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Abidjan Abu Dhabi Abuja Accra Adana Addis Ababa Alexandria Algiers American Institute Taiwan, Taipei Amman Amsterdam Ankara Antananarivo Apia Ashgabat Asmara Astana Asuncion Athens Auckland Baghdad Baku Bamako Bandar Seri Begawan Bangkok Bangui Banjul Barcelona Beijing Beirut Belfast Belgrade Belmopan Berlin Bern Bishkek Bogota Brasilia Bratislava Brazzaville Bridgetown Brussels Bucharest Budapest Buenos Aires Bujumbura Cairo Calgary Canberra Cape Town Caracas Casablanca Chengdu Chennai Chiang Mai Chisinau Ciudad Juarez Colombo Conakry Copenhagen Cotonou Curacao Dakar Damascus Dar Es Salaam Department of State Dhahran Dhaka Dili DIR FSINFATC Djibouti Doha Dubai Dublin Durban Dushanbe Dusseldorf Embasy Bonn Florence Frankfurt Freetown Fukuoka Gaborone Georgetown Grenada Guadalajara Guangzhou Guatemala Guayaquil Halifax Hamburg Hamilton Hanoi Harare Helsinki Hermosillo Ho Chi Minh City Hong Kong Hyderabad Iran RPO Dubai Islamabad Istanbul Izmir Jakarta Jeddah Jerusalem Johannesburg Kabul Kaduna Kampala Karachi Kathmandu Khartoum Kigali Kingston Kinshasa Kolkata Kolonia Koror Krakow Kuala Lumpur Kuwait Kyiv La Paz Lagos Lahore Leipzig Libreville Lilongwe Lima Lisbon Ljubljana Lome London Luanda Lusaka Luxembourg Madrid Majuro Malabo Managua Manama Manila Maputo Marseille Maseru Matamoros Mbabane Melbourne Merida Mexico Milan Minsk Mission Geneva Mission UNESCO Mission USNATO Mission USOSCE Mogadishu Monrovia Monterrey Montevideo Montreal Moscow Mumbai Munich Muscat Nagoya Naha Nairobi Naples Nassau Ndjamena New Delhi Niamey Nicosia Nogales Nouakchott Nuevo Laredo Osaka Kobe Oslo Ottawa Ouagadougou Panama Paramaribo Paris Perth Peshawar Phnom Penh Podgorica Ponta Delgada Port Au Prince Port Louis Port Moresby Port Of Spain Prague Praia Pretoria Pristina Quebec Quito Rabat Rangoon Recife REO Basrah REO Hillah REO Kirkuk REO Mosul Reykjavik Riga Rio De Janeiro Riyadh Rome San Jose San Salvador Sanaa Santiago Santo Domingo Sao Paulo Sapporo Sarajevo Secretary of State Seoul Shanghai Shenyang Singapore Skopje Sofia St Petersburg Stockholm Strasbourg Surabaya Suva Sydney Tallinn Tashkent Tbilisi Tegucigalpa Tehran Tel Aviv The Hague Thessaloniki Tijuana Tirana Tokyo Toronto Tripoli Tunis Ulaanbaatar UN Rome UNVIE US Delegation FEST TWO US Delegation, Secretary US Interests Section Havana US Mission CD Geneva US Mission Geneva US Office Almaty US OFFICE FSC CHARLESTON USEU Brussels USMISSION USTR GENEVA USUN New York Valletta Vancouver Vatican Vienna Vientiane Vilnius Vladivostok Warsaw Wellington Windhoek Yaounde Yekaterinburg Yerevan Zagreb
By classification:
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By year:
2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1979 1978 1975 1973 1972 1966

More on tag:
ABLD BUILDING AND GROUNDS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The acquisition, management, and operation of U.S.-owned or-leased facilities and sites both domestic and foreign. (Replaces RCHB file categories: BG, ES)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Acquisition
* AIEP
* Allotment
* Antenna
* Antiques
* Appraisals
* Architecture
* Asbestos
* Audit
* Bid Results
* Breathing Device
* Building
* Building Design
* Building Management
* Carpet
* Chancellery
* Construction Management
* Construction Security
* Consulate
* Contract Amendment Contract Award Contract Renewal Contract Termination Contractor
* Core Area
* DCR
* Deed
* Descent Device
* Electrical System
* Elevator
* Embassy
* EMR
* Energy Conservation
* EURMAC
* Fire Alarm
* Fire Detection System
* Fire Prevention
* Fire Safety
* Furnishings
* Generator
* Geotechnical
* Gift
* Hazardous Material
* Housing
* HVAC
* Improvement
* Inventory
* Lease
* Legation
* Maintenance
* Mechanical System
* NOB
* Parking
* PCC
* Post Opening
* Property Exchange
* Property Sales
* Public Access Control
* Real Property
* Reciprocity
* REMS
* Renovation
* Safety & Health Designee
* Safety Program
* Security Enhancement
* Seismology
* SHEMC
* Shielded Enclosure
* Site
* Space Management
* Survey
* WASHMAC
* Water Analysis
[close]

More on tag:
AEMR EMERGENCY PLANNING AND EVACUATION
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Measures and actions implemented to protect U.S. personnel, citizens, property and information; especially related to crisis situations. (Replaces RCHB file category: EP)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Citizen Protection
* Contingency Plan EAP
* Emergency
* Evacuation
* Property
* Protection
* Records Destruction
* Rescue
* Safehaven
[close]

More on tag:
AFIN FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised April 2000)

The fiscal operations of the Department, Foreign Service posts, and other Federal agencies. (Replaces RCHB file categories: ACC, BUD, FMGT)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accounting
* Allowance
* Annuity Check
* Antideficiency
* Appropriation
* Audit
* Authentication Bank
* Account Bonding
* CAPPS
* Cash
* Cash Management
* Cashier
* Central Claim
* Commercial Claim
* Compensation
* Debt Collection
* Deficit
* Disallowances
* Disbursement
* Employee Claim
* ESF
* Exchange Rate
* Financial Management System
* Fiscal
* Fiscal Irregularities
* Foreign Currency
* FSCADP
* Fund Allotment
* Funding
* GBL
* General Ledger
* GTR
* Home Leave
* ICASS
* Leave
* Liquidation
* Local Currency
* Nonreceipt
* Over Obligation
* Pay Advance
* Pay Record
* Payment
* Payroll
* Payroll Deduction
* PCS
* Per Diem
* Personal Property
* Personal Travel
* Post MGT
* Premium Pay
* Prompt Payment
* Reimbursement
* Relocation
* Reprogramming
* Retirement
* Security Enhancement
* Taxes
* TDY
* Time & Attendance
* Transportation Request
* Travel Advance
* Travelers Checks
* Treasury Check
* Vendor
* Vouchers
* Vulnerability Assessment
* Wages
* Working Capital Fund
[close]

More on tag:
AMGT MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

The management and organization of the Department and posts abroad and other U.S. agencies. (Replaces RCHB file category: ORG)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Administration
* Audit
* Authorities
* Background Information
* Bureau Organization
* Commissary
* Congressional Report
* Delegation of Authority
* Embassy Closing
* Embassy Opening
* Employee Association
* FCS
* FTE
* Geneva Group
* GORI
* Information System
* Inspection Report
* Inspection Team
* Internal Control
* JAO
* Management Initiative
* Management Issues
* Mission Closure
* Mission Opening
* Occupational Safety
* Office Closure
* Office Establishment
* Office Procedures
* Organization
* Overseas Post
* PCS
* Post Closing
* Post MGT
* Post Opening
* Post Operating Plan
* Reciprocity
* Recreation
* Reorganization
* Scheduling
* Staffing
* Support Services
* Survey
* Task Force
* Workload
[close]

More on tag:
AORC INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AND CONFERENCES
[close]

Effective from January 1983

The structure and management of international or regional organizations and conferences. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL and Organization Name)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Administration
* Application
* Budget
* Candidate
* Chairman
* Charter
* Congressional Reports
* Constitution
* Donor
* Election Results
* Financial Contribution
* Geneva Group
* Host Government
* Information System
* Infrastructure
* Inspection Report
* Inspection Team
* International Organization
* International Organization Official
* Meeting Agenda
* Meeting Delegation
* Meeting Observer
* Meeting Venue
* Membership
* NGO
* Nomination
* Nonparticipation
* Office Closure
* Office Establishment
* Participation
* PERMREP
* Referendum
* Reform
* Regional Organization
* Regional Organization Official Reorganization
* Resignation from Office Seating
* Secession Secretary General Specialized Agency
* Sponsorship
* Staffing
* Vacancy Announcement
* Veto
* VOLAG
* Volunteers
* Voting
* Wages
[close]

More on tag:
APER PERSONNEL
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The administration and support of the Department's Civil and Foreign

Service personnel. (Replaces RCHB file category: PER)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Adoption
* Affirmative
* Action
* Ambassador
* Appeal
* Award
* Backpay
* Benefit Plan
* Bilateral Work Agreements
* Blood Donor
* Boarding School Career Development Career Mobility
* CFC
* Civil Service
* Civil Service Reform Act
* Class Action Suit
* CLO Program
* Community Liaison Office
* Coordinators
* Compensation
* Complaint
* Complement
* Consultation
* Continuing Education
* Contract Employee
* Conversion
* CSR
* Death
* Demotion
* Dependent
* Dependent Education
* Dependent Employment
* Discipline
* Divorce
* Emergency
* Evacuation
* Employee Association
* Employee Benefit
* Employee Relations
* Employee Service
* Employee Status
* Employee Training
* Employment
* Equal Employment Opportunity
* Family Life
* Family Separation
* Family Support Services
* Fellowship
* FERS
* Foreign Born Spouses
* Foreign Service
* Foreign Service Act
* FSPS
* FTE
* Functional Training
* Grade Retention
* Grievance
* Health
* Injury
* Insurance
* International School
* Interns
* Interview
* Job Title
* Leave
* Library
* Merit Pay
* Merit Promotion
* Military Furlough
* Military Reserve
* Nomination
* Nonsensitive Critical Position
* Open Assignments
* Orientation
* Overcomplement
* Pay Record
* Performance Evaluation
* Personal Property
* Personal Travel
* Personnel
* Personnel Action
* Personnel Appointment
* Personnel Assignment
* Personnel Classification
* Personnel Conduct
* Personnel Promotion
* Personnel Reassignment
* Personnel Resignation
* Personnel Separation
* Photographer
* PIT
* Position Classification
* Position Description
* Premium Pay
* Presidential Executive Exchange Program
* Private School
* Probation
* Promotion Panel
* PSC
* Public School
* Recall
* Recruitment
* Reentry
* Relocation
* Remains Disposition
* Reprogramming
* Retired Annuitant
* Retirement
* RIF
* Sabbatical
* Savings Bond
* School Admissions
* SEF
* Selection Board
* Selection Out
* Senior Foreign Service
* SES
* Severance Pay
* Sexual Harassment
* Skill Codes
* Spouse
* Staffing
* Staffing Pattern
* Survey
* Tandem Couple
* TDY
* Tenure Board
* Termination
* Time & Attendance
* Upward Mobility
* U.S. Family Member
* Vacancy Announcement
* Wages
* Work Requirements
* Workload
* Workmen Compensation
* Workweek
* Youth Programs
[close]

More on tag:
ASEC SECURITY
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The development, coordination, or administration of security policies and programs. (Replaces RCHB file category: SY)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* AIASA
* Airport Access Procedures
* Antifraud
* Antiterrorism Measures
* Armored Vehicle
* Assault
* Bugging
* Building
* Contract Guard Program
* Counterintelligence
* Debriefing
* Debugging
* Demolition
* Detection Equipment
* Dismantling
* Electronic Security Device
* Emergency Response Team
* Explosives
* Fraud
* Host Country Guards
* Host Country Police
* Identification Systems
* Information Security
* Local Guard Program
* Maps
* Mission Takeover
* Monitoring
* MSG
* Name Check
* NSU
* Personnel Protection
* Physical Security
* Police Force
* Police Investigation
* Property Protection
* Protective Security
* Public Access Control
* Regional Security
* Riot Control
* RSO
* Scheduled Reporting
* Security Assessment
* Security Clearance
* Security Crisis
* Security Enhancement
* Security Survey
* Security Violation
* Special Support Program
* Suitability
* Technical Security
* Telephone
* Tempest
* Terrorism
* Threat
* Threat Assessment
* Unit Security Procedures
* Warning System
[close]

More on tag:
BEXP TRADE EXPANSION AND PROMOTION
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Efforts to promote trade and other commercial activities, including specific proposals and inquiries to establish trade relations. (Replaces RCHB file category: TP)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Best Prospect
* Bid
* Business Firm
* Businessmen
* CMP
* Commercial Action
* Commercial Association
* Consultation
* Cooperatives
* Country Commercial
* Exhibit
* Exposition
* Foreign Agent
* Foreign Market
* Target Industry
* Targeting
* Trade Fair
* Trade Promotion
* Trade Visit
* WITS
[close]

More on tag:
BTIO TRADE AND INVESTMENT
[close]

OPPORTUNITIES

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Administrative and operational reporting on opportunities for U.S. businesses. (Replaces RCHB file categories: FN, TP)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Agribusiness
* Bid
* Business Firm
* FGT
* Foreign Markets
* GPC Implementation
* Joint Venture
* Patent
* PTO
[close]

More on tag:
CASC ASSISTANCE TO CITIZENS
[close]

Effective from May 1977 (Revised January 1983)

Consular services provided by the United States to citizens of the United States or any other country. (Replaces RCHB file categories: CON, PS)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Adoption
* Aircraft Detention
* Aircraft Registry
* Alien
* AMCIT
* Arrest Assault
* Attorney List
* Authorities
* Automation
* Child Custody
* Children Compensation
* Complaint
* Consular Assistance
* Consular Package
* Cult
* Custody
* Death Report
* Deportation
* Detention
* Direct Relay
* Drivers License
* Emergency Evacuation
* Estate
* Family
* FIMED
* Fraud Identification
* Lawyer
* Legal
* Medical Care
* Missing Person
* Murder Offenses
* Prisoner
* Prisoner Release
* Prisoner Transfer
* Prisoner Welfare
* Property
* Property Protection
* Release
* Remains Disposition
* Repatriation
* Seamen
* Ship Detention
* Ship Registry
* Spouse
* Third Country Representation
* Travel Advisory
* Trial
* Trust Account
* Trust Account Refund
* Welfare & Whereabouts
[close]

More on tag:
CJAN JUDICIAL ASSISTANCE AND NOTARIAL SERVICES
[close]

Effective from May 1983

Matters pertaining to Notarial Services and International Judicial Assistance, including the service of judicial and extra-judicial documents and obtaining evidence. (Replaces RCHB file categories: LEG, PS)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Acknowledgment
* Affidavit
* Attorney List
* Authentication
* Automation
* Deed
* Deposition
* Documentation
* Evidence
* Extradition
* Fraud
* FSIA
* Judicial Assistance
* Letters Rogatory
* Notarial
* Oath
* Official Travel
* Prisoner Transfer
* Process Serving
* Subpoena
* Testimony
* Tort Claim
* Witness
[close]

More on tag:
CMGT CONSULAR ADMINSTRATION AND MANAGEMENT
[close]

Effective from August 1983

The administrative and operational management of Consular Affairs activities. (Replaces RCHB file categories: ACC, BUD, CON, FMGT,ORG, PER)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Antifraud
* Automation
* CAS
* Consular Agent
* Consular Agreement
* Consular Conference
* Consular Equipment
* Consular Package
* Consular Service
* Consular Supplies
* Consular Treaty
* CSS
* ECR
* Fee
* Fraud
* ICARS
* IVACS
* Legislation
* MRP
* NIVCAPS
* Office Procedures
* Personnel
* PFM
* PIT
* Publication
* Space Management
* Supplies
* Support Services
* TDIS
* Third Country Representation
* Word Processor
[close]

More on tag:
CVIS VISAS
[close]

Effective from May 1973 (Revised January 1993)

Operational, procedural, and administrative functions of visa operations. (Replaces RCHB file category: V)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* AA 1 Adoption
* Advisory Opinion AIDS
* Alien
* Alien Previously Deported
* Alien Smuggler
* Allocation
* Application
* Appointment
* Arrival Notice
* Athlete Automation
* Bearer Insert
* BUSVIS
* Centralized Visa Processing
* Chargeability
* CHINEX
* CLASS
* Clearance
* CONGRINT
* Consular Package
* Crew List
* Crewman
* Crime
* Data
* Defector
* Denial
* Departure Notice
* Dependent
* Deportation
* Derivatives
* Diversity Immigrant
* DNC
* Documentation
* DV 1DVACS
* Employment Based Preference
* Employment Creation
* Entertainer
* Entitlement
* Exchange Visitor
* Exclusion
* Extraordinary Ability
* Family Preference
* Fiance
* Fiancee
* Files
* Foreign Policy Exclusion
* Forms
* Fraud
* Health Related Grounds
* ICARS
* Immediate Relative
* Immigrant
* Intercompany Transferee
* International Child Abduction
* Interview
* Issuance
* IVACS
* Labor Certification
* LB 1
* Legislation
* Medical Examination
* Moral Turpitude
* MRV
* Name Check
* Narcotics Traffic
* News Media Representative
* NIV
* NIVCAPS
* Nonimmigrant
* Numerical Control
* NVC
* Operations
* Other Worker
* Out of District Applicant
* Parole
* Permanent Resident
* Polygamist
* Portsmouth Consular Center
* Priority Date
* Private Bill
* Procedures
* Public Charge
* Reciprocity
* Refugee
* Refusal
* Religious Worker
* Renewal
* Revocation
* SAO
* Skilled Worker
* SPLEX
* Student
* Supplies Temporary Worker
* Terrorist
* 30 60 Rule
* TIVPC
* Totalitarian Party Membership
* Transfer
* Transit
* Travel Agents
* Treaty Investor
* Treaty Trader
* TTYREP
* Validity Visa
* Visa Clearance
* Visa Photograph
* Visitor for Business
* VLOB
* Waiver
* Waiver of Ineligibility
* Walk Ins
* Workload
[close]

More on tag:
EAGR AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Cultivating the soil and forest, raising livestock, and producing crops. (Replaces RCHB file category: AGR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Agricultural Development
* Agricultural Production
* Agricultural Program
* Agricultural Worker
* Agriculture
* Animal Disease
* Cocoa
* Coffee
* Corn
* Cotton
* Crop Destruction
* Crops
* Dairy Products
* Desalinization
* Disease Control
* Drought
* Erosion
* Famine
* Farm Equipment
* Farming
* Fertilizer
* Food Shortages
* Forestry
* Fruit
* Fungicide
* Grain
* Harvest
* Herbicide
* Husbandry
* Insect
* Irrigation
* Jute
* Land Conservation
* Land Management
* Land Reform
* Livestock
* Natural Fiber
* Nuts
* Oilseeds
* Pest Control
* Pesticide
* Plant Disease
* Poultry
* Preservation
* Quarantine
* Rainfall
* Rice
* Rubber
* Seeds
* Snowfall
* Soil
* Soybean
* Stockpile
* Subsidy
* Sugar
* Timber
* Tobacco
* Tropical Forest
* Vegetable
* Water Analysis
* Weather
* Wheat
[close]

More on tag:
EAID FOREIGN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Foreign economic and technical assistance provided by governments, international organizations, institutions, or private individuals. (Replaces RCHB file category: AID)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Agricultural Agreement
* Agricultural Development
* Agricultural Program Airlift
* Bank
* Congressional Presentation
* Construction Equipment
* Cooperatives
* Credit
* Debt
* Development Loan
* Development Program
* Disaster Relief
* Donor
* Economic Adviser
* Economic Assistance
* Economic Development
* Economic Support Fund
* Farm Equipment
* Financial Contribution
* Food
* Foreign Assistance Agreement
* Funding
* Grant
* Industrial Development
* Industrialized Nation
* Laboratory Equipment
* LDC
* LLDC
* Loan
* Medical Care
* Medical Equipment
* North South Dialogue
* Paris Club
* PL 480
* PL 480 Title I
* PL 480 Title II
* PL 480 Title III
* Relief Effort
* Self Help
* Technical Assistance
* Water Analysis
[close]

More on tag:
EAIR CIVIL AVIATION
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

Commercial and private aircraft and air operations, domestic as well as international. (Replaces RCHB file categories: AV, TR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Air Access
* Air Cargo
* Air Fare
* Air Safety
* Air Traffic
* Air Transportation
* Aircraft
* Aircraft Accident
* Aircraft Detention
* Aircraft Registry
* Airline
* Airport
* Airport Fee
* Airport Security
* Airspace
* Antiterrorism Measures
* Aviation Agreement
* Cargo Handling
* Charter Flight
* CIVAIR
* Commercial Aircraft
* Emergency Landing
* Flight Clearance
* Flight Manual
* Hazardous Cargo
* Helicopter
* Hijacking
* Insurance
* Landing Rights
* Maintenance
* Navigational Aid
* Passenger Manifest
* Pilot Training
* Private Aircraft
* Refueling
* Rescue
* Route
* Salvage
* Schedule
* Transportation Development
* Transportation Industry
[close]

More on tag:
ECON ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The status of a nation's economy. (Replaces RCHB file category: E)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Agricultural Development
* Antiinflationary Program
* Black Market
* Capital Investment
* Cost of Living
* Depression
* Economic Agreement
* Economic Assessment
* Economic Conditions
* Economic Crisis
* Economic Development
* Economic Forecast
* Economic Growth
* Economic Indicators
* Economic Program
* Economic Recovery
* Economic Reform
* Economic Report
* Economic Stability
* Economic Trend
* EEC 1992
* Employment
* Financial Profits
* GDP
* GNP
* Industrial Development
* Industrial Growth
* Industrial Reform
* Inflation
* Interest Rate
* National Debt
* NIEO
* Price Index
* Recession
* Stock Market
* Tax Law
* Unemployment
[close]

More on tag:
ECPS COMMUNICATIONS AND POSTAL SYSTEMS
[close]

Effective from March 1983

The efforts of governments, the private sector, or international organizations to manage, regulate, develop, apply, or monitor the methods and means of telecommunication, international communication policy, and the informational aspects of communication. (Replaces RCHB file categories: INF, MP, PO, PPB, PR, RAD, SP, TEL, TV)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Broadcasting
* Cable TV
* Censorship
* Clandestine Broadcast
* Direct Broadcasting Satellite
* Fiber Optics
* Frequency Allocation
* Frequency Interference
* Frequency Spectrum
* Geostationary Satellite Orbit
* High Frequency
* lnformatics Information Access
* Information Center
* Information Flow
* Information Media
* Jamming
* Light Communication
* Networking
* NWICO
* Orbit
* Postal System
* Prior Consent
* Radio
* Satellite
* Telecommunication
* Telecommunication Agreement
* Telegraph
* Telephone
* Television
* Transborder Data Flow
* Transmitters
* Undersea Cable
[close]

