DJIBOUTI SUPPORTS COPENHAGEN ACCORD

UNCLAS DJIBOUTI 000113

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/E, OES
OES FOR R. KASTENBERG, D. NELSON, K. LARSEN
ADDIS ABABA FOR REGIONAL ENVIRONMENT OFFICER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KGHG SENV ENRG DJ
SUBJECT: DJIBOUTI SUPPORTS COPENHAGEN ACCORD

REF: 10 STATE 3079


1. (U) EconOff discussed reftel points with Director of
Environment Dini Omar Abdallah January 26. Abdallah reports to
Minister of Housing and Environment Elmi Obsieh Waiss, and
travelled to Copenhagen as part of Djibouti's Conference of the
Parties delegation (headed by Prime Minister Dileita Mohamed
Dileita).




2. (SBU) "Djibouti supports the Copenhagen Accord," Abdallah
said. While the GODJ considers the Accord a "beginning" to be
completed through more detailed discussions and agreements,
Djibouti is "globally satisfied" with its contents. Djibouti
especially applauds the Accord's significant financial commitments,
and the objective to hold increases in global average temperatures
to below 2 degrees Celsius. Djibouti did not/not agree, Abdallah
added, with media portrayals of Copenhagen as a "complete failure."
Djibouti sees itself as a victim of climate change, Abdallah said.
(NOTE. The bulk of Djibouti's landmass is classed as arid desert
wasteland, and the country already boasts some of the hottest
temperatures of any inhabited regions on earth. As a low-lying
coastal state, Djibouti is also concerned about the effects of
climate change on sea levels and vulnerable marine environments,
including coral reefs. END NOTE.)




3. (U) EconOff provided detailed instructions on how a
country can associate itself with the Accord, and Abdallah promised
to discuss this step with the Minister of Environment. Djibouti
supports the Accord, Abdallah commented, and it would be "simple"
for Djibouti to formally associate with it. Post will follow up
with the Ministry of Environment as Djibouti decides whether or not
to formally associate with the Accord.
SWAN