BENIN: AF A/S CARSON MEETS PRESIDENT YAYI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000090 SENSITIVE 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 MEETS PRESIDENT YAYI ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: A/S Carson's meeting with Benin's President Yayi strongly buttressed Yayi's determination to pursue close collaboration with the USG. Yayi stressed his government's concern for Haiti and its reconstruction after the January earthquake; the importance of USG support for Benin's Permanent Digital Electoral List (LEPI); the GOB's great interest in achieving a second Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact; maritime security cooperation; and wider USG support for economic development, especially for Benin's agricultural sector. A/S Carson's announcement of a U.S. contribution of USD 100,000 towards LEPI was very warmly received. END SUMMARY. -------------- SOLIDARITY WITH HAITI -------------- ¶2. (U) Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson met President Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 5, 2010. A/S Carson opened the meeting by commending Yayi for Government of Benin (GOB) support for Haiti relief, noting that Haiti is a high priority for the Secretary of State. Yayi responded that Benin offered a small contribution from a small country, but it was an important symbol of support. Yayi added that Benin would find space in its schools and universities to educate Haitians whose schools have been destroyed by the earthquake. He reported that he has requested United Nations support for Haitian students who will come to Benin to study. -------------- PARTNERS FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT -------------- ¶3. (U) Foreign Minister Jean-Marie Ehouzou summarized his earlier meeting with A/S Carson for President Yayi (septel),emphasizing the USG's offer of USD 100,000 to support Benin's Permanent Digital Electoral List (LEPI). FM Ehouzou closed his summary by noting that a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, if approved, would especially support growth for Benin's agricultural sector and its social development needs. ¶4. (U) President Yayi praised Ambassador Knight's efforts in Benin, and emphasized that A/S Carson's visit is testimony to the positive regard the U.S. holds for Benin. He thanked Carson for the U.S. LEPI contribution, noting that, as the world's leading democracy, U.S. support for democracy in Benin is critical. Yayi expressed his hope for a longer visit by A/S Carson and eventual visits by Secretary Clinton and President Obama, noting that President Obama will feel at home in Benin. ¶5. (U) In response, A/S Carson applauded Benin's democracy and emphasized that well-established excellent U.S. - Benin relations are the result of shared values and principles. A/S Carson underscored that he is proud of Benin's partnership with the U.S., and his satisfaction that MCC funds are being used to develop Benin's economy for the benefit of its people. He cautioned that it is too early for a decision on a second MCC Compact for Benin. A/S Carson also noted that, in addition to MCC, the USG supports Benin's development through programs implemented by the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Defense. A/S Carson underscored that Secretary of State Clinton often notes that the U.S. is only as strong as its friends and allies. He added that he will encourage Secretary Clinton to visit Benin at her next opportunity. ¶6. (U) President Yayi expressed his gratitude for the USG's donation of two Defender-class maritime patrol craft to Benin's COTONOU 00000090 002 OF 002 armed forces in January, pointing out that such resources are critical to maintain maritime security and interdict drug traffickers and pirates. ¶7. (SBU) Yayi apologized that Benin cannot always break ranks with the G-77 or the African bloc at the UN. A/S Carson thanked him for GOB efforts to vote with the US whenever possible. ¶8. (SBU) COMMENT: A/S Carson's visit to Benin was exceptionally useful and well-timed to assure strong USG engagement in preparations for Benin's 2011 Presidential and legislative elections. His announcement of USG support for LEPI was especially key to enabling such engagement. END COMMENT. ¶9. (U) A/S Carson has cleared this message. KNIGHT