More on tag:
EFIN FINANCIAL AND MONETARY AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Domestic and international financial affairs of governments and private institutions. (Replaces RCHB file category: FN)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accounting
* Audit
* Bank
* Bank Account
* Bankruptcy
* Blocked Assets
* BOP
* Budget
* Buffer Stock
* Capital Flow
* CFF
* Commodities Exchange
* Credit
* Currency Shortage
* Debt
* Debt Equity Swap
* Debt Relief
* Debt Repayment
* Debt Repudiation
* Debt Rescheduling
* Deficit
* Devaluation
* Donor
* Drawing Rights
* Economic Growth
* Economic Recovery
* Economic Trend
* EFF
* EMS
* Exchange Rate
* Financial Agreement
* Financial Contribution
* Financial Control
* Financial Crisis
* Financial Market
* Financial Profits
* Financial Program
* Financial Reform
* Financial Reserve
* Financial Stability
* Foreign Currency
* Foreign Currency Control
* Foreign Currency Exchange
* Foreign Market
* Gold
* Grant
* IMF Standbys
* Income Tax
* Inflation
* Interest Rate
* Loan Default
* Local Currency
* London Club
* National Income
* Overpayment
* Paris Club
* Payment
* Revaluation
* Sales Tax
* SDR
* Securities
* Securities Exchange
* Stock Shares
* Tax Haven
* Tax Law
* Taxation Treaties
* Treasury
[close]

More on tag:
EFIS COMMERCIAL FISHING AND FISH PROCESSING
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The breeding and catching of fish and other marine life for commercial purposes. (Replaces RCHB file categories: INCO, POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Aquaculture
* Catch
* Quota Cod
* Dispute Settlement
* Exclusive Economic
* Zone Fish
* Fisheries
* Aid Fishery
* Fishing Agreement
* Fishing Concession
* Fishing Dispute
* Fishing Ground
* Fishing Limit
* Fishing Rights
* Fishing Vessel
* Fishing Vessel
* Detention Halibut
* Herring Joint
* Venture
* Quota Salmon
* Shellfish
* Shrimp
* TEDS
* Tuna
* Whaling Industry
[close]

More on tag:
EIND INDUSTRY AND MANUFACTURING
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The commercial production of goods and services, including the processing of raw materials into manufactured goods. (Replaces RCHB file category: TEL, INCO)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Aerospace Industry
* Alloy
* Aluminum
* Antitrust
* Automotive Industry
* Bankruptcy
* Business Firm
* Capital Investment
* Chemical Industry
* Clothing Industry
* Commercial Association
* Communications Industry
* Complaint
* Construction Industry
* Consumer Goods
* Cooperatives
* Copyright Agreement
* Copyright Claim
* Corruption
* Cotton
* Dairy Industry
* Data Processing Industry
* Defense Industry
* Development Program
* Drug Industry
* Dyeing Industry
* Economic Growth
* Electronic Industry
* Espionage
* Factory
* Fertilizer Industry
* Finishing Industry
* Fishing Industry
* Food Contamination
* Food Industry
* Foreign Agent
* Fraud
* Garment Industry
* Garment Production
* Garment Workers
* Industrial Accident
* Industrial Development
* Industrial Growth
* Industrial Production
* Industrial Reform
* Industrial Waste Disposal
* Insurance
* Linen
* Litigation
* Lumber Industry
* Machine Tool Industry
* Manmade Fiber
* Manufactured Product
* Merger
* Metal Industry
* Monopoly
* Nationalization
* Paper Industry
* Parastatal
* Patent
* Petroleum Industry
* Piracy
* Plastic Industry
* Power Looms
* Private Sector
* Privatization
* Processing
* Product Safety
* Product Standards
* Product Testing
* Production
* Production Control
* Public Sector
* Railroad Industry
* Ramie
* Raw Materials
* Recall
* Registration
* Rubber Industry
* Sabotage
* Salvage
* Service Industry
* Shipbuilding Industry
* Silk
* Spinning Machinery
* Steel Industry
* Stockpile
* Subsidiary
* Subsidy
* Textile Industry
* Textile Production
* Tobacco Industry
* Tourism
* Trademark
* Vegetable Fiber
* Weaving Industry
* Wood Products Industry
* Wool
* Yarns
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More on tag:
EINT ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL INTERNET
[close]

Effective from October 1997

Economic and commercial programs, policies, and issues relating to the Internet.

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Agreement
* Censorship
* Competition
* Connectivity
* Content
* Copyright
* Data
* Democracy
* Economic Conditions
* Domain Names
* Electronic Commerce
* Encryption
* Free Flow of Information
* Information Availability
* Interconnectivity
* Internet
* Meeting
* Monopoly
* Piracy
* Policy
* Pornography
* Privacy
* Private Sector
* Reporting
* Trademark
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More on tag:
EINV FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

Foreign investments made by governments or private enterprises for commercial gain. (Replaces RCHB file categories: FN, INCO)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Bank
* Bid
* BIT
* Business Firm
* Business Loss
* Business Merger
* Capital Flow
* Capital Investment
* Compensation
* Credit
* Credit Guarantee
* Disinvestment
* Economic Growth
* Foreign Investment
* Fraud
* Garment Investment
* Insurance Risk
* Investment Climate
* Investment Control
* Investment Disputes
* Investment Guarantee
* Investment Incentive
* Investment Law
* Investment Opportunity
* Joint Venture
* Loan
* Multinational Corporation
* Nationalization
* Parastatal
* Private Investment
* Private Sector
* Privatization
* Public Sector
* Subsidiary
* Textile Investment
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More on tag:
ELAB LABOR SECTOR AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised May 1995)

The labor sector, labor actors, and national labor policies and their effect on domestic and international systems and relations. (Replaces RCHB file category: LAB)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Arbitration
* Benefits
* Bonded Labor
* Child Labor
* Collective Bargaining
* Compulsory Labor
* Dock Workers
* Employee Ownership
* Employee Rights
* Employer Organization
* Employment
* Equal Pay for Equal Work
* Forced Labor
* Foreign Worker
* GSP (Worker Rights)
* Illegal Worker
* International Labor Secretariat
* Job Creation
* Job Discrimination
* Job Security
* Job Training
* Labor Agreement
* Labor Code
* Labor Competition
* Labor Confederation
* Labor Cooperative
* Labor Costs
* Labor Courts
* Labor Disputes
* Labor Federation
* Labor Law
* Labor Leader
* Labor Market
* Labor Migration
* Labor Movement
* Labor Organization
* Labor Relations
* Labor Rights
* Labor Sector
* Labor Settlement
* Labor Standards
* Labor Union
* Layoffs
* Lockout
* Manpower
* Mediation
* NAFTA Labor Cooperation
* Occupational Health
* Occupational Safety
* Pension
* Prison Labor
* Privatization
* Right of Association
* Right to Organize Slave Labor
* Social Clause (WTO)
* Social Net
* Social Security
* Strike
* Trade
* Union
* Underemployment
* Unemployment
* Unemployment Insurance
* Vocational Training
* Wages
* Work Force
* Work Permit
* Worker Rights Workers
* Working Conditions
[close]

More on tag:
ELTN LAND TRANSPORTATION
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

All aspects of land transportation. (Replaces RCHB file categories: IT, TR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Antiterrorism Measures
* Automobile
* Bridge
* Bus
* Cargo Handling
* Detention
* Fee
* Hazardous Cargo
* Highway
* Highway Access
* Hijacking
* Insurance
* Land Transportation
* Maintenance
* Overland Cargo
* Public Transportation
* Railroad
* Railroad Accident
* Railway Access
* Rescue
* Schedule
* Traffic Accident
* Traffic Safety
* Transportation Development
* Transportation Industry
* Truck
* Tunnel
[close]

More on tag:
EMIN MINERALS AND METALS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The exploration, discovery, and extraction of minerals and metals. (Replaces RCHB file category: INCO)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Bauxite
* Bid
* Chromite
* Coal
* Cobalt
* Copper
* Drilling
* Excavation
* Exclusive Economic Zone
* Exploration
* Factory
* Gems
* Gold
* Iron
* Magnesium
* Manganese
* Metal
* Mine
* Mineral
* Mineral Reserve
* Mining
* Mining Accident
* Mining Concession
* Nickel
* Offshore Mining
* Ore
* Quarry
* Silver
* Tin
* Tungsten
* Uranium
* Uranium Enrichment
* Zinc

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More on tag:
ENRG ENERGY AND POWER
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Government and private commercial activities in acquiring and providing energy services from all types of sources. For petroleum and natural gas, see EPET. (Replaces RCHB file categories: AE, FSE)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Coal
* Dam
* Decontamination
* Electric Energy
* Electric Power Plant
* Energy Conservation
* Energy Consumption
* Energy Reserve
* Energy Shortage
* Factory
* Fissionable Material
* Fuel
* Fuel Shortage
* Generator
* Geothermal Energy
* Hazardous Waste Disposal
* Hydroelectric Energy
* Hydroelectric Power Plant
* Nuclear Accident
* Nuclear Capability
* Nuclear Contamination
* Nuclear Energy
* Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing
* Nuclear Power Plant
* Nuclear Reactor
* Nuclear Safeguard
* Power Line
* Public Utility
* PUNE
* Radiation
* Radioactive Material
* Radioactive Material Transfer
* Radioactive Waste Disposal
* Reexport
* Solar Energy
* Spent Fuel
* Stockpile
* Technology Transfer
* Thermal Energy
* Thermal Power Plant
* Transformer
* Uranium Enrichment
* Wind Energy
[close]

More on tag:
EPET PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
[close]

Effective from July 1980 (Revised January 1983)

Government and private sector activities in the exploration and extraction of petroleum and natural gas. (Replaces RCHB file categories: FSE, PET)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Bid
* Drilling
* Exploitation
* Exploration
* LPG
* Natural Gas
* Natural Gas Pipeline
* Natural Gas Production
* Natural Gas Reserve
* Offshore Drilling
* Offshore Drilling Platform
* Offshore Oil
* Oil Field
* Petroleum
* Petroleum Concession
* Petroleum Pipeline
* Petroleum Production
* Petroleum Reserve
* Petroleum Shortage
* Refinery
[close]

More on tag:
ETRD FOREIGN TRADE
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Exchange of goods between nations. (Replaces RCHB file category: FT)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Alcoholic Beverage
* Aluminum
* Animal Hides
* Antidumping
* Antitrust
* Apparel Trade
* Arms
* Arms Traffic
* Barter
* BOP
* Boycott
* Buffer Stock
* Chemical
* Clothing
* Cocoa
* Coffee
* Commercial Aircraft
* Commodity
* Commodity Market
* Communications Equipment
* Computer
* Construction Equipment
* Cooperatives
* Corruption
* Cotton
* Countertrade
* Countervailing Duty
* Cross Border Trade
* Customs Agreement
* Customs Clearance
* Customs Court
* Customs Fine
* Customs Inspection
* Customs Official
* Customs Regulation
* Customs Seizure
* Dairy Products
* Debt
* Development Program
* Dispute Settlement
* Diversion
* Duty Free Entry
* East West Trade
* Economic Cooperation
* EEC 1992
* EEP
* Electronic Equipment
* Exhibit
* Export
* Fair Trade
* Farm Equipment
* FCN
* Fertilizer
* Fish
* Food
* Food Contamination
* Food Inspection
* Footwear
* Foreign Market
* Free Trade Zone
* Garment Exports
* Garment Imports
* Government Procurement
* GSP
* Harmonized System
* Helicopter
* Import
* Industrialized Nation
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Intervention
* Laboratory Equipment
* LDC
* Leather
* License
* Linen
* Litigation
* Lumber
* Machine Tool
* Manmade Fiber
* Market Access
* Meat
* Meat Inspection
* Medical Equipment
* Merger
* Metal
* MFN
* MIC
* Monopoly
* Multifiber Arrangement
* NAFTA
* Natural Fiber
* Newly Industrialized Countries
* Nonalcoholic Beverage
* Nontariff Barriers
* North South Dialogue
* Oils
* Oilseeds
* Perishable Commodities
* Petroleum Products
* Pharmaceuticals
* Plastics
* Poultry
* Private Sector
* Product Standards
* Public Sector
* Quota
* Railroad Equipment
* Ramie
* Reexport
* Rice
* Rubber
* Sanction
* Shellfish
* Silk
* Smuggling
* Soybean
* Steel
* Stockpile
* Subsidy
* Sugar
* Synthetic Fiber
* Synthetic Rubber
* Tariff
* Tariff Barriers
* Tariff Relief
* Television
* Textile Exports
* Textile Imports
* Textiles
* Tin
* Tobacco
* Trade Agreement
* Trade Balance
* Trade Complaint
* Trade Control
* Trade Concession
* Trade Discrimination
* Trade Dumping
* Trade Fair
* Trade Law
* Trade Liberalization
* Trade Opportunity
* Trade Promotion
* Trade Protectionism
* Trade Relations
* Trade Visit
* Tuna
* VAT
* Vegetable
* Vegetable Fiber
* Vegetable Oil
* Wheat
* Wine
* Wood Products
* Wool
* Yarns
[close]

More on tag:
ETTC TRADE AND TECHNOLOGY CONTROLS
[close]

Effective from April 1984

Government efforts to control the transfer of goods (i.e., equipment),services, or technologies. This includes foreign policy trade controls, strategic (National Security) trade controls, munitions controls, general West to East technology transfer issues, and efforts to circumvent U.S. or COCOM controls. (Replaces RCHB file categories: FT, STR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Arms Traffic
* Blocked Assets
* Boycott
* COCOM Case
* COCOM List Review
* Computer
* Data Bases
* Data Processing Equipment
* Digital Switching
* Diversion
* EAA
* East West Trade
* Economic Warfare
* Electronic Equipment
* Embargo
* End Use Check
* End User
* Enforcement
* Espionage
* Exception List
* EXCON
* Export
* Export Control
* GSOIA
* GSOMIA
* High Technology Equipment
* IEEPA
* Illegal Trade
* Import Control
* ITAR
* Laboratory Equipment
* License
* Manufacturing Agreement
* Military Applications
* Military Critical Technologies
* Military Equipment
* Military Services
* Munitions Control
* NDPC
* Nonmarket Economy
* Origin Certificate
* Reexport
* Research & Development
* Sanction
* Security Survey
* Semiconductors
* SNEC
* Software
* Stockpile
* Strategic Material
* Strategic Trade Control
* Superconductor
* TCDC
* Technical Assistance Agreement
* Technology Acquisition Efforts
* Technology Gap
* Technology Transfer
* Transaction Check
* Turnkey Plant
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More on tag:
EWWT WATERBORNE TRANSPORTATION
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Movement of commercial and private vessels over high seas and inland waterways. (Replaces RCHB file categories: OS, TR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Antiterrorism
* Measures Canal
* Cargo Handling
* Coast Guard
* Containerization
* Dock Workers
* Fee
* Hazardous Cargo
* Insurance
* Load Line
* Maintenance
* Marine Cargo
* Marine Safety
* Marine Transportation
* Maritime Agreement
* Maritime Flag
* Maritime Law
* Merchant Ship
* Minesweeping
* Navigational Aid
* Passenger Ship
* Patrol Boat
* Piracy
* Port
* Port Access
* Port Congestion
* Private Ship
* Refueling
* Registration
* Rescue
* River
* Route
* Salvage
* Schedule Ship Accident
* Ship Clearance
* Ship Detention
* Ship Harassment
* Ship Movement
* Ship Registry
* Shipyard
* SOLAS
* Strait
* Tonnage Measurement
* Transportation Development
* Transportation Industry
[close]

More on tag:
KACT: Strategic Arms Control (ACS) Treaties
[close]

Effective from August 2000 (Revised August 2004)

Use for all documents relating to specific, interrelated strategic (nuclear) arms control treaties and their implementation:

* ABM (i.e., anti-ballistic missile) treaty and its implementation body the SCC (Standing Consultative Commission);
* INF (i.e., Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces) Treaty and its implementation body, the SVC (Special Verification Commission);
* START (i.e., Strategic Reductions Treaty) and its implementation body, the JCIC (Joint Compliance and Inspection Commission); and the Strategic Offensive Reductions Treaty (SORT) or the Moscow Treaty and its implementing body, the BIC (Bilateral Implementation Commission).

Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: NP/EX)
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More on tag:
KAWC: Atrocities and War Crimes
[close]

Effective from July 2001

Use for all documents relating to atrocities, massacres, and war crimes, including allegations, reports, investigations, and prosecutions of genocide, crimes against humanity, grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions, and violations of the laws or customs for war. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau, Info: S/WCI)
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More on tag:
KCFE: Conventional Armed Forces in Europe
[close]

Effective from August 1989

Use on all documents between U.S. Vienna and the Department pertaining to CFE negotiations; documents pertaining to conventional forces in Europe including both Eastern and Western forces, their structure, posture, changes, etc.; documents pertaining to allied and Warsaw Pact conventional arms control positions, plans and related internal political situations, documents referring to the High Level Task Force (HLTF) or its subgroups; and all documents discussing congressional delegation visits to Europe that will address conventional arms control issues. (Action: EUR/RPM)
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More on tag:
KCIP: Critical Infrastructure Protection
[close]

Effective from August 2001

Use for all documents reporting on critical infrastructure protection (CIP) issues, which are defined as vulnerabilities and threats, both physical and cyber, to systems and assets (particularly interconnected information systems and networks) so vital to a nation that their incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, national economic security, and/or national public health and safety. Use for reporting of CIP issues both as they affect host country and as they impact the United States. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)

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More on tag:
KCOM: Chief of Mission
[close]

Effective from March 2004

Use for all documents addressed for action to the chief of a U.S. mission in a foreign location (e.g., ambassadors, chargés d’affaires, consuls general, or principal officers). Use KCOM in conjunction with generic PASS instructions to chiefs of mission in Department telegrams. Also use the appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)
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More on tag:
KCOR: Corruption and Anti-Corruption
[close]

Effective from August 2001

Use for all documents relating to corruption and anti-corruption, dishonesty, and unethical behavior among public officials representing local, provincial, and national governments. This would include linkages with justice, economic, social and political entities. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)

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More on tag:
KCRM: Criminal Activity
[close]

Effective from April 1994 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents relating to criminal organizations and activities, the threat they pose to U.S. interests and/or friendly governments, and host country and U.S. Government programs to combat them. This includes international criminal organizations; money laundering and other financial crimes; illicit trafficking including alien smuggling and gun running; international stolen property theft and fencing rings; international frauds and commercial crimes; UN crime meetings and anti-crime programs; and interaction with international and regional organizations on these issues. U.S. assistance covers training of host country judicial and law enforcement agencies. Use this K TAGS with the Subject TAGS SOCI. Distinguish the use of this TAGS from AID-funded administration of justice programs in Latin America (KJUS),anti-narcotics issues and programs (SNAR),and anti-terrorism issues and programs (PTER). (Action: INL/ENT)
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More on tag:
KDEM: Democratization
[close]

Effective from May 1991

Use on all documents dealing with democratization in Eastern Europe, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Encouraging democratization constitutes an essential component of U.S. policy. The U.S. Government is devoting significant resources to monitor and promote regional trends away from autocratic rule and toward political pluralism. Programs designed to encourage democratization are diverse, and often are cross-discipline in nature, requiring the involvement of several U.S. Government agencies. Also use the appropriate Subject and Geo-Political TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)
[close]

More on tag:
KDRG: Detainee Repatriation from Guantanamo Bay
[close]

Effective from December 2007

Use for all documents addressing issues connected to the repatriation and transfer of detainees in U.S. Government custody at the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to their countries of origin or to third countries. Also use appropriate Subject and Country TAGS. (Action: S/WCI)
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More on tag:
KFRD: Fraud Prevention Programs
[close]

Effective from August 1986

Use on all reporting that refers to efforts and activities pertaining to the prevention of fraud and deceptive practices in the issuance of visas, passports, the issuance of Federal benefits to U.S. citizens and others, and to active measures developed by the Department to oversee their legality and for reporting upon the results of antifraud and prevention measures in consular matters. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: CA/FPP)
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More on tag:
KGHG: Global Climate Change
[close]

Effective from May 2007

Use for all documents addressing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and global climate change (also referred to as global warming). This includes, but is not limited to, the economic, energy, environmental, geographic, health, scientific, social, and political linkages of global climate change. Also use appropriate Subject and Country TAGS. (Action: OES/EGC)
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More on tag:
KGIC: Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism
[close]

Effective from September 2006

Use for all documents relating to the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. The Global Initiative works toward the prevention, detection, and response to acts of nuclear terrorism. Also use appropriate Subject Tags. (Action: ISM/WMDT)
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More on tag:
KHIV: Emerging Infectious Diseases and HIV/AIDS Program
[close]

Effective from June 2000

Use for all documents relating to actual and prospective activities by the U.S. Government, alone or in conjunction with or through other entities, to combat HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases. Also use Appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: S/GAC)
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More on tag:
KHLS: Homeland Security
[close]

Effective from August 2006

Use for all documents relating to all aspects of homeland security issues, including acts of terrorism directed at the U.S. homeland, its citizens, or interests; planning and support for such acts of terrorism; capabilities of terrorist groups; activities of institutions, groups, or individuals that support such terrorism; acts of terrorism that transcend national boundaries due to the support network or nationality of the perpetrator, victim, or facility or conventional, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) terrorism; terrorist travel; actions of the host government, institutions, or individuals related to support for or opposition to U.S. Government homeland security or counter-terrorism initiatives; actions of the host government or multilateral organizations related to the establishment of host country or regional security, bureaucratic, physical, or cyber infrastructure; homeland security implications and effects of border protection, immigration, and customs policies; transportation (e.g., seaports, civil air) security; host government travel document control and standards; emergency, preparedness, and response; biodefense, science and technology development related to the above areas; reactions of host government, media, etc., to homeland security-related programs and activities in the United States, or of the U.S. Government. Also use appropriate Subject and Country TAGS. (Action: S/CT, CA, OES, A/OEM)

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More on tag:
KIPR: Intellectual Property Rights
[close]

Effective from December 1988 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents relating to intellectual property rights which include patents, trademarks, copyrights, semiconductor designs (mask works),industrial designs, trade secrets, appellations of origin and other forms of protection to reward and encourage innovation and creativity. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: EEB/TPP/MTA/IPC)
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More on tag:
KIRF: International Religious Freedom
[close]

Effective from January 1999

Use on all documents relating to all issues of religious freedom and persecution, including civil unrest where religion is a precipitating factor; changes to or enforcement of laws affecting freedom of religion; religious aspects of movements, parties or persons seeking governmental change; governmental repression of religious minorities, movements or leaders; religion playing a role in reconciling conflicts; and changes in religious demographics that may produce societal changes. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: DRL/IRF)
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More on tag:
KISL: Islamic Issues
[close]

Effective from November 1988 (Revised April 2000)

Use on documents treating government involvement in recognition of or approaches to Islam; political and economic activities undertaken by private Islamic organizations or prominent individuals; and fundamentalism. Also use appropriate Subject and Country TAGS.

