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