CAMEROONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON HAITI

UNCLAS YAOUNDE 000048 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR HAITI TASK FORCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CM EAID PGOV PHUM PREL HA SUBJECT: CAMEROONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ON HAITI REF: STATE 4909 ¶1. (SBU) In a January 21 meeting with Foreign Minister Henri Eyebe Ayissi, Ambassador discussed the humanitarian relief effort in Haiti. She shared information about channels for possible Cameroonian assistance per reftel. She thanked the Minister for the two Cameroonian Navy personnel on board the USS Gunston Hall who are currently deployed in Haiti, noting that she had previously thanked the Minister of Defense. Ayissi said President Biya had expressed his sympathy and solidarity with the Haitian people. The GRC appreciated what the UN and United States were doing to help with relief. Cameroon had twelve peacekeepers currently deployed in Haiti (some of whom remain unaccounted for) and the GRC was trying to contact private Cameroonians who may be there. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: Ayissi gave no further hint that Cameroon would provide material assistance to the Haiti relief effort. In a media encounter after the meeting, Ambassador noted that she had discussed Haiti with the Minister. We do not expect further initiative on Haiti from the GRC and the Haiti situation has gotten little local media coverage. GARVEY