(Action: NEA/PPR, AF/RA, EAP/RA)
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More on tag:
KJUS: Administration of Justice
[close]

Effective from May 1986 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents dealing with the administration of justice in host countries, particularly as it relates to U.S. objectives of promoting democracy and just economic and social development. This includes judicial reforms, political reporting on personalities and institutions involved in the administration of justice, judicial infrastructure development, criminal investigation capabilities, penal systems, legal training, and assistance and exchange programs in this field. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: WHA/PPC)
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More on tag:
KMCA: Millennium Challenge Account
[close]

Effective from August 2004

Use for documents relating to all aspects of the Millennium Challenge Account, a U.S. new foreign assistance account, or the Millennium Challenge Corporation, the independent government corporation recently established to manage and oversee this assistance. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: MCC/IT)
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More on tag:
KMDR: Media Reaction Reporting
[close]

Effective From October 1999

Use on all documents dealing with setting post ―Watching Briefs and on all post reporting concerning editorial content and media reaction. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: INR/R)
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More on tag:
KNNP: Nuclear Non-Proliferation
[close]

Effective from April 1984

Use on all documents on U.S. policy for preventing the spread of nuclear weapons to other countries, the transfer of nuclear material, equipment of technology, agreements for cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, matters concerning multilateral discussions on the uses of nuclear energy including the activities of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and activities in other countries related to the acquisition of nuclear explosives. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)
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More on tag:
KOLY: Olympic Games Reporting
[close]

Effective from February 1984

Use on all documents relating to issues, reports, or activities concerned with Olympic games. Also use appropriate Subject, Country, and Organization TAGS. Note: KOLY will be used in the above prescribed manner for all subsequent winter and summer Olympic games. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)
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More on tag:
KPAL: Palestinian Affairs
[close]

Effective from August 1983 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents relating to issues, reports, or activities concerned with the Palestinian people, as a group or in part, or the area known as Palestine. Also use appropriate Subject, Country, and Organization TAGS. (Action: NEA/PA)
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More on tag:
KPAO: Public Affairs Office
[close]

Effective from May 2000

Use on all documents intended for Public Affairs sections abroad, and should be used by field Public Affairs sections abroad on all documents coming into the Department which relate to Public Diplomacy Programs. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: ECA/EX/PR)
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More on tag:
KPIN: Political Internationals
[close]

Effective from November 1984

Use on all documents relating to the activities and policies of the four major Political Internationals: Socialist International, Christian Democratic International, Liberal International, and the International Democratic Union. This includes reporting on the attitudes of member parties towards the Internationals, the interaction between member parties of the Internationals, and the activities of the Internationals themselves. In addition, this TAGS should be used on all documents relating to the policies of the German (FRG) political foundations: Friederich Ebert, Konrad Adenauer, Hanns Seidel, and Friederich Naumann. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: P)
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More on tag:
KPKO: United Nations Peacekeeping Operations
[close]

Effective from August 1996

Use on all documents relating to existing or potential United Nations peacekeeping activities, including proposals for and negotiations with other countries on peacekeeping activities, military support, sanctions monitoring, elections and humanitarian activities, as well as interaction with international and regional organizations on peacekeeping. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: IO)
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More on tag:
KPWR: Power Support Program
[close]

Effective from March 1993

Use on all documents dealing with the Department’s electrical power support requirements. The program provides consolidated funding for generators, central uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, and PCB transformer abatement projects. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: OBO/PE/DE)
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More on tag:
KRAD: Radioactive Contamination of the Environment
[close]

Effective from May 1997 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents dealing with radioactive contamination of the environment from whatever source—military or civilian use, transportation, storage, or disposal of nuclear material Appropriate Subject Terms to use with this TAGS would include nuclear contamination, radiation, radioactive material and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emergency notification. In connection with accidental or deliberate contamination, appropriate Terms to use with this TAGS include radioactive material transfer, radioactive waste disposal, radioactive waste management, industrial/medical radiography, medical isotope, and transfer of fissile material. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: OES/OA)

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More on tag:
KSCA: Science Counselors and Attachés
[close]

Effective from February 1983

Use on all documents drafted by or sent to Science Counselors and Science Attachés. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: OES). Note: KSCA replaces the Organization SCSA.
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More on tag:
KSPR: Strategic, Performance and Resource Planning
[close]

Effective from October 1997

Use on all documents dealing with the strategic planning process for all foreign affairs agencies or agencies with operations and programs abroad as well as the Department’s own strategic planning activities. This includes all resource allocation processes when associated with the Mission Performance Plan (MPP),namely: budget formulation, the Financial Plan (FINPLAN),and the field budget plan. Technical and operational messages that are purely budget-focused should only use ABUD. Use KSPR on messages regarding personnel planning in connection with the annual MPP exercises, and subjects relating to the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA) of 1993. Operational personnel requests (e.g., new positions, classification actions, conversions of positions from FSN to PIT, etc.) should still only use APER. Suggested terms to use with KSPR are program planning, Mission Performance Plan (MPP),Resource Allocations and Budget Integration Tool (RABIT) and Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA). Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: M/P)
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More on tag:
KSUM: Summit Meetings
[close]

Effective from January 1983 (Revised November 1987)

Use on all documents concerning Summit Meetings. This includes substantive and administrative arrangements for meetings, records of meetings and reports on actions by participants as a result of meetings, including preparatory meetings. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: Appropriate Bureau)
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More on tag:
KTFN: Terrorism Finance Traffic
[close]

Effective from July 2004

Use for documents relating to all aspects of terrorism financing; sanctions; designations of individuals under Executive Orders (E.O.) dealing with terrorism finance such as E.O. 13224; related UN resolutions; denial of funds to terrorists; and other related aspects of terrorism financing. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: EEB/ESC)
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More on tag:
KTIA: Treaties and International Agreements
[close]

Effective from June 1984

Use on all documents concerning treaties, including conventions, protocols, or other International Agreements, such as exchange of notes, exchange of letters and memoranda of understanding, as well as requirements of the Case Act (11 FAM 724; 1 U.S.C. 112B). Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: L/T)
[close]

More on tag:
KTIP: Trafficking in Persons
[close]

Effective from September 2008

Use for all cables related to the topics of trafficking in persons, human trafficking, slavery, involuntary servitude, forced labor, labor migration, illegal migration, commercial sexual exploitation, prostitution, sex tourism, forced marriage, child labor, debt bondage, peonage, and child soldiering. Also use appropriate Subject and Country TAGS. (Action: G/TIP)
[close]

More on tag:
KUNR: UN Reform
[close]

Effective from November 1995

Use on all documents dealing with all efforts to reform and restructure the United Nations. Some of the reforms are: the UN budget and/or ceiling, security council expansion, managerial improvements, and strengthening the role of the UN. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: IO)
[close]

More on tag:
KWBG: West Bank and Gaza
[close]

Effective from December 1993 (Revised April 2000)

Use on all documents dealing with the implementation of the Israeli-PLO Declaration of Principles, including Palestinian interim self-rule, economic development and development assistance to the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza. Also, use for Israeli-PLO negotiations on implementing the agreement and political developments in the West Bank and Gaza including elections for a Palestinian Council. Also use the appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: NEA/IPA)
[close]

More on tag:
KWMN: Women Issues
[close]

Effective from June 1995

Use on all documents relating to the Fourth World Conference on Women and any future World Conferences on Women. Also use this TAGS on issues concerning women’s human rights, women’s political participation, women-in-development, and any discussions of women in the United Nations or any other international organizations. Also use appropriate Subject TAGS. (Action: G/CS, IO, and DRL)
[close]

More on tag:
MARR MILITARY AND DEFENSE ARRANGEMENTS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Efforts to establish and maintain collective security or other international military cooperation. (Replaces RCHB file category: DEF)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Air Defense
* Air Forces
* Alliance
* Armed Forces
* Artillery
* CFE
* Collective Security
* DECA
* DMZ
* Emergency Evacuation
* Ground Forces
* Home Porting
* Host Government
* Intelligence Assessment
* Landing Rights
* Lease
* Military Advisor
* Military Agreement
* Military Base
* Military Cooperation
* Military Exercise
* Military Personnel
* Military Plan
* Military Visit
* Minesweeping
* Monitoring
* National Security
* Naval Forces
* Overflight Clearance
* Peace Plan
* Peacekeeping Forces
* Refueling
* Security Assessment
* Ship Clearance
* Ship Movement
* SOFA
* Tracking Station
* Troop Contribution
* Troop Deployment
* Troop Reduction
* Troop Withdrawal
* Truce Observer
* Weapons Deployment
[close]

More on tag:
MASS MILITARY ASSISTANCE AND SALES
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The Govemment to Govemment transfer, sale, or loan of military equipment, advisers, or services. (Replaces RCHB file categories DEF, FT)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Airlift
* Arms
* Artillery
* AWACS
* Bomber Aircraft
* CAT
* Congressional Presentation
* Credit
* Debt
* Debt Repayment
* Diversion
* Donor
* Economic Support Fund
* Fighter Aircraft
* FMS
* Guidance System
* Helicopter
* IMET
* Loan
* Maintenance
* MAP
* Military Adviser
* Military Agreement
* Military Aircraft
* Military Assistance
* Military Procurement
* Military Training
* Military Vehicle
* Missile
* Reexport
* Salvage
* Spare Parts
* Surplus Weapons Disposal
* Technical Assistance
* Technology Transfer
[close]

More on tag:
MCAP MILITARY CAPABILITIES
[close]

Effective from March 1973 to June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

The nonnuclear offensive and defensive ability of the military establishment of a nation or international organization. (Replaces RCHB file category: DEF)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Advanced Weaponry
* Air Defense
* Air Forces
* Armed Forces
* Arms
* Artillery
* AWACS
* Biological Warfare
* Biological Weapon
* Biological Weapon Control
* Bomber Aircraft
* Burden sharing
* Cargo Aircraft
* Chemical Warfare
* Chemical Weapon
* Chemical Weapon
* Control Civil Defense
* Coast Guard
* Conscription
* Contingency Plan
* Conventional Weapon
* Conventional Weapon
* Control Court Martial
* Defense Industry
* Demobilization
* Fighter Aircraft
* Ground Forces
* Guidance System
* Helicopter
* Infrastructure
* Intelligence Assessment
* Landing Rights
* Logistics
* Military Aircraft
* Military Balance
* Military Budget
* Military Buildup
* Military Capability
* Military Communication
* Military Equipment
* Military Exercise
* Military Leader
* Military Personnel
* Military Plan
* Military Reserve
* Missile
* Mobilization
* National Guard
* Naval Forces
* Naval Ship
* Ordnance
* Radar
* RDF
* Security Assessment
* Strategic Plan
* Submarine
* Troop Deployment
* Troop Level
* Troop Reduction
* Troop Withdrawal
* Warhead
* Warning System
* Weapons Deployment
[close]

More on tag:
MNUC MILITARY NUCLEAR APPLICATIONS
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

The development and use of nuclear technology for military purposes. (Replaces RCHB file categories: AE, DEF)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Advanced Weaponry
* Antinuclear
* Arms
* Artillery
* Counterforce
* Decontamination
* Delivery Vehicle
* Fissionable Material
* Guidance System
* INF
* LRTNF
* Military Capability
* Missile
* Missile Site
* Monitoring
* Nuclear Contamination
* Nuclear Powered Ship
* Nuclear Safeguard
* Nuclear Test
* Nuclear Weapon
* Nuclear Weapon Control
* Nuclear Winter
* Plutonium
* Radiation
* Radioactive Material
* Radioactive Material Transfer
* Radioactive Waste Disposal
* Radioactive Waste Management
* Spent Fuel
* Strategic Plan
* Troop Deployment
* Troop Withdrawal
* Warhead
[close]

More on tag:
MOPS MILITARY OPERATIONS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Declared or undeclared war involving two or more nations. (Replaces RCHB file categories: DEF, POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Advanced Weaponry
* Aggression
* Air Alert
* Air Forces
* Amnesty
* Armed Forces
* Artillery
* Assault
* Atrocity
* Biological Warfare
* Biological Weapon
* Biological Weapon Control
* Blockade
* Bombing
* Casualty
* Ceasefire
* Chemical Warfare
* Chemical Weapon
* Chemical Weapon Control
* Combat
* Concentration Camp
* CONTRA
* Conventional Weapon
* Conventional Weapon Control
* DMZ
* Emergency Evacuation
* Escalation
* Explosives
* Ground Forces
* Guerrilla
* Intelligence Assessment
* Intervention
* Invasion
* KIA
* Landing Rights
* Martial Law
* Massacre
* MIA
* Military Balance
* Military Buildup
* Military Plan
* Minesweeping
* Naval Forces
* No Fly Zone
* Nuclear Weapon
* Nuclear Weapon Control
* Occupied Area
* Peace Plan
* POW
* Repatriation
* Reprisal
* Rescue
* Sabotage
* Ship Movement
* Surrender
* Threat
* Troop Deployment
* Troop Level
* Troop Reduction
* Troop Withdrawal
* War
[close]

More on tag:
ODIP U.S. DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATION
[close]

Effective from January 1983

Official representational and ceremonial activities of U.S. diplomats and U.S. Government officials; includes all aspects of privileges and immunities. Use for ceremonial activities hosted by U.S. officials. (Replaces RCHB file categories: PER, POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accreditation
* Agrement
* Ambassador
* Ambassador Designate
* Anniversary
* Assault
* Attache
* Ceremonial Representation
* Credentials Presentation
* Diplomat
* Diplomatic Consular List
* Diplomatic Privileges
* Drivers License
* Funeral
* Gift
* Guest List
* Honorary Consul
* Invitation
* Personnel Conduct
* Real Property
* Social Reception
* Tax Exemption
[close]

More on tag:
OEXC EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL
[close]

EXCHANGE OPERATIONS

Effective from March 1973 (Revised April 2000)

The administration and operation of educational and cultural exchange programs. (Replaces RCHB file category: EDX)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* American Studies
* Artist
* Athlete
* Business for Russia Program
* Citizen Exchanges
* College and University Affiliation Program
* Community
* Connections
* Creative Arts Exchanges
* Cultural Exchange
* Cultural Heritage
* Cultural Property
* Cultural Specialists (Aculspecs)
* Educational Exchange
* EFL Fellows
* ETF Fellows
* Exchange Program
* Designation Festival Fund
* Film Programs
* FLEX Program
* Foreign Leader Program
* Fulbright Alumni Association
* Fulbright American Studies Institutes
* Fulbright Commissions
* Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program (JSD)
* Fulbright Scholar in Residence Program
* Fulbright Scholar Program
* Fulbright Student Program
* Fulbright Teachers Exchange Grant
* Humphrey Program
* International Visitor Program
* J Visa Program
* J William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
* Jazz Ambassadors
* Nomination
* Performing Arts Calendar
* Ron Brown Fellowship Program
* Scientist
* Student
* Student Advising
* Study of the US
* Teacher
* The Film Service
* U.S. Artists Abroad
* Voluntary Visitor Program
* Youth Exchanges
[close]

More on tag:
OFDP FOREIGN DIPLOMATS AND FOREIGN MISSIONS
[close]

Effective from January 1983

Administrative, representational, and ceremonial matters related to non-U.S. diplomatic personnel and foreign missions; includes all aspects of privileges and immunities. Use for ceremonial activities hosted by non-U.S. diplomats. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accreditation
* Ambassador
* Ambassador Designate
* Assault
* Attache
* Building Design
* Ceremonial Representation
* Consul
* Consulate
* Credentials Presentation
* Diplomat
* Diplomatic Consular List
* Diplomatic Privileges
* Drivers License
* Embassy
* Envoy
* Funeral
* Gift
* Guest List
* Honorary Consul
* Invitation
* NOB
* Office Closure
* Office Establishment
* Personnel Appointment
* Personnel Conduct
* Personnel Resignation
* Personnel Separation
* Post Closing
* Post Opening
* Real Property
* Recall
* Social Reception
* Staffing
* Tax Exemption
* Third Country Counterparts
[close]

More on tag:
OIIP INTERNATIONAL INFORMATION PROGRAMS
[close]

Effective from October 1999

Administrative and operational aspects of international information programs, products, and services that increase international support for U.S. policies and understanding of U.S. society.

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Advance Documents Service
* Article Alert
* Book Donations
* Book Fairs
* Book Reprints
* Book Translations
* Books and Documents List
* Computer
* Cooperative Agreements
* Copyright
* Design Services
* DVC
* Electronic Journal
* Grant
* Graphic Design
* I-Bucks
* IRC
* IRO
* Listserv
* Paper Shows
* PDQ
* Photo Coverage
* Photo Rights
* Photo Requests
* Public Diplomacy
* Publication
* Reference Requests
* Speaker
* Technology Partnerships
* Teleconference
* Translation Requests
* Washington File
* Websites
[close]

More on tag:
OPDC DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE
[close]

Effective from January 1983

Correspondence and ceremonial messages between prominent leaders and principal officers. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Acknowledgment
* Anniversary
* Appreciation Message
* Commemorative Message
* Condolence Message
* Congratulatory Message
* Invitation
[close]

More on tag:
OPRC PUBLIC RELATIONS AND CORRESPONDENCE
[close]

Effective from January 1983

Correspondence to and from the public commenting on U.S. policy and foreign incidents, requesting information and speaking engagements, and any other public relations activities. This TAGS includes routine constituent's correspondence such as employment opportunities, requests for photographs, autographs, etc. Also includes press summaries and press conferences, public opinion polls, and the administrative arrangements for press conferences. (Replaces RCHB file category: PR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accreditation
* Authentication
* Autograph
* Constituents Mail
* Employment
* Interview
* Invitation
* Journalist
* Photo Request
* Photograph
* Poll
* Press Relations
* Public Diplomacy
* Public Information Publication
* Speaker
* Translation
[close]

More on tag:
OREP U.S. CONGRESSIONAL TRAVEL
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Administrative and operational aspects of travel by Congressmen, congressional staffers, and delegations. (Replaces RCHB file category: LEG)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accommodation
* Arrival Notice
* Arrival Speech
* CODEL
* Departure Notice
* Departure Speech
* Itinerary
* Passenger Manifest
* Protective Security
* Staffdel
* Support Services
* Travel Advisory
[close]

More on tag:
OSCI SCIENCE GRANTS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The administration of grants and disbursal of funds of U.S. Government sponsored research programs. (Replaces RCHB file category: SCI)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Foreign Currency
* Grant
* Science Grant
* Scientific Exchange
* Scientist
[close]

More on tag:
OTRA TRAVEL
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Routine and operational aspects of travel and visits by other than prominent individuals and Congressmen. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL, TP, TRV)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accommodation
* Arrival Notice
* Arrival Speech
* Businessmen
* Departure Notice
* Departure Speech
* Dependent
* Itinerary
* Journalist
* Official Travel
* Scientific Visit
* Support Services
* Trade Visit
* Travel Advisory
* Travel Locator Messages
* Travel Orders
* Travel Report
[close]

More on tag:
OVIP VISITS AND TRAVEL OF PROMINENT INDIVIDUALS AND LEADERS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The administrative and operational aspects of visits or travel of U.S. and foreign leaders and prominent individuals. Use for assistant secretary level and above or foreign equivalent. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Accommodation
* Arrival Notice
* Arrival Speech
* Departure Notice
* Departure Speech
* Envoy
* Hotel
* Itinerary
* Passenger Manifest
* Protection Technical Services
* Protective Security
* Secretarys Detail
* Support Services
* Trade Visit
* Travel Advisory
[close]

More on tag:
PARM ARMS CONTROLS AND DISARMAMENT
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Efforts by governments to control the acquisition, development, and production of nuclear, biological, chemical, and other advanced weaponry. Also includes the control of efforts by countries to develop nuclear capabilities. (Replaces RCHB file categories: DEF, FT, POL, STR)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* ABM Treaty
* Advance Notification
* Advanced Weaponry
* Aerial Inspection
* Antinuclear
* Arms
* Arms Buildup
* Arms Control
* Arms Control Agreement
* Arms Control Impact Statement
* Arms Talks
* Arms Traffic
* Associated Measures
* Biological Warfare Convention
* Biological Weapon
* Biological Weapon Control
* CDE
* Chemical Weapon
* Chemical Weapon Control
* CNEA
* Compliance
* Confidence Building Measures
* Constraints
* Consultation
* Conventional Weapon
* Conventional Weapon Control
* Conventional Weapon Freeze
* Cooperative Measures
* Counterforce
* Counting Rule
* CST
* CTB
* Deterrence
* Disarmament
* Diversion
* East West Relations
* Electronic Weapons Systems
* Emerging Technologies
* ENMOD
* Entry Exit Points
* Fissionable Material
* Hazardous Waste Disposal
* Hotline
* Implementation
* INF
* IOZP
* Laser Fusion
* Launchers
* Limited Test Ban Treaty
* LRTNF
* Military Budget Reduction
* Military Expenditures
* Missile
* Monitoring
* Moratorium
* Napalm
* National Guidelines Area
* No First Use
* Nonproliferation
* Nonuse of Force
* NPT
* NRR
* NTEM
* NTM
* Nuclear Agreements
* Nuclear Capability
* Nuclear Enrichment Process
* Nuclear Equipment
* Nuclear Free Zone
* Nuclear Material
* Nuclear Proliferation
* Nuclear Reactor
* Nuclear Technical Assistance
* Nuclear Technology
* Nuclear Weapon
* Nuclear Weapon Control
* Nuclear Weapon Free Zone
* Nuclear Weapon Freeze
* Particle Beam
* Peace Movement
* Plutonium
* Political Concession
* Radioactive Material
* Radioactive Material Transfer
* Radioactive Waste Disposal
* SCC
* SDI
* Simulations
* SNEC
* Spent Fuel
* START
* Stockpile
* Strategic Policy
* Technology Transfer
* Telemetry
* Tlatelolco Treaty
* Troop Level
* TTBT
* Unconventional Weapon
* Verification
* Warhead
* Weapon Destruction
* Weapon Systems Deactivation
* Weapons Deployment
[close]

