Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10COTONOU88
2010-02-16 14:07:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Cotonou
Cable title:
BENIN: AF A/S CARSON AND FOREIGN MINISTER STRESS BILATERAL
how-toVZCZCXRO4531 RR RUEHLMC RUEHMA RUEHPA DE RUEHCO #0088/01 0471409 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 161407Z FEB 10 FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0021 INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION WASHINGTON DC
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000088
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, WHA/CAR AND DRL
DEPT PASS USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KDEM KMCA HA BN
SUBJECT: BENIN: AF A/S CARSON AND FOREIGN MINISTER STRESS BILATERAL
PARTNERSHIP
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000088
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, WHA/CAR AND DRL
DEPT PASS USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KDEM KMCA HA BN
SUBJECT: BENIN: AF A/S CARSON AND FOREIGN MINISTER STRESS BILATERAL
PARTNERSHIP
1. (U) SUMMARY: On February 5, 2010, Assistant Secretary for
African Affairs Johnnie Carson met Benin's Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jean-Marie Ehouzou in Cotonou. The meeting was very
cordial, and focused on shared values and shared commitment to
democracy and development. A/S Carson announced a USG contribution
of USD 100,000 towards the implementation of Benin's computerized
electoral list in preparation for presidential and legislative
elections in 2011. END SUMMARY.
--------------
SHARED COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY . . .
--------------
2. (U) A/S Carson opened the meeting by affirming that relations
between Washington and Cotonou are excellent and based on shared
values -- with democracy as the core principle. He commended the
Government of Benin (GOB) and its leaders, past and present, for
the strong democracy established in Benin over the last two
decades, and for its succession of free and fair elections.
3. (U) A/S Carson emphasized that democratic practices lead to
greater development, which the U.S. is proud to support. He said
the U.S. is confident that the more than USD 300 mn the U.S. has
invested in Benin through its Millennium Challenge Compact is used
well. A/S Carson expressed pride in other U.S. development
programs and the work of more than 100 Peace Corps volunteers in
Benin. A/S Carson lauded Benin's efforts to combat narcotics
trafficking in the region and its contributions to international
peacekeeping missions.
4. (SBU) In support of Benin's efforts to implement the Permanent
Digital Electoral List (LEPI),A/S Carson pledged a USG
contribution of USD 100,000 towards its implementation. He added
that Benin is an example to other countries that shows what
progress can be made in democracy and development. He acknowledged
that in these regards Benin is ahead of Nigeria, Ghana, and other
states in the region.
5. (U) FM Ehouzou gratefully acknowledged the USG contribution to
the LEPI budget as a fitting legacy of A/S Carson's visit, and
expressed certainty that this gesture will encourage wider support
from the international community for LEPI. He noted that Benin's
LEPI is currently being energetically debated, but pointed out that
that such discussion of an innovative system is part of democracy.
6. (U) FM Ehouzou observed that February 2010 marks the 20th
anniversary of democracy in Benin. On February 18, 1990, President
Kerekou called a National Convention on the future of Benin when
riots broke out after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ehouzou
commended Kerekou for choosing democracy instead of authoritarian
tactics to curb civil unrest. While admitting some regret that
Benin had not been on the agenda, FM Ehouzou indicated his
satisfaction with President Obama's visit to Ghana last year, since
President Obama showed support for all African democracies by this
visit.
--------------
. . . ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP . . .
--------------
7. (U) FM Ehouzou expressed appreciation for USG support for
Benin's development, and highlighted the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) role in strengthening the Port of Cotonou, the
core of Benin's economy. He pledged that he will assure that the
COTONOU 00000088 002 OF 002
current MCC Compact is successfully completed, and underscored the
GOB's hope for a second MCC Compact. FM Ehouzou stressed the
importance of economic development to sustain democracy, since a
democracy with no resources is a weak democracy.
8. (U) FM Ehouzou noted that Benin has not yet mobilized benefits
offered by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),since
Benin does not have capacity to produce goods for the U.S. market.
