quickly, including the acceptance of U.S. Ambassador to Eritrea Ronald McMullen's credentials. Desire for Constructive Engagement in Somalia -------------- ¶3. (C) Foreign Minister Saleh stressed that Eritrea wishes to work with the U.S. to improve conditions in Somalia, stating that, "instead of talking about consequences, we can engage to solve problems together." Ghebreab insisted that Eritrea is not sending weapons, airplanes or money to the insurgency in Somalia, and that al-Shaabab is dangerous both to Somalia and the region as a whole. In response to Ambassador Rice's question on whether Eritrea has ever fueled the insurgency in Somalia, Ghebreab first responded only in present tense, saying no, but later when pressed switched to the past tense. Ghebreab stated that while Eritrea does not oppose the TFG, it believes that a wider political settlement, including Puntland, Somaliland, Hizbal Islam and certain individuals within al-Shaabab, is necessary to broaden the base and achieve a peaceful solution. Responding to a question from Ambassador Rice about whether Eritrea would recognize the TFG as the foundation for an inclusive settlement, Ghebreab stated he is not opposed to this idea as long as the TFG does not, "burn bridges with others." Ambassador Rice stated that while it is not inconceivable that other opposition groups be brought in to peace talks, al-Shaabab could not be included, as it is a terrorist group not a responsible political party. Ghebreab said that Eritrea is in daily contact with the TFG and believes that peace can be brought to Somalia if the U.S. and Eritrea work together on a new political settlement. ¶4. (C) In response to FM Saleh's statement that there is no proof that Eritrea has supported the insurgency in Somalia, Ambassador Rice noted the strong evidence and stated that Eritrea's expressed desire for improved relations would be more credible if it was willing to acknowledge its role in Somalia. Ghebreab emphasized that Eritrea wishes to, "get Somalia back on its feet," and rejects claims that Eritrea is using instability in Somalia as a tactic to "get to" Ethiopia. Ghebreab explained that he cannot demonstrate that Eritrea is not supplying weapons or money to the insurgency as it USUN NEW Y 00000895 002.2 OF 002 is impossible to demonstrate something that Eritrea is not doing. He emphasized that Eritrea is "a constructive player in Somalia" and is working with countries in the region and international organizations to find a solution. Ambassador Rice stated that the Security Council believes that Eritrea is not playing a constructive role and that the burden of proof is on Eritrea to demonstrate otherwise. Interest in Addressing Border Dispute -------------- ¶5. (C) Ambassador Rice noted Eritrea's failure to comply with UNSCR 1862 regarding the border dispute with Djibouti and that a lack of progress leaves the Security Council with few options. Saleh stated that Eritrea was condemned by the Security Council before the facts were ascertained, adding that the dispute began when Eritrea responded to an armed attack from Djibouti and the Djiboutian President threatened war in the Security Council. Saleh failed to acknowledge that Eritrean occupied Djiboutian territory, but stated that Djibouti has mounted a negative public relations campaign against Ertirea and is benefiting by the dispute. Ghebreab lamented that the Eritrean-Ethiopian border dispute is not taken as seriously by the Security Council, while emphasizing that in spite of this imbalance, "progress is underway to resolve the border dispute with Djibouti quietly." Ghebreab said that Eritrea is now talking with the UN's Department of Political Affairs, and concerned countries, adding that, "Eritrea is willing if Djibouti is willing." ¶6. (C) The meeting concluded with Foreign Minister Saleh underscoring Eritrea's hope to improve bilateral relations, including by working together on Somalia and Sudan, among other Horn of Africa issues. Ambassador Rice reiterated that Eritrea's actions must be concrete and fast, otherwise the Security Council will be compelled to take action. ¶7. (C) Comment: The meeting was notable for Gebreab's efforts to stress repeatedly Eritrea's desire for improved bilateral relations. However, beneath these statements, there was no/no beef - only disingenuous refutations of Eritrea's support for extremists in Somalia, bald-face denial of any wrong0doing vis--vis Djibouti, and refusal to demonstrate any movement on outstanding issues in the bilateral relationship. Regrettable, Ambassador Rice and DAS Fitzgerald heard nothing to change the USG's current assessment and strategy regarding Eritrea. End Comment. MINIMIZE CONSIDERED RICE