More on tag:
PBTS NATIONAL BOUNDARIES, TERRITORIES, AND SOVEREIGNTY
[close]

Effective from January 1983

A territory over which dominion is exercised. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Air Alert
* Airspace
* Annexation
* Arbitration
* Archipelago
* Border Control
* Border Crossing
* Border Dispute
* Border Incident
* Boundary
* Boundary Claim
* Boundary Determination
* Canal
* Cession
* Coast Guard
* Continental Shelf
* Court Decision
* Dependency
* Dispute Settlement
* Island
* Island Claim
* Land Settlement
* Landlocked Country
* Maritime Boundary
* Mediation
* Occupied Area
* Overflight
* Piracy
* Port
* Port Access
* Province
* River
* Seabed
* Ship Detention
* Sovereignty
* Strait
* Survey
* Territorial Claim
* Territorial Reversion
* Territorial Sea Limit
* Territorial Unification
* Territorial Waters
* Trust Territory
* Water Boundary Agreement
* Water Boundary Claim
* West Bank
[close]

More on tag:
PGOV INTERNAL GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised June 1983)

The form, structure, and organization of local, provincial, and national governments. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Absentee Ballot
* Administration of Justice
* Alliance
* Antigovernment
* Arbitration
* Berlin Access
* Berlin Wall
* Cabinet
* Cabinet Meeting
* Campaign
* Candidacy Support
* Candidate
* Charter
* Church State Relations
* Coalition Government
* Colonialism
* Communism
* Confederation
* Constitution
* Constitutional Law
* Corruption
* Court
* Court Decision
* Death
* Democracy
* Dictatorship
* Election
* Election Forecast
* Election Irregularities
* Election Law
* Election Observer
* Election Reform
* Election Results
* Extremist
* Federation
* First Lady
* Glasnost
* Government Agency
* Government Budget
* Government Media Relations
* Government Official
* Government Reform
* Governor
* Impeachment
* Inauguration
* Influence
* Infrastructure
* Interim Government
* Judicial Reform
* Judiciary
* Junta
* King
* Legislation
* Legislator
* Legislature
* Martial Law
* Mayor
* Minister
* Minority
* Municipal
* Nationalism
* Opposition
* Opposition Party
* Party Faction
* Party Leader
* Party Line
* Party Meeting
* Party Stability
* Party Strength
* Party Unity
* Patronage
* Perestroyka
* Political Adviser
* Political Concession
* Political Cooperation
* Political Crisis
* Political Leader
* Political Military Relations
* Political Party
* Political Trend
* Poll
* President
* Prime Minister
* Progovernment
* Province
* Queen
* Reconciliation
* Referendum
* Reorganization
* Resignation from Office
* Reunification
* Royal Family
* Ruling Party
* Self Government
* Socialism
* Special Interest Group
* State of the Union Message
* Succession
* Tenure of Office
* Totalitarian
* Trial
* Trust
* Territory
* Veto
* Vice President
* Voting
* Voting Rights
[close]

More on tag:
PHSA HIGH SEAS AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from January 1983

Activities on the high seas, outside a country's national jurisdiction. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Continental Shelf
* Dispute Settlement
* Exclusive
* Economic Zone
* Fishing Limit
* Fishing Rights
* Freedom of Navigation
* Hazardous Cargo
* Innocent Passage
* International Waters
* LOS
* Marine Mammal
* Marine Safety
* Marine Transportation
* Maritime Agreement
* Merchant Ship
* Minesweeping
* Natural Resources
* Ocean Dumping
* Piracy
* Seabed
* Seabed Mining
* Ship Accident
* Ship Detention
* Ship Movement
* Strait
* Territorial Sea Limit
* Territorial Waters
* Transit Passage
[close]

More on tag:
PHUM HUMAN RIGHTS
[close]

Effective from January 1985

The violation of rights attributable to human beings. (Replaces RCHB file categories: POL, SOC)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Abuse
* Amnesty
* Antisemitic
* Apartheid
* Asylum
* Asylum Request
* Capital Punishment
* Childrens Rights
* Civil Rights
* Concentration Camp
* Court Decision
* Death Squad
* Deportation
* Detainee
* Detection Equipment
* Detention Development Rights
* Discrimination
* Economic Rights
* Emigration
* Emigration Control
* Ethnic Group
* EVD
* Execution
* Exile
* Family
* Forced Labor
* Harassment
* Human Rights
* Humane
* Imprisonment
* Indigenous Peoples
* Individual Rights
* Internal Exile
* Internee
* Mass Migration
* Massacre
* Minority
* Minority Rights
* Missing Person
* Mistreatment
* Murder
* Persecution
* Police Equipment
* Political Disappearance
* Political Prisoner
* Political Repression
* Political Rights
* Poverty
* Prisoner
* Prisoner Release
* Prisoner Welfare
* Proselytize
* Psychiatric Abuse
* Religion
* Religious Group
* Returnees
* Rights of Peoples
* Security Forces
* Sponsorship
* Torture
* Walk In Procedures
* Women
* Womens Rights
[close]

More on tag:
PINR INTELLIGENCE
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The gathering and reporting of intelligence information, including biographic and background data. (Replaces RCHB file categories: INT, POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Aerial Reconnaissance
* Biographic Information
* Contacts
* Counterintelligence
* Covert Operations
* Disinformation
* Espionage
* Film
* Humint Collection Plan
* Information Security
* Intelligence Assessment
* Intelligence Collection
* Intelligence Services
* Maps
* Monitoring
* Olive Harvest
* PLPPR
* Remote Sensing
* Satellite
* Ship Movement
* Surveillance Aircraft
* Tracking Station
[close]

More on tag:
PINS NATIONAL SECURITY
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

A regime's stability, control, or efforts to maintain itself in power, as well as activities and efforts to disrupt or overthrow the established regime by other than normal political activity. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Amnesty
* Armed Forces
* Arms
* Assassination
* Assault
* Atrocity
* Censorship
* Church State Relations
* Civil War
* Clandestine Broadcast
* Community Relations
* Concentration Camp
* Contingency Plan
* CONTRA
* Counterinsurgency
* Coup
* Court Decision
* Court Martial
* Death Squad
* Defector
* Demobilization
* Detention
* Dissident
* Emigration
* Emigration Control
* Escalation
* Ethnic Group
* Execution
* Exile
* Exiled Government
* Exit Permit
* Expulsion
* Extremist
* General Strike
* Guerrilla
* Harassment
* Hostility
* Hunger Strike
* Impeachment
* Infiltration
* Insurgency
* Intelligence Assessment
* Internal Control
* Intervention
* Land Reform
* Law Enforcement
* Liberation Front
* Martial Law
* Massacre
* Mercenary
* Minority
* Missing Person
* National Security
* Occupied Area
* Persona Non Grata
* Plot
* Police Force
* Police Investigation
* Political Assessment
* Political Crisis
* Political Military Relations
* Political Prisoner
* Political Settlement
* Political Stability
* Political Trend
* Prisoner Release
* Propaganda
* Property Protection
* Religious Group
* Repression
* Reprisal
* Riot
* Riot Control
* Sabotage
* Seizure
* Surrender
* Threat
* Travel Document
* Travel Restriction
* Treason
* Troop Deployment
* Troop Withdrawal
* Violence
[close]

More on tag:
PREF REFUGEES
[close]

Effective from January 1985 (Revised March 1995)

People who move across borders because of danger to life or fear of persecution. (Replaces RCHB file category: REF)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Admissions
* Allocation
* Asylum Policy
* Early Warning
* Emergency Response
* ESLCO
* Family Reunification
* Humanitarian Assistance
* Internally Displaced Persons
* Letter of Introduction
* ODP
* Prevention
* Refugee Camp
* Refugee Protection
* Refugee Relief
* Refugee Resettlement
* Refugee Settlement
* Refugee Status
* Repatriation
* Safe Country of Origin and Transit
* Safe Haven
* Sponsorship
* Temporary Protection
* VOLAG
* Volunteers
[close]

More on tag:
PREL EXTERNAL POLITICAL RELATIONS
[close]

Effective from January 1983

The political relations between countries, international or regional organizations both bilateral and multilateral, that assess intentions, objectives, plans, or possible courses of interaction. (Replaces RCHB file category: CSM, POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Alliance
* Ambassador
* Amity
* Antiamerican
* Anticommunism
* Antisoviet
* Bilateral Cooperation
* CBI
* Cold War
* Commitment
* Condemnation
* Consular Service
* Demarche
* Detente
* Deterrence
* Diplomatic Protest
* East West Relations
* Embassy Closing
* Embassy Opening
* Expulsion
* Extradition Treaty
* Foreign Commitment
* Foreign Relations
* Front Line States
* Government Reaction
* Hegemony
* Industrialized Nation
* Influence
* International Organization
* Intervention
* LDC
* Lobbying
* NAM
* National Security
* Neutrality
* No Fly Zone
* Nonaggression
* Nonaligned Nations
* Nonparticipation
* North South Dialogue
* Open Skies Treaty
* Opposition
* Participation
* Peace
* Peace Plan
* Persona Non Grata
* Political Concession
* Political Cooperation
* Political Initiative
* Political Settlement
* Political Trend
* Prisoner Exchange
* Prisoner Transfer
* Proamerican
* Procommunism
* Prosoviet
* Prowest
* Public Relations
* Reciprocity
* Recognition
* Reconciliation
* Regional Organization
* Relations Establishment
* Relations Interruption
* Reprisal
* Sanction
* Secession
* Signatory
* Sister City
* Third Country Representation
* Third World
* Threat
* War Claims
* West Bank
[close]

More on tag:
PROP PROPAGANDA AND PSYCHOLOGICAL OPERATIONS
[close]

Effective from June 1974 (Revised January 1983)

The spreading of ideology, information, or rumor for the purpose of supporting or defaming nations, institutions, causes, peoples, or persons. (Replaces RCHB file categories: CSM, CUL, INF, MP, POL, PPB, RAD, TV)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Active Measures
* Antiamerican
* Anticommunism
* Antinuclear
* Antisoviet
* Brain Drain
* Brainwashing
* Broadcasting
* Campaign
* Censorship
* Clandestine Broadcast
* Disinformation
* Frequency Interference
* Harassment
* Influence
* Jamming
* Lobbying
* Proamerican
* Procommunism
* Propaganda
* Prosoviet
* Prowest
* Public Disclosure
* Public Information
* Public Relations
* Publication
* Repression
* Slander
[close]

More on tag:
PTER TERRORISTS AND TERRORISM
[close]

Effective from March 1981 (Revised January 1983)

All aspects of terrorism which transcend national boundaries due to the nationality of the perpetrator, victim, place, or the incident. (Replaces RCHB file category: POL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Acts of Terrorists
* Antiterrorism Measures
* Antiterrorist Forces
* Assassination
* Assault
* Bomb Threat
* Bombing
* Casualty
* Hijacking
* Hostage
* Hostility
* Infiltration
* Kidnapping
* Kidnapping Threat
* Mission Takeover
* Piracy
* Plot
* Proterrorism
* Rescue
* Sabotage
* Small Arms
* Surrender
* Terrorism
* Terrorist Activities
* Threat
* Threat Assessment
* Violence
[close]

More on tag:
SCUL CULTURAL AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised April 2000)

Any part or totality of a nation's behavior patterns, arts, beliefs, institutions, or sociology. (Replaces RCHB file categories: CUL, EDU, MP, PPB, SOC)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* American Studies
* Anthropology
* Archaeology
* Artifact
* Artist
* Athlete
* Business for Russia Program
* Citizen Exchanges
* College and University Affiliation Program
* Commemorative Celebration
* Community Connections
* Creative Arts Exchanges
* Cultural Exchange
* Cultural Heritage
* Cultural Presentation
* Cultural Property
* Cultural Specialists (Aculspecs)
* Education
* Educational Exchange
* EFL Fellows
* ETF Fellows
* Ethnic Group
* Excavation
* Exchange Program Designation
* Exhibit
* Festival Fund
* Film Programs
* Fine Arts
* FLEX Program
* Fulbright Alumni Association
* Fulbright American Studies Institutes
* Fulbright Commissions
* Fulbright Junior Staff Development Program (JSD)
* Fulbright Scholar Program
* Fulbright Scholar in Residence Program
* Fulbright Student Program
* Fulbright Teachers Exchange
* History
* Holiday
* Humphrey Program
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* International Visitor Program
* J Visa Program
* J William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board
* Jazz Ambassadors
* Language
* Library
* Magazine
* Memorial
* Missionary
* Museum
* National Flag
* Newspaper
* Olympics
* Performing Arts Calendar
* Piracy
* Place of Worship
* Pope
* Publication
* Religion
* Religious Group
* Religious Leader
* Ron Brown Fellowship Program
* School
* Social Custom
* Social Reform
* Sports
* Student
* Student Advising
* Study of the US
* Teacher
* The Film Service
* University
* US Artists Abroad
* Voluntary Visitor Program
* Women
* Youth
* Youth Exchanges
[close]

More on tag:
SENV ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The preservation, deterioration, and conservation of natural and animal resources, the air, water, land, and space environments. (Replaces RCHB file categories: AGR, CUL, E, HLTH, INCO, OS, SOC)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Acid Rain
* Air Pollution
* Animal Conservation
* Animal Hides
* Atmosphere
* Biodiversity
* CITES
* Crop
* Destruction
* Dam
* Desertification
* Drought
* Earthquake
* Ecology
* Endangered Species
* Environment
* Erosion
* Exploitation
* Famine
* Fire
* Fish
* Flood
* Flora
* Forestry
* Fungicide
* Habitat
* Hazardous Waste Disposal
* Herbicide
* Industrial Waste Disposal
* Insect
* Land Conservation
* Marine
* Mammal
* Migratory Animals
* Monsoon
* National Park
* Natural Disaster
* Natural Resources
* Noise Pollution
* Nuclear Contamination
* Nuclear Winter
* Ocean Dumping
* Oil Spill
* Ozone
* Pest Control
* Pesticide
* Pollution Control
* Preservation
* Rainfall
* Seabed
* Sewage
* Sewage System
* Sludge
* Snowfall
* Soil
* Soil Pollution
* Species Protection
* Storm
* Tidal Wave
* Transboundary Pollution
* Tropical Forest
* Volcanic Eruption
* Waste
* Waste Disposal
* Water
* Water Analysis
* Water Conservation
* Water Pollution
* Water Supply System
* Weather
* Whales
* Wildlife
* Yellow Rain
* Zoo
[close]

More on tag:
SMIG MIGRATION
[close]

Effective from March 1995

The legal or illegal movement of people across borders, border control, and the treatment of aliens by receiving states. (Replaces RCHB file category: REF)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Alien Interdiction
* Border Control
* Cross Border Migration
* Economic Migration
* Emigration
* Environmental Migration
* Family Reunification
* Illegal Migration
* Immigration
* Labor Migration
* Migration
* Migration and Development Policy
* Nationality and Citizenship
* Readmission Agreements
* Remittances
[close]

More on tag:
SNAR NARCOTICS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 2008)

The illegal production, distribution, and use of narcotic drugs. (Replaces RCHB file categories: INCO, SOC)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Aircraft Registry
* Cocaine
* Crop Destruction
* Crop Substitution
* Crops
* Customs Agreement
* Customs Inspection
* Customs Regulation
* Customs Seizure
* Demand Reduction
* Detection
* Equipment
* Eradication
* Exhibit
* Foreigners
* Hashish
* Herbicide
* Heroin
* Illicit
* Immigration
* Interdiction
* Law Enforcement
* Legal
* Marijuana
* Money Laundering
* Morphine
* Narcotics
* Narcotics Abuse
* Narcotics Control
* Narcotics Detection
* Narcotics Seizure
* Narcotics Traffic
* Opium
* Patrol Boat
* Psychotropic Drugs
* Seizure
* Ship Registry
* Smuggling
[close]

More on tag:
SOCI SOCIAL CONDITIONS
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The conditions and factors that affect the social welfare of a community. (Replaces RCHB file category: HLTH, SOC)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Abortion
* Administration of Justice
* Adoption
* AIDS
* Birth Rate
* Black Market
* Census
* Child
* Custody
* Children
* Civil Disobedience
* Community Relations
* Concentration Camp
* Consumer Protection
* Crime
* Crime Control
* Cult
* Demography
* Disease
* Disease Control
* Divorce
* Educational Reform
* Elderly
* Epidemic
* Family
* Family Planning
* Food
* Fugitive
* Genocide
* Glasnost
* Health
* Housing
* Housing Shortage
* Humanitarian Assistance
* Hunger Strike
* Illegal Alien
* Immigrant
* Immigration Control
* Infant
* Infrastructure
* Inoculation
* Insurance
* Law Enforcement
* Life Expectancy
* Marriage
* Medical Care
* Medical Facility
* Mental Health
* Minority
* Modernization
* Mortality Rate
* Murder
* Penal System
* Police Force
* Police Investigation
* Population
* Population Growth
* Pornography
* Prison
* Prisoner
* Prisoner Release
* Prisoner Transfer
* Prisoner Welfare
* Prostitution
* Public Safety
* Public Transportation
* Public Welfare
* Quarantine
* Recall
* Reform
* Rehabilitation
* Riot
* Riot Control
* Rural Area
* Sanitation
* Sewage
* Sewage System
* Sex Ratio
* Sexual Crime
* Sexual Harassment
* Social Development
* Social Reform
* Social Security
* Social Service
* Social Trend
* Special Interest Group
* Standard of Living
* Sterilization
* Theft
* Urban Area
* Violence
* Volunteers
* Water Supply System
[close]

More on tag:
TBIO BIOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL SCIENCE
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

The anatomy, physiology, chemistry, and psychology that affect living organisms and the mechanisms of their expression. (Replaces RCHB file categories: HLTH, SCI)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* AIDS
* Animals
* Biology
* Biotechnology
* Chemistry
* Disease
* Disease Control
* Eradication
* Food
* Genetic Engineering
* Hormones
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Laboratory Equipment
* Medical Science
* Nuclear Contamination
* Parapsychology
* Pest Control
* Pharmaceuticals
* Quarantine
* Research & Development
* S & T Agreement
* S & T Cooperation
* S & T Development
* STRIDE Technology
* Technology
* Transfer
* Vaccine
* Zoology
[close]

More on tag:
TPHY PHYSICAL SCIENCES
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Research and development in any of the physical sciences. (Replaces RCHB file category: SCI)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Atmosphere
* Chemistry
* Geodesy
* Geology
* Hydrology
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Laboratory Equipment
* Maps
* Materials Science
* Meteorology
* Metrology
* Microwave
* Minerology
* Ocean Drilling
* Oceanography
* Physics
* Research & Development
* Research Vessel
* S & T Agreement
* S & T Cooperation
* S & T Development
* Satellite
* Scientific Cooperation
* Scientific Visit
* Seismology
* STRIDE
* Survey
* Technology
* Technology Transfer
* Volcanology
* Weather
* Weather Station
[close]

More on tag:
TRGY ENERGY TECHNOLOGY
[close]

Effective from July 1980 (Revised January 1983)

Research and development of energy sources. (Replaces RCHB file categories: AE, DEF, FSE, PET, SCI)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Electric Energy
* Energy Conservation
* Exploration
* Fissionable Material
* Fuel
* Geothermal Energy
* Hazardous Waste Disposal
* Hydroelectric Energy
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Laboratory Equipment
* Magnetic
* Nuclear Accident
* Nuclear Contamination
* Nuclear Energy
* Nuclear Reactor
* Nuclear Safeguard
* Nuclear Test
* Petroleum
* PUNE
* Radiation
* Radioactive Material
* Radioactive Material Transfer
* Radioactive Waste Disposal
* Research & Development
* S & T Agreement
* S & T Cooperation
* S & T Development
* Solar Energy
* Spent Fuel
* SSC
* STRIDE
* Synthetic Fuel
* Technology
* Technology Transfer
* Thermal Energy
* Transmitters
* Wind Energy
[close]

More on tag:
TSPA SPACE ACTIVITIES
[close]

Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Research and development leading to and resulting in the exploration and utilization of outer space. (Replaces RCHB file categories: DEF, SP, TEL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Astronaut
* Astronomy
* Communications Satellite
* Direct Broadcasting Satellite
* ELV
* Exploration
* Geostationary Satellite Orbit
* High Technology Equipment
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Landing Rights
* Navigational Aid
* Orbit
* Outer Space
* Outer Space Commercialization
* Peaceful Use of Outer Space
* Reentry
* Research & Development
* S & T Agreement
* S & T Cooperation
* S & T Development
* Salvage
* Satellite
* Scientific Cooperation
* Space Agreement
* Space Fragment
* Space Law
* Space Liability
* Space Program
* Space Station
* Spacecraft
* Spacecraft Recovery
* Spaceflight
* STRIDE
* Technology
* Technology Transfer
* Telecommunication
* Tracking Station
* UFO
[close]
By tags:
AA AADP AALC ABER ABLD [+] ABLDG ABLG ABMC ABT ABUD AC ACABQ ACAO ACCOUNT ACDA ACEC ACKM ACOA ACOTA ACS ACTION ADANA ADB ADCO ADCP ADEL ADEP ADIP ADM ADMIRAL ADPM ADRC AE AEC AECL AEGR AEIR AEM AEMED AEMR [+] AER AESC AF AFARI AFDB AFDIN AFFAIRS AFGHANISTAN AFIN [+] AFL AFLU AFOR AFR AFSA AFSI AFSN AFU AFZAL AG AGAO AGENDA AGENGA AGIT AGMT AGOA AGR AGS AGUIRRE AI AIAG AID AIDAC AIDS AIEA AIHRC AIN AINF AINFCY AINR AINT AISG AIT AJ AK AL AL-1 ALAB ALBE ALEXANDER ALI ALJAZEERA ALL ALNEA ALOW ALOWAR AM AMAT AMB AMCHAMS AMCT AME AMED AMEDI AMEMR AMER AMERICAS AMEX AMG AMGE AMGMT AMGT [+] AMIA AMLB AMPR AMT AMTC AMTG AN ANARCHISTS ANC AND ANET ANTITERRORISM AO AOCR AODE AOIC AOMS AOPR AORC [+] AORD AOREC AORG AORL AOWC AP APCS APDC APEC APECO APER [+] APR APRC APRM AQ AR ARAB ARABBL ARABL ARABLEAGUE ARAS ARC ARCH ARENA AREP ARF ARG ARM ARMITAGE ARMS AROC ARR ARRMZY ARSO AS ASA ASAC ASC ASCC ASCE ASCEC ASCH ASE ASEAN ASEC [+] ASECARP ASECE ASECM ASECSI ASECVE ASED ASEDC ASEG ASEK ASES ASEX ASFC ASIC ASIG ASIR ASJA ASO ASOC ASPA ASR ASSEMBLY ASSK ASUP AT ATFN ATPDEA ATRA ATRD ATRN AU AU-1 AUC AUNR AUSGR AUSTRALIAGROUP AV AVERY AVIAN AVIANFLU AVIATION AW AX AY AZ AZE B. BA BAGHDAD BAIO BAKOYANNIS BALKANS BAPOL BARACK BASHAR BATA BB BBG BBSR BC BCW BCXP BD BE BEAN BEN BERARDUCCI BESP BEXB BEXP [+] BEXPC BEXPPLM BEXT BF BFIF BFIN BFIO BG BGD BGMT BH BHUM BI BIC BIH BILAT BIMSTEC BINR BIO BIOS BIOTECH BIOTECHNOLOGY BIT BITO BK BL BLR BLUE BLUNT BM BMENA BMGT BMOT BN BNUC BO BOIKO BOL BOND BOQ BORDER BOSNIA BOU BOUCHAIB KAKA BOUTERSE BP BPIS BPTS BR BRIAN BRPA BRUSSELS BS BSSR BT BTA BTC BTIO [+] BTIU BTRA BTT BU BUD BULGARIA BURMA BUSH BV BW BWC BX BXEP BY BZ CA CAC CACM CACS CAFTA CAIO CAJC CAMBODIA CAN CAPC CARC CARE CARIB CARICOM CARSON CAS CASA CASC [+] CASCC CASCR CASE CASTILLO CAVO CB CBC CBD CBE CBG CBIS CBM CBSA CBTH CBW CCSR CCY CD CDB CDC CDCC CDCE CDG CDI CE CEA CEC CEDAW CEN CENTCOM CENTRIC CEUDA CF CFE CFED CFG CFIS CFSP CG CGEN CGOPRC CH CHAD CHALLENGE CHAO CHELIDZE CHENEY CHERTOFF CHG CHIEF CHN CHR CHRISTIAN CHRISTOF CHRISTOPHER CI CIA CIAT CIC CICTE CIDA CIO CIP CIS CITEL CITES CITIBANK CITT CIVAIR CIVS CJ CJAN [+] CJUS CK CKGR CKOR CL CLEARANCE CLINTON CLMT CLO CLOK CM CMAE CMFT CMGT [+] CMP CMT CN CNAR CNARC CNC CNO CO CODEL COE COL COLIN COLLECTIVE COLOMBO COM COMESA COMMERCE CON CONAWAY CONDOLEEZZA CONDOLEEZZA RICE CONEAZ CONG CONGO CONGRINT CONS CONSULAR CONTROL CONTROLS CORRUPTION COSI COUNTER COUNTER TERRORISM COUNTERTERRORISM COUNTRY COUNTRYCLEARANCE CP CPA CPAS CPC CPCTC CPPT CPUOS CQ CR CRIM CRIME CRIMES CRM CROATIA CROS CRS CRUZ CS CSCE CSEP CSIS CSW CT CTBT CTER CTERR CTM CTR CTRYCLR CU CUCO CUIS CUL CV CVIA CVIC CVIS [+] CVISU CVPR CVR CW CWC CWCM CWG CX CY CYP CYPRUSARMS CZ DA DAC DAFR DAN DANFUNG DANIEL DAO DARFR DARFUR DAVID DAVID LEE HOWES DAVID WELCH DAVID WILLIAM RAY DB DC DCDG DCG DCHA DCI DCM DCOM DCRM DE DEA DEAX DEFENSE DEFENSEREFORM DELTAVIOLENCE DEM DEMARCHE DEMOCRATIC DENNIS DEOC DEPT DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DESI DHA DHLAKAMA DHLS DHRF DHS DHSX DIEZ DIPLOMACY DISENGAGEMENT DJ DK DKEM DMIN DMINE DO DOC DOD DOE DOJ DOMC DOMESTIC DOMESTICPOLITICS DONALD RUMSFELD DOT DPAO DPKO DPM DPOL DPRK DR DRC DRIP DRL DS DSR DSS DTFN DTRA DTRO DU DVC DY EAC EAD EADI EADM EAG EAGER EAGR [+] EAI EAIC EAID [+] EAIDB EAIDCIN EAIDEGZ EAIDMG EAIDNI EAIF EAIG EAIO EAIR [+] EAIS EAIT EAOD EAP EAPC EAR EARI EASS EATO EAUD EAVI EB EBEXP EBRD EBUD EC ECA ECCP ECCT ECE ECIN ECIP ECLAC ECN ECOIN ECOM ECON [+] ECONCS ECONEGE ECONOMIC ECONOMICS ECONOMY ECONOMY AND FINANCE ECOR ECOS ECOSOC ECOWAS ECPC ECPN ECPO ECPS [+] ECPSN ECRM ECTRD ECUN ED EDA EDEV EDRC EDU EDUC EE EEB EEC EENG EENV EEOC EET EETC EFI EFIC EFIM EFIN [+] EFIS [+] EFLU EFN EFND EFNI EFQ EFTA EG EGAD EGAR EGEN EGHG EGOV EGOVSY EH EI EIAD EIAID EIAR EIB EICN EID EIDE EIDN EIFN EIN EIND [+] EINDIR EINF EING EINN EINO EINR EINT [+] EINV [+] EINZ EIPR EIQ EISL EISNLN EITC EITI EIVN EK EL ELA ELAB [+] ELAD ELAINE ELAM ELAN ELAP ELB ELBA ELBR ELEC ELECTIONS ELF ELIN ELN ELND ELNT ELTD ELTM ELTN [+] ELTRN EMAIL EMED EMI EMIN [+] EMN EMS EMW EN END ENDURING ENEG ENER ENERG ENERGY ENFR ENG ENGR ENGRD ENGRG ENGY ENIV ENLT ENNP ENR ENRC ENRG [+] ENRL ENTG ENV ENVI ENVIRONMENT ENVR ENVT EON EOXC EP EPA EPAT EPCS EPE EPEC EPECO EPET [+] EPIN EPIT EPPD EPRT EPSC EPTE EPTED EPWR EQ EQRD ER ERA ERD EREL ERGR ERICKSON ERIN ERTD ES ESA ESCAP ESCI ESDP ESENV ESF ESLCO ESOC ESOCI ESPS ESS ESSO ESTH ESTN ESTRADA ET ETA ETAD ETC ETCC ETD ETDR ETEL ETER ETEX ETFN ETIC ETIO ETLN ETMIN ETR ETRA ETRAD ETRB ETRC ETRD [+] ETRDECD ETRG ETRK ETRN ETRO ETRP ETT ETTC [+] ETTD ETTF ETTN ETTR ETTRD ETTW ETZ EU EUC EUCOM EUE EUEAID EUFOR EUM EUMEM EUN EUR EUREM EURM EURN EV EVENTS EVN EWRG EWT EWTR EWWT [+] EX EXBS EXEC EXIM EXO EXPORT EXTERNAL EZ FA FAA FAC FAGR FAO FARC FARM FAS FATAH FBI FCC FCS FCSC FCSCEG FCUL FDA FDIC FEDULOV FEMA FERNANDO FGM FI FIN FINANCE FINE FINR FINREF FINV FIR FISO FJ FK FKFLO FKLU FLU FM FMC FMGT FMLN FMS FO FOI FOOKS FOR FORCE FORCES FOREIGN FORWHA FP FPC FR FRA FRANCIS FRANCISCO RODENAS RUIZ FRB FREDOM FREEDOM FRELIMO FRIED FRN FRU FSC FSI FT FTA FTAA FWS GA GAERC GAMES GAO GARCIA GASPAR GATT GAZA GAZPROM GB GBSLE GC GCC GCCC GE GEF GEORGE GERARD GESKE GF GG GH GI GIPNC GIWI GJ GKGIC GL GLOBAL GM GN GO GOG GOI GON GOVPOI GPGOV GPI GPOI GPOV GR GRQ GS GT GTIP GTMO GTREFTEL GU GUAM GUANTANAMO GUIDANCE GUILLERMO GUTIERREZ GV GWI GY GZ GZIS HA HARRIET HARRY HAWZ HCOPIL HDP HE HEAVEN HEBRON HELGERSON HERCEGOVINA HG HHS HI HIGHLIGHTS HIJAZI HILARY HILLARY HILLEN HIPC HIV HIZ HK HKSX HL HLSX HN HNCHR HO HOA HOSTAGES HPKO HR HRC HRCS HRICTY HRIGHTS HRKSTC HSI HSTC HSWG HT HTCG HTSC HU HUD HUM HUMAN HUMANITARIAN HUMANR HUMANRIGHTS HUMOR HUMRIT HUNRC HURI HURRICANE HYDE HYLAND HYMPSK HZ IA IACHR IACI IACO IACW IADB IAEA IAES IAHRC IAIE IAII IASA IATTC IAZ IBB IBD IBET IBPCA IBRB IBRD IC ICAC ICAO ICC ICCAT ICCROM ICES ICJ ICRC ICRS ICSCA ICTR ICTY ID IDA IDB IDLI IDLO IDP IDR IE IEA IEAB IEF IF IFAD IFC IFIN IFM IFO IFR IFRC IG IGAD IGF IHO IICA IINS IIP IK IL ILAB ILC ILEA ILO IMC IMET IMF IMMIGRATION IMO IMSO IMTS IN INAUGURATION INCB IND INDO INF INFLUENZA INL INMARSAT INNP INPFC INR INRA INRB INRD INRO INRPAZ INS INSC INT INTEL INTELLECTUAL INTELSAT INTERNAL INTERPOL INV INVI IO IOC IOM IP IPET IPGRI IPK IPPC IPR IPROP IQ IQNV IR IRAN IRAQ IRAQI IRAQI FREEDOM IRC IRCE IRDB IRE IRL IRLE IRM IRMO IRNB IRPE IRS IS ISA ISAAC ISAF ISCA ISCON ISLAMISTS ISLE ISN ISNV ISO ISPA ISPL ISRAEL ISRAEL RELATIONS ISRAELI ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS ISSUES ISTC IT ITA ITALIAN ITALY ITECIP ITEIND ITELTN ITER ITF ITIA ITRA ITRD ITU IUCN IV IVIANNA IWC IWI IX IZ IZAORC JA JAM JAMES JAPAN JAT JAWAD JCIC JE JEFFERY JEFFREY JHR JI JIMENEZ JIMENEZ CHILDREN JK JKUS JM JN JO JOHNNIE JOSE NEY MILA ESPINOSA JOSE RAMOS HORTA JOSEPH BIDEN JP JS JSRP JUAN JUS JY KA KACP KACT [+] KACW KADM KAID KALM KALR KANSOU KAPO KARIM WADE KATRINA KAUST KAWC [+] KAWK KAWL KAWS KAWX KAYLA KBCT KBDS KBEM KBIO KBNC KBTC KBTR KBTS KBWG KCCP KCEM KCERS KCFC KCFE [+] KCGC KCHG KCIP [+] KCIS KCM KCMA KCMR KCOG KCOM [+] KCOR [+] KCPS KCRCM KCRI KCRIM KCRM [+] KCRN KCRO KCROM KCROR KCRP KCRS KCRT KCSA KCSI KCSY KCUL KCUM KCVM KCWI KDCM KDDEM KDDG KDE KDEM [+] KDEN KDET KDEV KDGOV KDGR KDHS KDM KDMR KDP KDRG [+] KDRL KDTB KDUM KE KEAI KEBG KECF KEDEM KEDM KEDU KEIM KEM KEMPI KEMR KEMS KEN KENV KERF KERG KESO KESP KESS KEVIN KFAM KFCE KFE KFEM KFGM KFIN KFIU KFLD KFLO KFLU KFOR KFPC KFRD [+] KFRP KFSC KFTFN KFTN KG KGCC KGCN KGHA KGHG [+] KGIC [+] KGICKS KGIT KGIV KGKG KGLB KGOR KGOV KH KHDP KHGH KHIB KHIV [+] KHJUS KHLS [+] KHMN KHOURY KHPD KHSA KHSL KHUM KI KIBL KICA KICC KICCPUR KICR KICT KID KIDE KIF KIFR KIIC KIIP KIL KILS KIMMITT KIMT KIND KINF KINL KINP KINR KINT KIPR [+] KIPT KIRC KIRF [+] KIRL KIRP KIS KISC KISK KISL [+] KISM KISR KITA KIVP KIVR KJAN KJRE KJU KJUS [+] KJUST KJWC KK KKIV KKNP KKOR KKPO KLAB KLAP KLBO KLEG KLFLO KLFU KLHS KLIG KLIP KLPM KLSO KLTN KM KMAC KMAR KMCA [+] KMCC KMCR KMDR [+] KMEPI KMFO KMGT KMIG KMNP KMOC KMPF KMPI KMPIO KMPL KMPP KMPT KMRD KMRS KMSG KMVP KMWN KN KNAO KNAP KNAR KNDP KNEI KNEP KNET KNMP KNN KNNA KNNB KNNC KNNF KNNO KNNP [+] KNNR KNOP KNP KNPP KNPPIS KNPR KNPT KNRG KNRV KNSD KNUC KNUP KO KOC KOCI KOCM KOEM KOGL KOLY [+] KOM KOMC KOMCCO KOMCSG KOMH KOMO KOMS KOR KOSOVO KOUYATE KPA KPAD KPAI KPAK KPAL [+] KPALAOIS KPAM KPAO [+] KPAS KPBT KPDD KPEM KPEO KPER KPET KPIN [+] KPIR KPKO [+] KPKP KPLS KPMI KPMO KPO KPOA KPOKO KPOL KPOP KPOV KPOW KPPAO KPPD KPRD KPRM KPRO KPROG KPRP KPRV KPSC KPTD KPTS KPWG KPWR [+] KQ KQM KQRDQ KR KRAD [+] KRAL KRCIM KRCM KRCS KRD KRDP KREC KREF KREL KRF KRFD KRFR KRG KRGY KRIC KRIF KRIM KRKO KRM KRMS KRV KRVC KS KSA KSAC KSAF KSCA [+] KSCI KSCS KSCT KSEAO KSEC KSEI KSEO KSEP KSI KSIA KSKN KSLG KSMT KSOC KSOCI KSPA KSPR [+] KSRE KSTC KSTCC KSTCPL KSTH KSTS KSTT KSUM [+] KSUP KT KTAO KTBD KTBT KTCRE KTDB KTDD KTDM KTER KTEX KTFIN KTFM KTFN [+] KTFR KTFS KTIA [+] KTIP [+] KTLA KTNBT KTNF KTPN KTRD KTRF KTSC KTSD KTTB KTTC KTTP KU KUAE KUIR KUM KUNA KUNC KUNH KUNP KUNR [+] KUS KUWAIT KV KVBL KVIP KVIR KVIS KVPR KVRC KVRP KW KWAC KWAK KWAWC KWBC KWBG [+] KWBW KWCI KWCR KWGB KWHG KWIC KWIM KWIR KWKN KWM KWMJN KWMM KWMN [+] KWN KWNM KWNN KWOMN KWPA KWPB KWPG KWPR KWRC KWRF KWRG KWUN KWWT KWWW KX KY KZ LA LAB LABOR LANSANA LANTERN LARREA LARS LAS LAURA LAVIN LAW LB LBAR LBY LE LEAGUE LEB LEBIK LEGAT LEGATT LEIS LEON LEVINE LEW LG LGAT LH LI LIB LICC LIMA LINE LK LMS LN LO LOG LORAN LOTT LOVE LR LS LT LTG LTTE LU LV LVPR LY LZ MA MAAR MACEDONIA MACP MANUEL MAP MAPP MAPS MAR MARAD MARIE MARINO MARITIME MARK MARQUEZ MARR [+] MARS MARTIN MARV MAS MASC MASS [+] MATT MB MBM MC MCA MCAP [+] MCAPARR MCAPN MCAPP MCAPS MCAT MCC MCCONNELL MCCP MCRM MCTRE MD MDA MDC MDO ME MEA MED MEDIA MEP MEPI MEPN MEPP MERCOSUR MESUR MEX MF MFA MFO MG MGL MGMT MGOV MGT MGTA MH MHUC MI MIAH MIC MICHAEL MICHEL MIGUEL VARGAS MALDONADO MIK MIL MILI MILITANTS MILITARY MILLENNIUM MINURSO MINUSTAH MITCHELL MJ MK ML MLS MMAR MMED MN MNLF MNNC MNNUC MNU MNUC [+] MNUCH MNUCWA MNUM MNUN MNUR MNUS MNVC MO MOHAMAD MOHAMMAD MOLINA MONTENEGRO MONUC MONY MOOPS MOP MOPP MOPPS MOPS [+] MORG MOROCCO MORS MOS MOTO MOTT MP MPOL MPOS MPP MPS 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OPDP OPEC OPET OPIC OPID OPOC OPPC OPRC [+] OPREC OPREP OPS OPSC OPVIP ORA ORC ORCA ORECD ORED OREG OREP [+] ORGANIZED ORP ORTA ORUE OSAC OSCE OSCI [+] OSD OSEC OSHA OSIC OSTA OSTRA OTA OTAR OTP OTR OTRA [+] OTRABL OTRAO OTRAZ OTRC OTRD OUALI OVIP [+] OVP OXEC OXEM OZ PA PAARM PAC PACE PAGE PAGR PAHO PAIGH PAK PAL PALESTINIAN PAMQ PAN PANAM PAO PAR PARALYMPIC PARCA PAREL PARK PARLIAMENT PARM [+] PARMS PARN PARP PARR PARTIES PARTM PARTY PAS PASS PATTY PAUM PB PBGT PBIO PBK PBOV PBPTS PBS PBT PBTS [+] PCI PCON PCOR PCRM PCUL PD PDA PDD PDEM PDIP PDOV PDRG PE PEACE PEACEKEEPINGFORCES PEDRO PEL PELOSI PEMEX PENA PENV PEPFAR PEPR PER PEREZ PERL PERM PERSONS PET PETER PETERS PETR PETRAEUS PETROL PF PFIN PFLP PFOR PFOV PG PGGOC PGIC PGIV PGKV PGO PGOC PGOF PGOG PGON PGOR PGOT PGOV [+] PGOVE PGOVQL PGPV PGREL PGREV PGV PH PHALANAGE PHARM PHAS PHEM PHIM PHM PHSA [+] PHU PHUH PHUM [+] PHUMHUPPS PHUN PHUS PHYTRP PI PIA PICES PIF PIN PINB PIND PINER PINF PING PINL PINO PINR [+] PINS [+] PINT PINV 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IdentifierSubjectDateOfficeClassificationTags
08CARACAS1434STUDENTS WILL PLAY ONLY A MINOR ROLE IN UPCOMING
[...] (C) Summary: Widely perceived as the most trustworthy group in the country, student leaders are now trying to preserve their voice and role in Venezuelan politics. Many leaders eschew a direct political role, especially in the upcoming November 23 elections. However, some former leaders wh [...]
2008-10-09 20:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ASEC VE
08CARACAS1435CHAVEZ THREATENS TO DENY OPPOSITION STATES
[...] (C) Summary. At an October 6 political rally, President Chavez threatened to deny future development funds to state and municipalities run by opposition politicians after the November 23 state and local elections. Chavez said he did not want to give the opposition resources to "steal and con [...]
2008-10-09 21:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1436BOLIVARIAN INSIDER CLAIMS FOREIGN MINISTRY
[...] (C) Summary. Embassy Bolivarian contact Rene Arreaza expressed to ChargQ his frustration with the failure of his Foreign Ministry to end harassment of Embassy Caracas' operations and offered to make another attempt to overcome these "bureaucratic" problems. His comments revealed GBRV infigh [...]
2008-10-09 21:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS1440UNEVEN ELECTORAL PLAYING FIELD FAVORS CHAVISMO
[...] (C) Summary: A number of opposition and even pro-government dissident candidates have complained to the National Electoral Council (CNE) about the PSUV enjoying an unfair advantage as state resources are being used in its favor. The government-owned media outlets are blatant in their support [...]
2008-10-10 14:43:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ASEC VE
08CARACAS1443VENEZUELA: LABOR UNREST CONTINUES AT COCA-COLA
[...] (C) Summary. Coca-Cola has taken control of most of its installations this week following the 4th labor blockade of 2008. Despite a Supreme Court ruling in favor of the company, earlier this year, radical National Assembly members have continued to push the claims of ex-company contractors. [...]
2008-10-10 20:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE
08CARACAS1449CHAVEZ BLASTS POLITICAL ALLIES AND ZULIA OPPOSITION
[...] (C) Summary: During campaign stops in three states October 11-13, President Chavez vociferously attacked both key opposition leaders and two pro-government allied parties. Despite his pledge not to air his weekly "Alo, Presidente" TV show, he used an obligatory two-hour "cadena" broadcast o [...]
2008-10-15 16:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS1453BRV DEVELOPS PUBLIC FINANCE TOOLS TO SQUEEZE
[...] (C) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV's) public finance system has undergone a series of important changes since 2005 that give the Executive the tools to limit significantly the resources available to state and municipal governments. These governments receive the vast ma [...]
2008-10-16 19:18:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS1456GBRV SQUEEZING DEMOCRACY
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez and the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) are stepping up pressure on the opposition and civil society. Specifically, the GBRV is harassing opponents and the independent media, manufacturing coup plot agitprop, and disqualifying key oppos [...]
2008-10-16 20:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS146CHAVEZ MARKS ANNIVERSARIES WITH THREATS
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez delivered combative televised speeches February 2 and 4 to commemorate his ninth anniversary in the presidency and the sixteenth anniversary of his unsuccessful coup. On February 2, Chavez accused Colombia of preparing a conflict with Venezuela, adding that the [...]
2008-02-07 15:23:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM CO VE
08CARACAS1464CHAVEZ SOFTENS TONE ON BILATERAL RELATIONS
[...] (C) Summary: During televised remarks to the nation on October 16, Chavez made several seemingly conciliatory remarks regarding bilateral ties in response to the U.S. presidential candidates' comments on the need to achieve energy independence from Venezuela and the Middle East. Chavez spec [...]
2008-10-17 21:38:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS1476OPPOSITION CONFIDENT IN ZULIA
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The four major opposition parties are confident of maintaining control of the Zulia governorship, regaining control of Maracaibo, Venezuela's second largest city, as well as 17 of the 19 municipalities up for election. Outgoing governor Manuel Rosales is widely believed to be s [...]
2008-10-21 22:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE
08CARACAS14772009 VENEZUELAN BUDGET: OPTIMISM FADES
[...] (SBU) Summary. On October 21, Minister of Finance Ali Rodriguez formally presented the 2009 budget to the National Assembly. The budget continues to use unrealistic economic assumptions, such as a low inflation rate and overstatement of oil production and related revenue. Whereas the pres [...]
2008-10-22 21:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE
08CARACAS149AMBASSADOR VISITS BARQUISIMETO AND LARA STATE
[...] (C) Ambassador and Mrs. Duddy visited Barquisimeto and Lara state January 30 - February 1. During the visit, the Ambassador met with local church and business leaders and civil society, all of whom agreed that support for Chavez was being affected by food shortages and a general lack of perso [...]
2008-02-07 16:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS1495GBRV STILL IGNORING EU AND OAS ELECTORAL
[...] (C) Summary: The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) continues to ignore key recommendations issued by previous European Union (EU) and Organization of American States (OAS) election observation missions, thus skewing the electoral playing field to the GBRV's advantage. [...]
2008-10-24 19:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1496STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS UPDATE--FOUR WEEKS AWAY
[...] (C) Summary: President Chavez is campaigning hard for his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) candidates in the run-up to the November 23 state and local elections. Chavez is conceding no electoral races, even in opposition strongholds, and is equating votes for PSUV candidates with a [...]
2008-10-25 14:18:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1497VENEZUELA (OVER)REACTS TO EP CRITICISM, BLAMES U.S.
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) strongly rejected the October 23 passage of an European Parliament (EP) resolution condemning political rights abuses in the country. Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly accused the United St [...]
2008-10-25 14:25:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM KDEM VE
08CARACAS1506CHAVEZ ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
[...] (C) Summary: In the run-up to the November 23 state and local elections, Chavez has relied on his colloquial style and infamously colorful language to attack both the Venezuelan opposition and the United States. He has sought to depict the traditional political opposition as foolish and co [...]
2008-10-30 14:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1507VENEZUELA: CONSTITUTIONAL COURT UPHOLDS
[...] (SBU) On October 17, the Venezuelan Supreme Court (Court) upheld the constitutional viability of international arbitration. The decision interpreted Article 258 of the Constitution, which states "The law shall promote arbitration, conciliation, mediation and any other means of alternative d [...]
2008-10-30 20:48:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE
08CARACAS1513VENEZUELAN AIRLINES ADMIT THEIR OWN CONCERN WITH
[...] (C) On October 28, Emboffs met with 13 members of the Venezuelan Air Transport Chamber (CEVETA),one of whom raised serious concerns with Venezuelan airport security and spoke out in favor of immediate TSA security assessments. The association, which represents Venezuelan passenger and cargo [...]
2008-10-31 17:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALVE CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR
08CARACAS1518STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS -- THREE WEEKS AWAY
[...] (C) Summary: With three weeks until state and local elections on November 23, President Chavez has focused his attention on attacking the opposition in Zulia State. Chavez may be preparing the ground to declare Zulia State Governor Manuel Rosales ineligible to run for the Maracaibo mayorshi [...]
2008-10-31 21:08:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS1522OPEN UP AND SAY AHHHH: VENEZUELA'S HEALTH CARE
[...] (C) Summary. Conditions in public hospitals continue to deteriorate and private hospitals face a growing threat of nationalization. Despite multiple 2008 budgetary authorizations for increases in health care worker salaries, labor actions continue by health care workers. One public health [...]
2008-11-03 18:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV VE
08CARACAS1525VENEZUELAN MILITARY INTELLIGENCE CONDUCTS RAID ON
[...] (U) According to media reports, Directorate of Military Intelligence (DIM) officials raided offices of Stanford Bank in Caracas on Friday October 31. (Note: Stanford Bank, an affiliate of the Houston-based Stanford Financial Group, is one of two U.S. banks operating in Venezuela. It is a sm [...]
2008-11-04 18:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN ASEC VE
08CARACAS1526GBRV DISQUALIFIES AT LEAST ONE MORE OPPOSITION
[...] (C) Summary: On November 3, the Supreme Court disqualified another opposition contender for the state and local elections on November 23 -- Yaracuy gubernatorial candidate and political exile Eduardo Lappi. The Supreme Court is also considering whether or not to declare another leading opp [...]
2008-11-04 20:37:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1546VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT IGNORES USG WARNING ON PORT
[...] (C) Summary: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) has not responded to two diplomatic notes and multiple Embassy requests for a meeting to discuss U.S. Coast Guard efforts dating back to 2006 to arrange port visits. Embassy maritime contacts believe that Venezuelan ports would not pas [...]
2008-11-07 12:05:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALVE ASEC MARR PGOV ECON EAIR EWWT ETRD KHLS
08CARACAS1554THE 64 BILLION DOLLAR QUESTION: HOW MUCH CASH
[...] (C) Summary: President Chavez has argued that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) can endure a period of low oil prices by drawing down his government's savings. While no one disputes the BRV Government (GBRV) has accumulated financial assets during the oil bonanza, the value and liqu [...]
2008-11-10 10:37:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS1555STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS -- TWO WEEKS AWAY
[...] (C) Summary: With just over two weeks until state and local elections, the opposition remains relatively disorganized, divided in some races, and increasingly pessimistic about its election prospects. Moreover, there appears to be more electoral fatigue than excitement in most races. The GB [...]
2008-11-10 10:40:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1556GBRV REACTION TO OBAMA WIN CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC
[...] (C) Summary: Official reaction to President-elect Obama's victory following the U.S. election continues to be optimistic, yet tempered. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro sent positive signals November 5 about establishing new ties with Washington, although he added that the GBRV is neither "hur [...]
2008-11-10 10:41:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS1559GBRV IMPEDES VISIT OF LECH WALESA
[...] (C) Summary. The GBRV discouraged the visit of Nobel Peace Prize winner and former president of Poland Lech Walesa to Venezuela on November 2, citing security concerns. Walesa, a prominent pro-democracy figure, has at times been critical of President Chavez. The government reportedly notifie [...]
2008-11-10 14:04:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL PL EZ VE
08CARACAS1562GBRV ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF JOINT DEVELOPMENT BANK
[...] (U) The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) announced November 8 that Russia and Venezuela had agreed to create a binational bank and that Finance Minister Ali Rodriguez would travel to Russia the following week to finalize details. Rodriguez and an official from Russia [...]