While Benin produces cotton, there is little processing capability
in Benin, so only raw cotton is sold. FM Ehouzou requested support
for Benin's textile industry so that Benin can produce fabric,
create employment opportunities, and participate in the
international fabric trade. FM Ehouzou pledged that the GOB will
ensure good management of USG development support. As a specific
example, the GOB will assure that items such as insecticide-treated
mosquito nets (a significant component of Benin's President's
Malaria Initiative program) reach the poorest citizens who need
them most.
--------------
. . . AND PARTNERS AT THE UN
--------------
9. (U) Foreign Minister Ehouzou commended the USG for its work
toward international peace. As Benin's former Ambassador to the
United Nations, he affirmed that the two Missions enjoy a
partnership. As Foreign Minister, he has instructed Benin's
current UN Ambassador to continue his practice of sharing Benin's
position and consulting with the USG prior to any sensitive vote.
--------------
SHARED CONCERNS FOR HAITI
--------------
10. (U) The Foreign Minister then addressed the devastation
wrought by the recent earthquake in Haiti, noting the strong
historical and ongoing cultural and social ties between Benin and
Haiti. Immediately after the earthquake, President Yayi summoned
the diplomatic corps to highlight the close relationship between
Benin and Haiti and GOB concern that Haiti's humanitarian needs be
urgently addressed.
11. (U) FM Ehouzou commended the USG for its rapid response to
Haiti's catastrophe and emphasized the GOB's gratitude for U.S.
generosity in this crisis. He pointed out that the GOB has
proposed a program to the UN to support Haitian university
students' education by placing them in Benin's universities while
Haiti's educational infrastructure is rebuilt. He also noted that
Benin lost three members of its United Nations Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) contingent in the earthquake.
12. (SBU) COMMENT. A/S Carson's commitment to support LEPI was
especially welcome news for FM Ehouzou and the GOB; the USG had
been the sole major donor among Western democracies not to support
LEPI, and USG endorsement in this fashion is critical for LEPI
credibility in the GOB view. Similarly, the GOB's commitment to
complete success of its MCC Compact and its hope for a follow-on
Compact demonstrate the leverage and influence the USG currently
enjoys -- leverage which will support our efforts to encourage and
facilitate sound Presidential and legislative elections in 2011.
END COMMENT.
13. (U) A/S Carson has cleared this message.
KNIGHT
SIPDIS
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
DEPT FOR AF/W, AF/RSA, WHA/CAR AND DRL
DEPT PASS USTR
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KDEM KMCA HA BN
SUBJECT: BENIN: AF A/S CARSON AND FOREIGN MINISTER STRESS BILATERAL
PARTNERSHIP
1. (U) SUMMARY: On February 5, 2010, Assistant Secretary for
African Affairs Johnnie Carson met Benin's Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jean-Marie Ehouzou in Cotonou. The meeting was very
cordial, and focused on shared values and shared commitment to
democracy and development. A/S Carson announced a USG contribution
of USD 100,000 towards the implementation of Benin's computerized
electoral list in preparation for presidential and legislative
elections in 2011. END SUMMARY.
--------------
SHARED COMMITMENT TO DEMOCRACY . . .
--------------
2. (U) A/S Carson opened the meeting by affirming that relations
between Washington and Cotonou are excellent and based on shared
values -- with democracy as the core principle. He commended the
Government of Benin (GOB) and its leaders, past and present, for
the strong democracy established in Benin over the last two
decades, and for its succession of free and fair elections.
3. (U) A/S Carson emphasized that democratic practices lead to
greater development, which the U.S. is proud to support. He said
the U.S. is confident that the more than USD 300 mn the U.S. has
invested in Benin through its Millennium Challenge Compact is used
well. A/S Carson expressed pride in other U.S. development
programs and the work of more than 100 Peace Corps volunteers in
Benin. A/S Carson lauded Benin's efforts to combat narcotics
trafficking in the region and its contributions to international
peacekeeping missions.
4. (SBU) In support of Benin's efforts to implement the Permanent
Digital Electoral List (LEPI),A/S Carson pledged a USG
contribution of USD 100,000 towards its implementation. He added
that Benin is an example to other countries that shows what
progress can be made in democracy and development. He acknowledged
that in these regards Benin is ahead of Nigeria, Ghana, and other
states in the region.