2008-11-10 16:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS1568CHAVEZ THREATENS MILITARY ACTION AGAINST OPPOSITION
[...] (C) Summary: President Chavez ratcheted up his threats against the opposition on November 8 and 9 while stumping for his candidates in Carabobo, Sucre, and Zulia States, states where opposition gubernatorial candidates are running strong. The Venezuelan president ordered a nearby garrison t [...]
2008-11-10 22:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1570VENEZUELA: GM, FORD AND CHRYSLER ONCE AGAIN HALT
[...] (C) Summary: GM, Ford and Chrysler, the three U.S. car manufacturers in Venezuela, are once again shut down due to a labor action against a parts supplier. The industry faces on-going, severe labor problems, power outages averaging once every three days, and a dramatically reduced 2008 vehicl [...]
2008-11-12 20:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PREL ETRAD PTER VE
08CARACAS1572STUDENTS PREPARING FOR ELECTION DAY
[...] (C) Summary: Venezuelan university student activists appear interested in using their widely-respected legitimacy to safeguard the transparency of the state and local elections on November 23. Their efforts, however, have been undermined by lack of coordination and socioeconomic tensions be [...]
2008-11-12 21:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1576BRV DEPORTS TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO U.S.
[...] (SBU) The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) turned over Colombian drug traffickers Henry Fortich Coneo and Wilmer Villadiego Coneo to the Drug Enforcement Administration for transport to the United States. National Anti-Drug Office (ONA) Director Nestor Reverol told th [...]
2008-11-13 22:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALSNAR PGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS1582STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS -- 10 DAYS AWAY
[...] (C) Summary: With just over a week until the November 23 state and local elections, President Chavez is vigorously supporting his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) candidates. He is simultaneously calling for arrests of opposition figures and pledging to make campaign stops in ele [...]
2008-11-14 20:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1583BNP PARIBAS REPRESENTATIVE SEES FEW PROSPECTS FOR
[...] (C) BNP Paribas country representative in Venezuela Gregorio Toulemonde (strictly protect throughout) said he was "very worried" about the overall economic situation in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV). He predicted a difficult 2009, with the BRV government (GBRV) "desperately see [...]
2008-11-14 20:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET VE
08CARACAS1599CHAVEZ FIRES UP THE BASE
[...] (C) Summary: During visits to Anzoategui, Barinas, and Zulia States from November 14 to 16, Chavez renewed his threats to arrest Zulia governor and Maracaibo mayoral candidate Manuel Rosales. He also told supporters to "stay in the streets" following the vote and "stay alert" against alleg [...]
2008-11-18 20:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1607VENEZUELAN PORTS IN CHAOS, DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN
[...] (C) Summary: Industry sources report that Venezuelan ports are in a "state of chaos" with long lines of ships waiting to dock, and numerous instances of ships diverted to other countries to unload cargo after failing to dock in Venezuela. Port authorities have reportedly advised shipping compa [...]
2008-11-19 20:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD KHLS PTER
08CARACAS1613BANESCO PRESIDENT CONCERNED OVER ALLEGED U.S.
[...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 5. 2. (C) Banesco President Juan Carlos Escotet visited the Charge November 18 to express his concern about an alleged investigation of Banesco by the USG. (Note: Banesco is by most measures Venezuela's largest bank, holding 12 percent [...]
2008-11-20 21:02:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEFIN VE
08CARACAS1615STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS: NINE STORIES TO WATCH
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez will retain full control over the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) no matter what the results of the November 23 state and local elections. Nevertheless, these elections may influence the extent to which Chavez can accelerate his Bolivar [...]
2008-11-21 18:18:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1619STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS -- 48 HOURS AWAY
[...] (C) Summary: To the end, Chavez has campaigned hard on behalf of his PSUV candidates in swing states before the November 23 state and local elections. The campaigns officially closed November 20 in the midst of torrential rains that have caused a dozen deaths and are forecasted to last thr [...]
2008-11-21 20:09:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1620LEADING VENEZUELAN FOOD PROCESSING COMPANY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: A well-placed source within Alfonso Rivas and Co., Venezuela's second leading food processing company, has informed AgAttache that official government stores will not purchase food products from this firm. According to their Government Relations officer, the reason is that a le [...]
2008-11-24 12:38:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EAGR PGOV ETRD VE
08CARACAS1621HIGH CRIME EFFECTS VOTERS BUT SPARES CANDIDATES
[...] (SBU) Venezuela's spiraling crime has resulted in weekends with a homicide every hour in Caracas and earned the nation the unflattering title of violent crime capital of the world. Recent polling by Alfredo Keller showed 78% of respondents thought crime was worse this year and 67% opined tha [...]
2008-11-24 12:40:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALASEC CASC PGOV VE
08CARACAS1622OPPOSITION CARVES OUT A NEW SPACE FOR ITSELF,
[...] (C) Summary: By winning five of the most populous and resource rich states in the country, the opposition opened up new political space in Venezuela. The percentage of Venezuelans with an opposition governor increased from 25 to 40 percent and voter turnout was 65 percent, well above the h [...]
2008-11-24 21:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1625CHAVEZ SPINS ELECTORAL RESULTS UNDERSCORING THE
[...] (C) Summary: Chavez is seeking to spin the electoral results of the November 23 state and local elections to his favor. In a nationally-televised, five-hour long November 24 press conference with international journalists, the Venezuelan president blasted media reporting that his United So [...]
2008-11-25 21:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1626CHAVEZ'S FIRST SALVO AT THE PRESIDENT-ELECT
[...] (SBU) In a rambling nationally televised November 24 press conference following Venezuelan state and local elections, President Hugo Chavez labeled president-elect Obama's response to a congratulatory letter by Iranian president Mahmud Ahmadinejad "disrespectful and a bad sign." Chavez stated [...]
2008-11-25 21:53:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE IR
08CARACAS1633STATE AND LOCAL ELECTIONS: WINNERS AND LOSERS
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez emerges as both a loser and winner from the November 23 state and local elections. He must contend with more opposition governors in key states, as well as opposition mayors in important cities. Several opposition parties can point to somewhat encouraging elect [...]
2008-11-28 19:55:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1635OPPOSITION GOVERNOR PROFILES
[...] (C) Summary: The opposition won five of 22 governorships in the November 23 state and local elections and will govern approximately 40 percent of Venezuelans. Four of the five opposition governors are political veterans with extensive administrative experience. Morel Rodriguez, the re-e [...]
2008-12-01 21:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1636CHAVEZ SEEKS RE-ELECTION/GRABS POWERS FROM
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Chavez is on the political offensive after the opposition scored some noteworthy gains in the November 23 state and local elections. In a nationally-televised November 30 speech, President Chavez urged his supporters to launch a signature drive that would force a new re [...]
2008-12-01 22:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1637VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT PROPOSES FEBRUARY 2009 COAST
[...] (C) On December 1 Emboffs met with the President of the Institute of Aquatic Spaces (INEA) and representatives of the Ministries of Infrastructure and Foreign Affairs (MRE) to discuss the US Coast Guard's repeated requests for port inspections (ref A). The head of INEA Port Security, Nelson D [...]
2008-12-02 18:39:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD EWWT VE
08CARACAS1638VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT VERSUS THE COMBO MEAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Venezuelan consumer protection law, passed July 2008, requires the government to approve all sales promotions with an eye to curtailing "excessive consumption" and punishing "capitalist impresarios" while also seeking to eliminate hoarding and speculation, particularly with fo [...]
2008-12-02 20:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PREL ETRD EAGR VE
08CARACAS1640PRESS FREEDOM UPDATE: GLOBOVISION ON THE HOOK
[...] (C) Summary: The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) is hardening its position against the remaining independent media outlets following the November 23 state and local elections. The government's telecommunication's agency (Conatel) is investigating Globovision, the cri [...]
2008-12-02 21:39:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS1661ALBA SUMMIT: THE USUAL RHETORIC AND A NEW PROPOSAL
[...] (U) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) hosted on November 26 the third extraordinary summit of heads of state and government of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) - trade pact for the peoples. In attendance were the following representatives of ALBA coun [...]
2008-12-03 20:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PREL VE
08CARACAS1664CHAVEZ MOVING FORWARD TO REMOVE TERM LIMITS
[...] (C) Summary: Chavez announced December 1 that his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) would begin preparing a constitutional amendment to allow indefinite presidential reelection. Chavez said he hopes his supporters would send the proposed amendment to the National Electoral Counci [...]
2008-12-05 14:22:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1668STATE AND LOCAL VOTING MOSTLY FREE AND FAIR ON
[...] (C) Summary: Embassy Caracas deployed informal, unaccredited observation teams throughout Caracas and to six states during the November 23 balloting for state and local elections. They and other electoral observers confirmed scattered irregularities, such as late openings and closings of t [...]
2008-12-05 18:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1670CHAVEZ STEERING AN EVEN MORE AUTHORITARIAN COURSE
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez usually calibrates his efforts to concentrate power based on public opinion. But after losing the constitutional referendum in December 2007 and ceding more ground to the opposition in the November 23 state and local elections, the Venezuelan president appears to [...]
2008-12-05 19:05:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS1676NATIONAL ASSEMBLY RELEASES FLIMSY REPORT ON
[...] (C) Summary. The National Assembly (NA) released a report calling on the Attorney General's Office (AG) to investigate retired military personnel, independent media owners, and businessmen for their supposed involvement in a conspiracy to assassinate President Chavez. It accused the USG of pr [...]
2008-12-05 20:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS1685CHAVEZ DUAL TRACKS RE-ELECTION INITIATIVE
[...] (C) Summary: Chavez announced that the process to amend the constitution to remove presidential term limits will be initiated by both seeking to acquire 15 percent of registered voters' signatures and the support of 30 percent of the deputies in the National Assembly. He did not explain his [...]
2008-12-08 21:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1690NATIONALIZATIONS WITHOUT COMPENSATION AS GBRV
[...] (C) Summary: In 2008 the government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) has announced but not finalized a growing number of nationalizations. To the best of our knowledge, deals or payments are still pending for three multinational cement companies (Cemex, Holcim, and LaFarge),s [...]
2008-12-09 21:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EIND VE
08CARACAS1693NEW PSUV GOVERNORS REFLECT PREFERENCE FOR LOYALTY
[...] (C) Summary: Most of the new PSUV governors have served previously in local or national political office, and many of them have longstanding ties to Chavez personally or left-wing credentials. The incoming governors from Anzoategui, Barinas, Guarico, and Trujillo States are tried and true [...]
2008-12-09 21:43:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1696VENEZUELA: TITLE III OF LIBERTAD ACT
[...] (U) Post's response to Reftel A questions follow. 2. (C) Has the host country, in post's opinion, worked to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba? Post sees no evidence that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has undertaken policies or [...]
2008-12-10 15:44:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALETRD ETTC PREL VE
08CARACAS1700CHAVEZ'S BAND OF BROTHERS
[...] (C) Six of the seventeen PSUV governors elected to office on November 23 were either co-conspirators in Chavez's 1992 coup attempt or his military contemporaries. Personal loyalty, reliability and the ethos of a military fraternity reflected in many of Chavez's ministerial appointments and w [...]
2008-12-10 21:48:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV VE
08CARACAS1702VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT TO ASSUME PERMANENT CONTROL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Aeropostal president Dr. Mustafa Flores reports he expects the government to take permanent control of the airline by December 12 and will then bankrupt it. He, along with all but two of the Aeropostal board of directors, plan to resign as they fear they will ultimately be blamed. [...]
2008-12-11 13:45:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON CASC CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD
08CARACAS1704VENEZUELA: CHEVRON CONFIRMS INTEREST IN HEAVY OIL
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-12 21:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS1711PDVSA FORCING JOINT VENTURES TO CUT BACK ON
[...] (C) Summary: Shell Venezuela executives said PDVSA had mandated a 25 percent production cut in its joint venture with PDVSA as a result of OPEC-mandated production cuts; other joint ventures were also subject to cuts. They confirmed Shell's purchase of the data pack for the Carabobo blocks [...]
2008-12-15 14:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET EINV VE
08CARACAS1712VENEZUELA: CHEVRON CONFIRMS INTEREST IN HEAVY OIL
[...] (C) Economic Counselor met briefly December 4 with Chevron President for Africa and Latin America Exploration and Production Ali Moshiri. Moshiri was accompanied by Wes Lohec, Managing Director of Chevron's Latin America Business Unit. Moshiri first underlined that Venezuela continues to be i [...]
2008-12-15 14:43:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS172BRV WARNS GLOBOVISION OF POSSIBLE SANCTIONS,
[...] (C) Summary. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV's) harassment of Globovision, Venezuela's only independent all-news television network, is intensifying. The BRV appears to be laying the groundwork for the network's possible closure in the near future. Citing "public pressure," the BR [...]
2008-02-12 23:25:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS1721CHAVEZ PERSONALIZING AMENDMENT PROPOSAL
[...] (C) Summary: Chavez initiated the drive to collect signatures December 11 in support of a constitutional amendment to allow for indefinite reelection, and continues to reiterate that the referendum must be held by February. He has framed the amendment as a minor legal tweak and personalized [...]
2008-12-16 13:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1724PSUV STALWARTS RETAIN CONTROL IN SEVEN STATES
[...] (C) Summary: The incoming United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) governors of Cojedes, Delta Amacuro, Falcon, Monagas and Sucre States face significant challenges in meeting the needs of their relatively poor, sparsely-populated regions. The new PSUV governor of Merida will have to bal [...]
2008-12-16 21:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1725CHAVEZ WARMLY WELCOMES RAUL CASTRO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Cuban president Raul Castro and Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez signed or renewed in Caracas a myriad of bilateral agreements valued at USD 2.1 billion on December 13, during Castro's first post-succession trip abroad. Under tight security, Castro laid a wreath at the tomb of Simon [...]
2008-12-16 21:26:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON ETRD PREL CU VE
08CARACAS1738SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST NEW TRIBES MISSION
[...] (SBU) The Supreme Court of Venezuela ruled November 4 that the rights of the New Tribes Mission (NTM) had not been violated when it was required in 2005 to remove its personnel from all indigenous areas in the country. Over the past three years the NTM had argued before the court that they had [...]
2008-12-18 15:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALKIRF PGOV PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS1739SUPREME COURT BLESSES AMENDMENT, PSUV GEARS UP THE
[...] (C) Summary: The Supreme Court appears poised to remove any potential legal obstacles to Chavez's constitutional amendment proposal to remove presidential term limits, paving the way for his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) to begin both its signature drive and discussions within t [...]
2008-12-18 16:14:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE KDEM
08CARACAS1747VENEZUELAN CEMENT INDUSTRY HEADED TO INTERNATIONAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Cement companies Holcim and Lafarge are expected to soon join Cemex at the International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) after giving up hope of compensation for their nationalized operations in Venezuela. According to a Holcim executive, the company was rel [...]
2008-12-19 16:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PREL ETRD KHLS PTER VE
08CARACAS175PDVSA ANNOUNCES SUSPENSION OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS
[...] (C) In the evening of February 12, PDVSA issued a press release announcing that it would "suspend commercial relations and the supply of crude and products" to ExxonMobil in light of ExxonMobil's "unnecessary, intimidating, and hostile" legal actions (reftel). PDVSA promised to "fully honor [...]
2008-02-13 21:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EPET VE
08CARACAS1751CHARGE'S MEETING WITH MFA VICE MINISTER VALERO -
[...] (C) Summary. Charge met December 19 with MFA Vice Minister Jorge Valero to press the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelan (GBRV) to resolve ongoing reciprocity issues and to sound out the GBRV's possible interest in a confidence-building dialogue on defense issues. Charge argu [...]
2008-12-19 21:52:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV SNAR MCAP AMGT VE
08CARACAS1753CHAVEZ'S FEBRUARY REFERENDUM DATE A LEGAL STRETCH
[...] (C) Summary: Chavez continues to move forward on his amendment proposal, apparently with the hope of holding a referendum before the end of February. The National Assembly (AN) concluded its first debate December 18 in favor of the amendment and has another debate scheduled for the second [...]
2008-12-19 22:05:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1754VENEZUELAN CABINET RESHUFFLE MAY AFFECT PORTS AND
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Chavez appointed Diosdado Cabello Rondon, the person most frequently mentioned as a possible successor, as the new Minister of Infrastructure (Minfra) on December 6. Cabello lost his re-election bid for the governorship of Miranda State in the November 23 election. We have already [...]
2008-12-19 22:08:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON CASC CVIS ASEC MARR PGOV EAIR PREL ETRD
08CARACAS1757WOOD GROUP VICE PRESIDENT SAYS PDVSA "TECHNICALLY
[...] (C) Summary: According to a Wood Group executive, PDVSA is "technically bankrupt," owing up to USD 7 billion to its suppliers in Venezuela. The situation is particularly critical at smaller oilfield service companies, which are finding credit drying up as banks refuse to grant them new loan [...]
2008-12-22 18:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET EFIN VE
08CARACAS1765CHAVEZ ORDERS THE EXPROPRIATION OF JEWISH-OWNED
[...] (U) On December 21, during the last "Alo, Presidente" broadcast of 2008, President Chavez ordered the mayor of Libertador Borough of Caracas Jorge Rodriguez to expropriate a large commercial center in the final stages of construction. In his latest tirade against the private sector, Chavez r [...]
2008-12-23 16:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL EINV PGOV KIRF VE
08CARACAS1774VENEZUELA: CHEVRON CONFIRMS OPEC QUOTA CUTS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A senior Chevron executive confirmed that PDVSA is aggressively enforcing OPEC-mandated quota cuts in the hope that the cuts will turn around the slump in oil prices. So far, the cuts have been levied on joint ventures based on the price per barrel received for the crude sales. [...]
2008-12-23 20:41:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET EINV VE
08CARACAS1777CHAVEZ'S PERPETUAL CAMPAIGN
[...] (C) Summary: Since taking office in 1999, President Chavez has engaged in frequent, polarizing electoral campaigns to both burnish his democratic credentials and accumulate personal power. The Venezuelan president's electoral focus has hindered his government's ability to address pressing [...]
2008-12-24 13:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS1783CHAVEZ LASHES OUT AT CARDINAL FOR CRITICIZING
[...] (C) Summary: President Hugo Chavez reacted harshly to Venezuelan Cardinal Jorge Urosa's December 25 criticism of a proposed constitutional amendment that would eliminate presidential term limits. Phoning in to a state media talk show on December 26, Chavez called Cardinal Urosa "immoral" and [...]
2008-12-29 20:25:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALKIRF PGOV PHUM VT VE
08CARACAS1784CHAVEZ BLAMES USG FOR ISRAEL'S AIR
[...] (C) Summary: The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (GBRV) continues to assert a singularly radical foreign policy out of step with most of the international community. The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) issued December 18 and 27 communiques that criticized un [...]
2008-12-29 20:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KIRF VE IS ZI
08CARACAS18CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES HE WILL SLOW DOWN THE REVOLUTION
[...] (C) Summary. During his January 6 "Alo, Presidente" broadcast, President Chavez said he plans to apply the brakes to his Bolivarian revolution after the defeat of his proposed changes to the 1999 Constitution. He and his new cabinet will not change ideology, but will "review, rectify, and re [...]
2008-01-07 21:10:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM VE
08CARACAS186BANCO MERCANTIL PRESENTS POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC
[...] (C) Summary: In a February 12 meeting with the Ambassador, senior economists of Banco Mercantil, one of Venezuela's four largest banks, argued that President Chavez was facing simultaneous adverse political and economic shocks following the December 2 referendum. Given his current vulnerabil [...]
2008-02-15 14:47:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS188AMBASSADOR VISITS MARACAIBO AND ZULIA STATE
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Ambassador Duddy visited Maracaibo in Zulia state February 7-9, 2008 meeting with American & local business leaders, students, news media, opposition party mayors and the state Governor of Zulia. All groups encouraged increased interaction with the USG. Crime, and particularl [...]
2008-02-15 16:56:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON KDEM PGOV PREL SENV VE
08CARACAS190BRV QUIETLY SELLS "STRUCTURED NOTES"
[...] (SBU) According to press reports this week, over the past several weeks the BRV has sold "structured notes" to selected banks for a total sale of between USD 100 and 270 million dollars. Structured notes in this context are products that combine Argentine, Ecuadorian, and/or Colombian debt ac [...]
2008-02-15 20:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEFIN VE
08CARACAS193PDVSA WILL PARTICIPATE IN ARBITRATION PROCESS WITH
[...] (U) BRV Energy Minister and PDVSA President, Rafael Ramirez, in a Thursday, February 14, speech before the National Assembly on the ExxonMobil (XM) dispute stated: "We cannot refuse to address the agreements that the previous congress and PDVSA administration made....PDVSA is disposed to com [...]
2008-02-15 22:03:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG EPET EINV PREL VE
08CARACAS204NATIONAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES CREATION OF BINATIONAL
[...] (U) On February 14 the National Assembly approved three laws ratifying agreements with Iran and five ratifying agreements with Belarus. The Iranian agreements include a pact to create the Iranian-Venezuelan Binational Bank that was signed in Tehran on November 19, 2007; a binational developm [...]
2008-02-19 20:43:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEFIN KCRM IR BO VE
08CARACAS206FM MADURO BLAMES USG FOR OIL DISPUTE, TERRORISM
[...] (C) Summary. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro insisted to local media February 13 that the USG is behind ExxonMobil's dispute with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV). He also reiterated long-standing BRV accusations that the USG is working with the opposition and local media to destabi [...]
2008-02-19 21:32:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ENGR SNAR VE
08CARACAS21NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SWEARS-IN NEW LEADERSHIP, FLORES
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The National Assembly (NA) swore-in its new leadership team January 6. Cilia Flores, the current NA president, will serve out another term. Roberto Hernandez of the pro-government Communist Party (PCV) replaces Desiree Santos Amaral as First Vice President, while Jose Albornoz, [...]
2008-01-08 17:53:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE
08CARACAS213AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH PODEMOS LEADERS - FEB 19
[...] (C) Summary. Podemos leaders told the Ambassador February 19 that their break with President Chavez is permanent. They now believe Chavez has abandoned principle in favor of perpetuating himself in power. They hope to make political gains by focusing on pressing national issues and capitali [...]
2008-02-20 19:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM PTER ENGR CO VE
08CARACAS219VENEZUELA AND BRV REACT TO CASTRO'S RESIGNATION
[...] (SBU) The February 19 announcement by Fidel Castro that he will step down as President and Commander-in-Chief after next Sunday's election was received by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) with a mixture of hero worship and denial. President Hugo Chavez told the local media, "What res [...]
2008-02-21 14:34:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CU VE
08CARACAS227PSUV FOUNDING CONGRESS: DELAYS AND AN EXPULSION
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez publicly declared after his constitutional referendum defeat that shoring up his political base will be one of his highest priorities. Since then, he has focused considerable personal attention on launching his proposed single, pro-government party, the United S [...]
2008-02-22 17:35:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM VE
08CARACAS233NO SURPRISE, CHAVEZ BACKS RUSSIA AGAINST KOSOVO
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-22 21:34:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL UNMIK VE KV EU
08CARACAS238CHAVEZ: THE BEST PRESS IS A STATE-CONTROLLED PRESS
[...] (C) President Hugo Chavez forced national electronic media February 21 to carry a 3-hour diatribe against the media and the "lies" they purvey, adding fuel to concerns that he is setting the stage to curtail what little free press remains in Venezuela. The ostensible reason for Chavez' speec [...]
2008-02-25 12:02:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL
08CARACAS245OPPOSITION PARTY COPEI IS CONFIDENT OF OPPOSITION
[...] (C) Summary: Christian Democratic Party (COPEI) leader Luis Ignacio Planas called on the Ambassador on February 21 to discuss political developments in Venezuela and the opposition's expectations for the November 2008 state and local elections. The 35-year-old Secretary General is putting th [...]
2008-02-26 20:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS25SAME FACES, DIFFERENT PLACES: BIOS ON CHAVEZ' NEW
[...] (SBU) Summary: On January 6, President Chavez announced changes in eight key economic portfolios: the Ministry of Finance, Telecommunications, Planning and Development, Housing, Basic Industry and Mining, Light Industry and Trade, Food, Housing, and Social Development and Popular Participation [...]
2008-01-09 19:35:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS26NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MEMBERS SEEK TO REVIVE "BOSTON
[...] (C) Summary: Five members of the National Assembly (NA) are seeking to establish an Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group with U.S. congresspersons, akin to the congressional relations they had cultivated via the informal "Boston Group." Foreign Policy Commission Chairman Saul Ortega and three [...]
2008-01-09 21:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS264STATOIL: MIXED VIEWS ON INVESTMENT CLIMATE
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-28 18:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS267GOVERNMENT MAY MAKE 400 INELIGIBLE FOR ELECTIONS
[...] (C) Summary. The Venezuelan Comptroller's Office provided the National Electoral Commission (CNE) February 25 with a list of 400 Venezuelans that it has sanctioned and believes to be ineligible to run for elected office. There is a disagreement within the CNE whether these persons are automa [...]
2008-02-28 19:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM VE
08CARACAS273CHAVISTAS TAKE OVER CARACAS ARCHBISHOP'S RESIDENCE
[...] (C) Summary. Hard-line Chavistas temporarily occupied the Archbishop's Residence in Caracas on February 27. They held a press conference on the premises to denounce Catholic Church leaders and the Papal Nuncio for hindering the revolution as well as to express support for the deceased bomber [...]
2008-02-28 22:13:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KREL PHUM VE
08CARACAS284FOREIGN MINISTRY: CHANGES AND VACANCIES
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: THE VENEZUELAN MINISTRY OF PEOPLE'S POWER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (MFA) HAS GONE THROUGH SIGNIFICANT PERSONNEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES IN RECENT MONTHS WITH FOUR OUT OF THE FIVE VICE-MINISTERS EITHER RESIGNING OR BEING RE-ASSIGNED. PRESIDENT CHAVEZ ANNOUNCED FEBRUARY 19 THAT F [...]
2008-03-03 19:30:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS286CHAVEZ PUTS FINISHING TOUCHES ON HIS PSUV PARTY
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez presided over the final session of the founding congress of his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) March 2 in Maracaibo. Over 1600 PSUV party delegates elected Chavez party president the week before. In Maracaibo, Chavez announced the names of 69 PSUV m [...]
2008-03-03 22:15:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM VE
08CARACAS288VENEZUELAN OPPOSITION PARTIES UNITE TO CONDEMN
[...] (SBU) Summary: Within hours of President Hugo Chavez' March 2 order to mobilize the Venezuelan National Armed Forces against a "Colombian invasion," Venezuelan opposition members were responding to the belligerent rhetoric with equally breathless criticism. Beneath a banner reading "United [...]
2008-03-04 14:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PREL VE CO
08CARACAS301CHAVEZ INSULATES VENEZUELAN ARMED FORCES FROM
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Venezuelan Army withdrew from hosting the 28th Conference of the Armies of the Americas (CAA) and declined its turn to serve as president of the organization on February 18, less than four weeks before the scheduled transfer ceremony. This is the fourth military conference i [...]
2008-03-04 22:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALMARR PGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS302BADUEL CRITICIZES MOBILIZATION
[...] (SBU) In a March 4 press conference Former Minister of Defense Raul Baduel joined the Venezuelan opposition parties (Reftel) in criticizing President Chavez's March 2 order to mobilize Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN) to the Colombian border. Baduel qualified Venezuela's actions as disp [...]
2008-03-04 22:02:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM MOPS VE
08CARACAS304DEMARCHE ON UN SECURITY COUNCIL'S ADOPTION OF
[...] No summary [...]
2008-03-05 19:27:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS313INFLATION STARTING TO TAKE ITS TOLL ON VENEZUELA'S
[...] (C) Summary: Inflation, including the repressed inflation reflected in rolling shortages of price-controlled goods, is quickly becoming a stone around the neck of the BRV's economic management team. While most independent and opposition-aligned economic analysts agree that the primary cause [...]
2008-03-06 16:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS3202008 DEMARCHE FOR THE MAJORS LIST REPORT TO THE
[...] (C) POLCOUNS met with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director for North American and Multilateral Affairs, Yaneth Arocha on March 5 to encourage counternarcotics cooperation and to deliver the points in Ref A, among other matters. The Embassy had been trying unsuccessfully to deliver the demarch [...]
2008-03-06 22:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS325CHAVEZ AND CORREA
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Presidents Hugo Chavez and Rafael Correa held a joint press conference to condemn Colombia's incursion into Ecuador and heap scorn on a wide range of people and issues. Chavez challenged Uribe to face the International Criminal Court alongside him and threatened to nationalize C [...]
2008-03-07 18:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL EC VE
08CARACAS327A GLIMPSE INTO FRACTURES WITHIN CHAVISMO?
[...] (C) Summary. In February President Chavez removed the Director of the Venezuelan tax and customs service (SENIAT) Jose Gregorio Vielma Mora and replaced him with Infrastructure Minister Jose David Cabello. Vielma Mora was widely regarded within Venezuela as an efficient administrator, who by [...]
2008-03-07 21:56:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS328PEACE MARCHES OVERSHADOWED BY PRO-CHAVEZ GROUPS
[...] (C) Summary. Both pro-Chavez and civil society groups organized marches March 6 in 12 states in Venezuela to register their opinions on Venezuela-Colombian tensions. The pro-Chavez groups vandalized several Colombian consulates and harassed consulate workers. In contrast, civil society group [...]
2008-03-07 22:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM ASEC VE
08CARACAS329FOOD EXPORTS AND IMPORTS FURTHER THREATENED BY
[...] (C) Summary: Recent BRV actions have complicated the situation for both food exporters and importers. To the great concern of exporters, on February 22 the BRV announced that it would add 77 food products to the list of Venezuelan goods requiring certificates of local sufficiency prior to per [...]
2008-03-07 22:34:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS33STUDENT MOVEMENT FOCUSING ON 2008 LOCAL ELECTIONS
[...] (C) Summary. Prominent Venezuelan student leader Yon Goicochea told Emboffs January 8 that the opposition student movement plans to focus on state and municipal elections that will be held by November 2008. The student movement intends to press opposition parties to name consensus candidates [...]
2008-01-10 19:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS332ITALIAN AMBASSADOR ON MADURO, CHAVEZ MEETINGS WITH
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The Italian Ambassador to Venezuela Luigi Maccotta briefed the Ambassador March 6 on the Italian Foreign Minister Massimo D'Alema's February 29 visit to Venezuela. The visit comes shortly after a settlement agreement was reached between the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) [...]
2008-03-10 17:04:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV EPET IT VE
08CARACAS334PSUV BATTALION LEADERS ELECT LOYALISTS TO PARTY
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV) held intra-party elections March 9 to fill the PSUV's 15-member leadership committee. PSUV local ("battalion") leaders elected well-known loyalists to one-year terms on the party's steering committee from the 69 nam [...]
2008-03-10 20:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM VE
08CARACAS335ARGENTINE PRESIDENT'S MARCH 5-6 VISIT TO VENEZUELA
[...] (C) Polcouns and Poloff met with Argentine First Secretary Luis Alberto Hidalgo March 7 to discuss Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner's March 5-6 visit to Venezuela, her first to Venezuela since assuming the presidency. Hidalgo said the visit was intended to be low profile, bu [...]
2008-03-10 21:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV AR VE
08CARACAS341LABOR DISPUTES INCREASING IN THE BRV
[...] (C) SUMMARY: A series of labor disputes involving Japanese-owned Bridgestone Firestone (BF),Mexican-owned FEMSA Coca-Cola, predominantly Argentinean-owned Terrium Sidor, and the Venezuelan state-run electricity sector have broken out since January. Many of these labor conflicts are the resu [...]
2008-03-11 20:26:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALELAB PGOV EINV ENRG VE
08CARACAS342BRV REACTS TO U.S. MEDIA REPORT OF POSSIBLE USG
[...] (SBU) Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) officials and sympathizers reacted angrily to a March 10 article in the "Miami Herald" that reported on a supposed White House inquiry into whether Venezuela should be listed as a state sponsor of terrorism. At a book signing event that evening, Mi [...]
2008-03-11 21:35:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS349THE COLOMBIAN PATIENT
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 11, news services were reporting rumors that FARC directorate member Milton Jesus Toncel was being treated at a medical clinic in the town of Rubio in the Venezuelan border state of Tachira for a wound to the face. Guardia Nacional Operations Chief Juan Carlos Hidalgo lat [...]
2008-03-12 21:53:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER CO VE
08CARACAS350BRV BUSTS MAJOR COLOMBIAN NARCO-TRAFFICKER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuelan law enforcement personnel arrested Colombian drug trafficker, para-military and gunrunner Hermagoras "Gordo" Gonzalez Polanco on March 8. Minister of Interior and Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chacin confirmed the arrest of Gonzalez during a March 10 press conference. Chacin [...]
2008-03-12 21:58:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALSNAR PREL PGOV CO VE
08CARACAS359CHAVISTA NA DEPUTY ON PSUV FORMATION AND COCA-COLA
[...] (C) National Assembly Deputy Francisco Torrealba told Poloff March 13 that much work still needs to be done in President Chavez's new United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). Torrealba said the party still needed to: -- determine how to select candidates; -- revise party statutes; and, -- [...]
2008-03-13 20:56:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV SNAR ELAB VE
08CARACAS361BRV OFFICIALS REACT TO POTUS' MARCH 12 SPEECH AND
[...] (C) Summary. The President's March 12 speech received extensive coverage in the Venezuelan media, further fueling speculation and concern about a possible USG designation of Venezuela as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro, Minister of Interior and Justice Ramon Rodr [...]
2008-03-13 21:32:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS365ANZOATEGUI STATE: CHAVISTAS ON THE DEFENSIVE;
[...] (C) Summary. Pro-government forces appear to be on the defensive in the oil-rich eastern state of Anzoategui, until recently a Chavista stronghold. Governor Tarek William Saab, a staunch loyalist of President Chavez, is widely perceived as a poor administrator, and the "No" vote carried Anzoat [...]
2008-03-14 17:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS366NO GAS IN THE KITCHEN
[...] (C) Summary: The distribution system for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in cylinders, which is used by the majority of Venezuelan families for cooking, has been stressed to the point that it will cease to function unless price controls are lifted or subsidies are provided by the BRV. Price con [...]
2008-03-14 22:33:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS367CHAVEZ SLIPPING IN THE POLLS; OPPOSITION STAGNANT
[...] (C) Summary. Recent local polling data shows that President Chavez's approval rating is dropping to similarly low levels of support as he had in 2003. Local analysts cite economic problems and crime as well as the Chavez's effort to radicalize his administration in 2006 as the leading causes [...]
2008-03-14 22:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER CO VE
08CARACAS371POLAR STILL SKATING ON THIN ICE
[...] (C) Summary: According to Polar's Director of Government Relations Jose Machado (strictly protect throughout),Polar has stopped exporting many of their products due to government restrictions. Polar is Venezuela's largest food processor. Imports of vital components for domestic production t [...]
2008-03-17 13:11:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS376BRV MOVES TO CONTROL PARALLEL RATE
[...] (SBU) Summary: The parallel exchange rate has fallen almost 40 percent since its November 2007 high. The BRV has played a major role in bringing the rate down by selling dollar-denominated debt instruments for bolivars, thus effectively supplying dollars to the parallel market. Given the ma [...]
2008-03-17 16:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS379BRV YET TO REACT TO ID OF FARC FIGHTERS IN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Claims and counter-claims regarding the identities of two presumed FARC fighters (REFTEL) seeking medical care in Venezuela have been reported in the media since March 11. On March 14, the Colombian Defense Minister identified the two men as FARC fighters "Lucas" and "Jaime," ap [...]
2008-03-17 21:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPTER PGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS38THE RESHUFFLE: SUPPLEMENTAL BIOS ON KEY POLITICAL
[...] (C) Summary. During his January 6 "Alo, Presidente" television broadcast Chavez formally announced changes to five political cabinet-level positions: the Vice Presidency, the Office of the Presidency, the Ministry of Interior and Justice, Ministry of Communications, and Ministry of Sports and [...]
2008-01-10 21:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR VE
08CARACAS386THE FOOD SHORTAGE SAGA CONTINUES: THE MEAT CHAPTER
[...] (SBU) Summary: The president of the National Beef Council blamed meat shortages on BRV land seizures and the BRV's role in falling domestic productivity, labor shortages and price controls. The BRV has failed to provide coherent regulations in the beef sector and a reasonable level of physical [...]
2008-03-19 13:52:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS388PEACE, MUSIC AND THE OAS
[...] (U) SUMMARY: The issue of peace in South America is on the media's mind. Coverage of Sunday's "Peace Without Frontiers" concert in Colombia was wide spread, being broadcast live on television and with front page articles and photo spreads in Monday's newspapers. The weekend also saw articles ab [...]
2008-03-19 16:50:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS389BRV RENEWS ATTACKS ON UNITED STATES
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister for Communications, Andres Izarra in a Sunday, March 16 television interview asserted President Bush was frustrated by Venezuela's recent international political successes. As a result the United States was probably planning both a military invasion of Venezuela and the [...]
2008-03-19 16:50:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS395THE FOOD SHORTAGE SAGA CONTINUES: THE SUPERMARKET
[...] (C) Summary: The National Supermarket Association reports that Chavez appears to be losing the public relations battle on the food shortages. This is likely contributing to his drop in the polls (ref C). Chavez' demands that Venezuela become self-sufficient in terms of food production have le [...]
2008-03-19 21:58:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS409VENEZUELA TO OPEN EMBASSIES IN AFRICA'S EMERGING
[...] (C) Summary. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) announced the assignment of personnel to open new embassies in Gambia, Sudan and Mozambique. These three embassies will bring the total to 17 of 18 planned Venezuelan missions in Africa. The three newest missions all correspond to natio [...]
2008-03-25 15:38:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALENRG EPET PREL GA MZ SU VE
08CARACAS420EMBASSY STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS PLAN --
[...] (U) This is an action request - see paragraph 12. 2. (C) Summary: Embassy Caracas requests DOD support in the execution of its strategic communications plan. The goal for this program is to influence the information environment within Venezuela. The strategy's goal is to counter the active and de [...]
2008-03-26 20:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS432MINISTRY OF TOURISM OUT OF THE LOOP ON TIP ISSUES
[...] (C) Summary. During a March 26 meeting with Ministry of Tourism officials to discuss trafficking in persons (TIP),the Director of the International Relations Office told Poloff that the government has not given the ministry a mandate to combat trafficking. However, she expressed interest in [...]
2008-03-28 15:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL KCRM KWMN UK VE
08CARACAS435CODEL WYDEN'S MARCH 26-28 VISIT TO VENEZUELA
[...] (C) Summary: On his March 26-28 visit to Caracas, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) discussed the political situation in Venezuela with interlocutors from the political, business, media, and NGO communities. He also conducted internal meetings with Embassy personnel, took a driving tour of a poor ne [...]
2008-03-28 19:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ECON VE
08CARACAS437PRO-CHAVEZ LEGISLATOR ACCUSES CHAVEZ FAMILY
[...] (C) Summary. Chavista National Assembly member Wilmer Azuaje is publicly accusing the father and two brothers of President Chavez (but not the Venezuelan president himself) of abusing their government positions in Barinas State to acquire farms and further their electoral ambitions. Azuaje t [...]
2008-03-28 21:16:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM VE
08CARACAS453SIP MEETING BEMOANS MEDIA FREEDOM IN VENEZUELA;
[...] (C) Summary. During its mid-year conference held in Caracas, the Inter-American Press Association (SIP) criticized the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV's) systematic harassment of the independent media and commented on the state of the press in several Latin American countries. The BR [...]
2008-04-02 17:09:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS468CLANDESTINE AIRFIELD DESTROYED
[...] (SBU) The Bolivarian News Agency announced on March 28 the start of Operation Boquete I, an Army effort to destroy all clandestine airstrips in Venezuela. By March 30 the Venezuelan Army claimed to have destroyed 67 of an estimated 157 dirt runways in the south-western border state of Apure a [...]
2008-04-03 21:06:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALMOPS PGOV PREL SNAR CO VE
08CARACAS47CHAVEZ EXPLOITS FARC HOSTAGE RELEASE
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez is trying to extract maximum political advantage from the January 10 release of FARC-held hostages Clara Rojas and Consuelo Gonzalez de Perdomo. He personally met the freed hostages and their families at his Miraflores presidential palace hours after their relea [...]
2008-01-11 19:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER PGOV PHUM VE
08CARACAS473PDVAL: THE VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT'S NEWEST FOOD
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The State oil company PDVSA's new subsidiary for Production and Distribution of Venezuelan Food (PDVAL),is trying to increase the quantity of price regulated food distributed in Caracas and Venezuela's interior. PDVAL, launched at the direction of President Chavez in January [...]