5. (U) FM Ehouzou gratefully acknowledged the USG contribution to
the LEPI budget as a fitting legacy of A/S Carson's visit, and
expressed certainty that this gesture will encourage wider support
from the international community for LEPI. He noted that Benin's
LEPI is currently being energetically debated, but pointed out that
that such discussion of an innovative system is part of democracy.
6. (U) FM Ehouzou observed that February 2010 marks the 20th
anniversary of democracy in Benin. On February 18, 1990, President
Kerekou called a National Convention on the future of Benin when
riots broke out after the fall of the Berlin Wall. Ehouzou
commended Kerekou for choosing democracy instead of authoritarian
tactics to curb civil unrest. While admitting some regret that
Benin had not been on the agenda, FM Ehouzou indicated his
satisfaction with President Obama's visit to Ghana last year, since
President Obama showed support for all African democracies by this
visit.
--------------
. . . ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP . . .
--------------
7. (U) FM Ehouzou expressed appreciation for USG support for
Benin's development, and highlighted the Millennium Challenge
Corporation (MCC) role in strengthening the Port of Cotonou, the
core of Benin's economy. He pledged that he will assure that the
COTONOU 00000088 002 OF 002
current MCC Compact is successfully completed, and underscored the
GOB's hope for a second MCC Compact. FM Ehouzou stressed the
importance of economic development to sustain democracy, since a
democracy with no resources is a weak democracy.
8. (U) FM Ehouzou noted that Benin has not yet mobilized benefits
offered by the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),since
Benin does not have capacity to produce goods for the U.S. market.
While Benin produces cotton, there is little processing capability
in Benin, so only raw cotton is sold. FM Ehouzou requested support
for Benin's textile industry so that Benin can produce fabric,
create employment opportunities, and participate in the
international fabric trade. FM Ehouzou pledged that the GOB will
ensure good management of USG development support. As a specific
example, the GOB will assure that items such as insecticide-treated
mosquito nets (a significant component of Benin's President's
Malaria Initiative program) reach the poorest citizens who need
them most.
--------------
. . . AND PARTNERS AT THE UN
--------------
9. (U) Foreign Minister Ehouzou commended the USG for its work
toward international peace. As Benin's former Ambassador to the
United Nations, he affirmed that the two Missions enjoy a
partnership. As Foreign Minister, he has instructed Benin's
current UN Ambassador to continue his practice of sharing Benin's
position and consulting with the USG prior to any sensitive vote.
--------------
SHARED CONCERNS FOR HAITI
--------------
10. (U) The Foreign Minister then addressed the devastation
wrought by the recent earthquake in Haiti, noting the strong
historical and ongoing cultural and social ties between Benin and
Haiti. Immediately after the earthquake, President Yayi summoned
the diplomatic corps to highlight the close relationship between
Benin and Haiti and GOB concern that Haiti's humanitarian needs be
urgently addressed.
11. (U) FM Ehouzou commended the USG for its rapid response to
Haiti's catastrophe and emphasized the GOB's gratitude for U.S.
generosity in this crisis. He pointed out that the GOB has
proposed a program to the UN to support Haitian university
students' education by placing them in Benin's universities while
Haiti's educational infrastructure is rebuilt. He also noted that
Benin lost three members of its United Nations Stabilization
Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) contingent in the earthquake.
12. (SBU) COMMENT. A/S Carson's commitment to support LEPI was
especially welcome news for FM Ehouzou and the GOB; the USG had
been the sole major donor among Western democracies not to support
LEPI, and USG endorsement in this fashion is critical for LEPI
credibility in the GOB view. Similarly, the GOB's commitment to
complete success of its MCC Compact and its hope for a follow-on
Compact demonstrate the leverage and influence the USG currently
enjoys -- leverage which will support our efforts to encourage and
facilitate sound Presidential and legislative elections in 2011.
END COMMENT.
13. (U) A/S Carson has cleared this message.
KNIGHT