2008-04-04 13:24:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV EAGR EINV VE
08CARACAS475BRV DEBT: MANAGEABLE LEVELS, PUZZLING STRATEGY
[...] (SBU) Summary: At first glance, the BRV's sovereign debt, which totals about 19 percent of GDP when converting between bolivars (Bs) and dollars at the official exchange rate, seems low relative to other middle-income countries. A closer look suggests a slightly less rosy picture, although o [...]
2008-04-04 13:35:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS481DEMARCHES ON IRAN TRAVEL-RELATED PROVISIONS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-04 18:56:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALMNUC KNNP UNSC IR VE
08CARACAS484CHAVEZ FILLS IN PSUV PARTY STRUCTURE
[...] (C) Summary. After months of infighting and organizational difficulties, and more than a year after President Chavez announced its creation, PSUV leaders finally sought official National Electoral Commission (CNE) recognition of the PSUV on April 2. President Chavez, who is also president of [...]
2008-04-04 21:03:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS488CHAVEZ'S STREET REVOLUTIONARIES STAGE SMALL REVOLT
[...] (C) Summary: On April 3 representatives of thirty political gangs took to the streets of "23 de Enero," one of Caracas' poorest neighborhoods, to protest searches by Venezuela's investigative and intelligence service, DISIP. DISIP has carried out a series of raids and searches in the neighborh [...]
2008-04-07 11:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS492MADURO DECRIES IACHR FINDINGS AS PLOT AGAINST BRV
[...] (SBU) Local media reported the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights' (IACHR) criticism of Venezuela on April 5, the day after the of the IACHR annual report in Washington. Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro subsequently issued a communique on April 5 harshly criticizing the findings of IACHR [...]
2008-04-07 21:36:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL KDEM VE
08CARACAS493BRV UNVEILS NATIONAL INFLATION INDEX
[...] (SBU) Summary: The Central Bank (BCV) and National Statistics Institute (INE) unveiled on April 7 a national consumer price index (CPI-N),which replaces the metropolitan Caracas index (CPI-C) as the BRV's official inflation measure. According to the CPI-N, prices rose 3.1, 2.1, and 1.7 perc [...]
2008-04-08 12:22:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS494CHAVEZ TO NATIONALIZE VENEZUELAN CEMENT INDUSTRY
[...] (C) Summary: On April 3, President Chavez ordered the nationalization of the cement industry "in the short term," saying the state would pay whatever it costs (an estimated USD 2 billion) to take over the cement companies. In a meeting on April 4 with Cemex, Holcim, and Lafarge, it quickly be [...]
2008-04-08 13:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS498MORE TWISTS IN CASE OF SLAIN PUBLIC PROSECUTOR
[...] (C) Summary: Prosecutor Hernando Contreras accused former Attorney General (AG) Isaias Rodriguez of doctoring witness testimony that could have proved unfavorable to the government in the case of slain public prosecutor Danilo Anderson. AG Luisa Ortega dismissed the allegations against her pr [...]
2008-04-08 17:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM CO VE
08CARACAS502AIR ACCIDENTS SHAKE UP VENEZUELAN AVIATION
[...] (C) Summary: Venezuela's civilian aviation authority, INAC, was recently restructured as a result of 13 aviation "incidents" including multiple plane crashes within a 2 month period. In one of his first acts, the new INAC Director rescinded US charter airlines Falcon Air Express and Sky King [...]
2008-04-09 15:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS514UPDATE ON MONICA FERNANDEZ; OUTLINES LEOPOLDO
[...] (C) Summary. Former judge and director of the judicial NGO Foro Penal Monica Fernandez has resumed her work schedule following an attempt on her life in January. She told Poloff April 7 that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has not shown interest in investigating the attack against h [...]
2008-04-11 19:31:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS515SIMONOVIS, VIVAS, FORERO TRIAL WINDING DOWN
[...] (C) Summary. The trial against three former Caracas police commissioners and eight other police officers for deaths relating to the April 2002 attempted coup is in its final stages. Pilar Simonovis, the wife and lawyer of ex-commissioner Ivan Simonovis, told Poloff April 8 that closing argume [...]
2008-04-11 19:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM KDEM PGOV VE
08CARACAS516CHAVEZ'S TACTICAL RETREAT ON EDUCATION - FOR NOW
[...] (C) Summary. The Venezuelan government is promoting a highly politicized new school curriculum designed to create "new citizens" and a "new Republic" based on vague Bolivarian values. Teacher training efforts to implement the new pre-K-through-high school curriculum by September sparked teac [...]
2008-04-11 21:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV SOCI PHUM VE
08CARACAS525DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
[...] (C) Acting EconCouns and Econoff delivered ref A demarche and associated non-paper to Francisco Canela, head of the Financial Intellegence Unit (UNIF) of the Superintendency of Banks (SUDEBAN),on April 11. Canela repeated past assurances (ref B) that all banks operating in Venezuela were su [...]
2008-04-15 12:21:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EINV ETRD PARM PREL KNNP MNUC IR VE
08CARACAS528CHAVEZ SEEKS REVOLUTIONARY LOYALTY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) sponsored a week of activities to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the failed 2002 coup attempt. In a series of nationally televised speeches Chavez attacked the United States and the "Venezuelan oligarchy" while stressing the them [...]
2008-04-16 14:27:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV MCAP PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS532CHAVEZ TO NATIONALIZE LATIN AMERICA STEEL LEADER
[...] (C) Summary: BRV Vice President Ramon Carrizalez announced April 9 that President Chavez had decided to nationalize the steel company, Ternium Siderurgica del Orinoco (Sidor),owned by Luxembourg based Ternium and controlled by Argentine group Techint. The announcement comes after a year of la [...]
2008-04-16 21:02:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALELAB ENRG PGOV EINV AR VE
08CARACAS536BRV APPOINTS OLD FACES TO NEW PLACES
[...] (C) Summary. The National Assembly (NA) confirmed three veteran loyalists as ambassadors to the United Nations (UN),Organization of American States (OAS) and the United Nations Office in Geneva (UNOG) on April 10. Vice Foreign Minister for North American Affairs Jorge Valero will reportedly [...]
2008-04-17 19:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR VE
08CARACAS550BRV CALLS DEA "IMPEDIMENT" TO COUNTER-NARCOTICS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuelan Minister of Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chacin called the Drug Enforcement Administration "an impediment" to counter-narcotics and U.S. anti-drug assistance to Colombia a "facade" for destabilizing the region. Chacin made these remarks at an April 18 press conference publ [...]
2008-04-22 14:40:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALSNAR PREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS551BRV RELEASES TIP LAW ENFORCEMENT DATA
[...] (SBU) The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) provided USG officials on April 8 with an eleventh-hour summary of its trafficking in persons (TIP) law enforcement efforts in 2007, including the number of victims assisted and prosecution figures. The release follows repeated USG requests for [...]
2008-04-22 14:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KCRM KWMN VE
08CARACAS558BRV ANNOUNCES 3 BILLION USD BOND ISSUANCE TARGETED
[...] (U) The Ministry of Finance (MoF) announced on April 21 a USD 3 billion sovereign debt issuance. The issuance is composed of two "Sovereign International Bonds" (SIBs),dollar-denominated bonds maturing in 2023 (9 percent coupon) and 2028 (9.25 percent coupon),with each representing 50 perc [...]
2008-04-22 20:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS559THE NEW WINDFALL PROFITS TAX: ANOTHER FINE MESS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Official Gazette published the new windfall profits tax on April 15. The tax, which is seductively simple on its face, appears to place an unfair burden on private sector joint venture partners by allowing PDVSA to pass the tax to the joint ventures without allowing them a ta [...]
2008-04-22 20:37:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS560CHAVEZ'S NEW LABOR MINISTER URGES WORKERS TO UNITE
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez named National Assembly First Vice President Roberto Hernandez to replace Jose Ramon Rivero as Labor Minister on April 15. Prior to joining Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) in 2007, Hernandez was one of Venezuela's most prominent Communist Pa [...]
2008-04-22 20:48:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALELAB ECON EINV PGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS562BRV HAILS PARAGUAYAN ELECTION OF LUGO
[...] (C) Summary: President Hugo Chavez and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) lauded the April 20 election of Fernando Lugo as Paraguay's next president. The BRV has tried to re-package Lugo's victory to assert that "Bolivarianism is on the march." In his congratulatory message to Lugo, [...]
2008-04-23 15:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PA VE
08CARACAS566VENEZUELA'S BANKING SECTOR: ARE THE GOOD TIMES
[...] (SBU) Summary: Over the last four years, Venezuela's banking sector has registered rapid growth and record profits. The good times may be ending, however. The economy is slowing down; the BRV has tightened monetary policy to counter inflation; and banks are subject to increasing government [...]
2008-04-25 20:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN VE
08CARACAS579NGO PROVEA ON "CRIMINALIZATION" OF PROTESTS,
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Prominent local human rights NGO Provea convoked the diplomatic corps on April 23 to provide a trimestral update on the human rights issues it considers most worrisome. Provea outlined the BRV's efforts to "criminalize" protests by opening criminal cases against demonstrators. I [...]
2008-04-28 15:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV ELAB VE
08CARACAS581THREE AMCIT FARC HOSTAGES: RICHARDSON SEEKS
[...] (C) Summary. New Mexico Governor Richardson traveled April 25-27 to Caracas as the personal emissary of the families of three Amcit FARC hostages. He met April 26 with President Chavez and other senior Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela officials to enlist the BRV's help in securing the Amcit [...]
2008-04-29 12:09:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER ASEC PGOV VE
08CARACAS582HOMICIDE: LIFE ON THE STREETS OF CARACAS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuelan daily, "El Universal", reported on April 16 that the murder rate had risen 14% in the first trimester of 2008, despite the launch of "Safe Caracas 2008" by the Ministry of Justice in January. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV),which had been reporting plungi [...]
2008-04-29 12:10:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KCRM VE
08CARACAS583VENEZUELAN AVIATION UPDATE
[...] (C) Summary: Sources within the Venezuelan airline industry report that once again, Venezuela's civil aviation authority, INAC, is facing change. Less than two months after INAC's restructuring, American Airlines reports the BRV is creating a new office to supervise INAC. The office will li [...]
2008-04-29 12:11:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS586BRV COOKS UP CONSPIRACY THEORY TO LINK USG TO
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The local media reported April 23 that former Attorney General (AG) Isaias Rodriguez again accused the FBI and CIA of orchestrating the death of federal prosecutor Danilo Anderson. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) has repeatedly tried to connect opposition figures and [...]
2008-04-29 14:46:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM CO VE
08CARACAS596HITTING A NERVE IN VENEZUELA: BRV BROADSIDE AT NEW
[...] (U) Ambassador Duddy's high-profile opening of a new American Corner in the city of Maracay (in Aragua state, about 50 miles outside Caracas) April 23 - and the cocomitant signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the local Pedagogical University - generated an almost immediate response [...]
2008-04-30 14:25:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS599CIVIL SOCIETY GROUP 2-D WANTS TO PUT BRAKES ON
[...] (SBU) Prominent civil society leaders held a press conference April 29 to launch the 2-D/Democracy and Liberty Movement, a coalition that aims to curb President Chavez's efforts to implement aspects of his failed constitutional reform package. (Note: 2-D refers to the December 2 defeat of the [...]
2008-04-30 21:17:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS6CHAVEZ DECREES PARTIAL AMNESTY LAW FOR EVENTS OF
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Chavez announced a partial amnesty December 31 for those accused of involvement in the events that temporarily removed him from power in April 2002. The decree also included a "humanitarian" pardon for 36 persons currently imprisoned. The Amnesty Law only applies to in [...]
2008-01-03 22:28:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV VE
08CARACAS610HARVEST PUSHES BACK ON THE WINDFALL PROFITS TAX
[...] (C) SUMMARY: U.S. oil company Harvest Natural Resources has begun to directly and indirectly lobby the BRV to define the terms of the new windfall profits tax. Harvest would like to see the BRV discount the 33.33% royalty when calculating the new tax. In addition, it also wants the BRV to p [...]
2008-05-05 12:37:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS62CHAVEZ HIGHLIGHTS COLOMBIAN HOSTAGE RELEASE,
[...] (C) Summary. Chavez used numerous events over the January 11-13 weekend to claim credit for the Colombian hostage release, urge international understanding for the FARC and to blame others, including the USG, for the failure of earlier efforts to secure release of the hostages. He also ackno [...]
2008-01-16 23:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS624UPDATE ON VENEZUELAN CEMENT NATIONALIZATIONS
[...] (C) Summary: Negotiations to nationalize the "Big Three" cement companies in Venezuela are proceeding slowly (reftel.) The BRV is following the model they used to nationalize the oil industry right down to using the same PDVSA negotiating team. The BRV and PDVSA lack in-house expertise in the [...]
2008-05-07 15:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON PGOV VE
08CARACAS625CHAVEZ ACCUSES USG OF SECESSIONIST PLOT - AGAIN
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez accused the USG of plotting with the Venezuelan opposition to promote secessionism in western Venezuela during his May 4 "Alo, Presidente" television program. Chavez explicitly linked the Santa Cruz autonomy referendum in Bolivia to the November state and local [...]
2008-05-07 20:58:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS VE
08CARACAS626THE BATTLE FOR CENTRAL UNIVERSITY OF VENEZUELA
[...] (C) Summary. Chavistas and the opposition are competing for control over the public Central University of Venezuela (UCV)in the May 9 administrative elections. The winners will head the university for the next four years and, given the prominence and prestige of the UCV, will influence high [...]
2008-05-07 21:04:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV SCUL VE
08CARACAS64DENGUE CASES DOUBLE IN VENEZUELA
[...] (C) Summary: The Ministry of Popular Power for Health (MPPS) ceased publishing dengue and malaria statistics from July 21 to December 22, during the lead up to Chavez' failed December 2 constitutional reform vote. Now we know why: the latest official epidemiology bulletin, released January 8, [...]
2008-01-17 16:09:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALTBIO SOCI PGOV VE
08CARACAS640MANUEL ROSALES RUNNING FOR MARACAIBO MAYOR
[...] (C) Summary. Zulia Governor Manuel Rosales is planning to run for the Maracaibo mayorship, according to Un Nuevo Tiempo (UNT) party leaders. Rosales is telling his party that he needs to run in order to boost the UNT's prospects for his young protQgQ to replace him as governor and for the op [...]
2008-05-12 12:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS647CADIVI AT FIVE YEARS: GETTING WORSE
[...] (C) Summary: Complaints about delays and corruption in CADIVI, the BRV's Commission for Administering Foreign Exchange, are increasing among private sector contacts. Although it has authorized more foreign currency liquidation on a daily basis thus far in 2008 than it did in on average 2007, [...]
2008-05-12 21:08:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS648DUTCH BIT BITES THE DUST
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Venezuela has revoked its bilateral investment treaty (BIT) with the Netherlands effective November 1, 2008. The BIT remains in force for 15 years for investments made before the date of revocation. Both ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are pursuing arbitration under the Dutch BIT. [...]
2008-05-12 21:23:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON EFIN PREL VE
08CARACAS649CHAVEZ DEFLECTS FARC AND ELECTION WORRIES WITH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: During his May 11 "Alo, Presidente" television broadcast, President Chavez tried to deflect concerns about upcoming revelations from the FARC computers and potential state and local election losses with shrill insults and accusations. Chavez said Interpol is putting on "a show" b [...]
2008-05-12 21:33:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER CO VE
08CARACAS650EDUCATION MINISTER CHAVEZ REPLACED BY NAVARRO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Chavez replaced his brother Adan Chavez with Hector Navarro as Minister of Education on April 30. Adan's next mission will be to take charge of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV) reelection campaign in the Chavez family's home state of Barinas. Adan's rem [...]
2008-05-12 21:38:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS653THE COLOMBIAN PATIENT - DISCHARGED?
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Local news services reported May 7 that FARC fighters Freddy Martinez Mendoza, a member of the 38th Front's General Staff and his companion Jose Ortiz Barrera, wanted in Colombia on charges of rebellion, had been quietly given conditional release on their own recognizance from th [...]
2008-05-13 20:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER CO VE
08CARACAS659STUDENTS BROADEN THEIR AGENDA, CRACKS IN UNITY
[...] (C) Summary. Student leaders tell us that the university student movement is currently focusing on developing a new generation of leaders, strengthening the Student Parliament, and developing a common platform on political issues rather than street demonstrations. They stress they stand ready [...]
2008-05-14 18:48:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS660BP EYES EXPANSION DEAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: BP hopes to sign an agreement for a major expansion of the Petromonagas extra heavy oil joint venture in the Faja this summer. Despite its optimism, it expects the BRV to postpone the auction of Faja blocks due to a lack of interest on the part of transnational oil companies. PDV [...]
2008-05-14 20:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG EPET EINV VE
08CARACAS670PORTUGAL PM SOCRATES WINS PLEDGE OF 30,000 BPD
[...] (C) Summary: Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates won pledges of 30,000 barrels of oil per day from Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez while on a May 13-15 state visit to the Bolivarian Republic. Portugal will pay for the oil, estimated by Chavez as having an annual value of USD 1 billion, [...]
2008-05-15 21:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ENGR EINV ECON PO VE
08CARACAS677CHAVEZ PREPARES TO (S)ELECT STATE/LOCAL CANDIDATES
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez' new United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) will hold internal party elections in early June to help determine the PSUV's candidates for 22 gubernatorial and over 300 mayoral races slated for November. While Chavez and PSUV leaders are heralding these "prima [...]
2008-05-16 16:06:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM VE
08CARACAS679RCTV INTERNATIONAL EXECS OPTIMISTIC BUT NETWORK
[...] (C) Summary. Executives at Radio Caracas Television International (RCTVI),previously RCTV, claim the company has positioned itself as a viable cable network. However, they also noted difficulties in attracting corporate sponsors, partly due to fear of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) [...]
2008-05-16 20:27:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS68VENEZUELA'S ECONOMY IN 2008: A DIFFICULT YEAR AS
[...] (C) Summary: 2008 is likely to be a difficult year for Venezuela economically due to continued inflation, shortages, and policy-induced distortions. Nonetheless, the BRV's relatively strong external and fiscal positions, buoyed by record crude prices, should allow it to weather these problem [...]
2008-01-17 20:26:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET EINV PGOV VE
08CARACAS680BRV LASHES OUT FOLLOWING INTERPOL REPORT
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) didn't waste any time in beginning its efforts to try to discredit Interpol and the contents of the defunct FARC commander's hard drives. On the morning of the May 15 Interpol report, Defense Minister Gustavo Rangel Briceno called the FA [...]
2008-05-19 13:22:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS683VENEZUELA: TITLE III OF LIBERTAD ACT
[...] (C) In response to Reftel A, Post sees no evidence that the BRV has undertaken policies or actions to advance democracy, human rights, or fundamental freedoms in Cuba over the past year. On the contrary, President Hugo Chavez is Fidel Castro's closest ally, provides substantial resources to [...]
2008-05-19 21:06:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALETRD ETTC PREL CU VE
08CARACAS684FM MADURO PROTESTS FIR VIOLATION; CONVOKES
[...] (C) Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro and Defense Minister Gustavo Rangel Briceno held a May 19 press conference to protest the violation of Venezuelan Air Space by an American military plane in the vicinity of Orchila Island and to denounce what the BRV perceived to be Colombian government "pro [...]
2008-05-19 21:10:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV SNAR VE
08CARACAS686BRV ACCUSES COLOMBIAN ARMY OF INCURSION
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) alleges that Colombian soldiers crossed into the southwestern Venezuelan border state of Apure on May 16. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) reportedly filed a formal protest calling for an immediate stop to these "violations of inter [...]
2008-05-19 22:21:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER CO VE
08CARACAS690BOLIVARIZING THE FOREIGN MINISTRY
[...] (C) Summary: The politicization of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuelan (BRV) Foreign Ministry is nearly complete. Only fifteen of ninety-seven ambassadorships at Venezuelan Embassies are currently filled by career professionals, according to a local media study. Foreign Minister Maduro an [...]
2008-05-20 18:34:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS695AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH FM MADURO -- FARC AND
[...] (C) Summary. The Ambassador met May 20 with Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro ostensibly to receive a protest note involving an accidental overflight of Venezuela by a U.S. navy aircraft. Instead, most of the meeting focused on U.S. concerns over revelations of Venezuelan ties with the FARC and [...]
2008-05-21 16:05:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER SNAR VE
08CARACAS702CHACIN DEFENDS CHAVEZ FROM FARC LINKS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela's (BRV) Minister of Justice Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, during a May 20 interview, sought to protect President Hugo Chavez from incriminating computer files linking him with the FARC. Chacin announced Chavez "had no direct relation" with the FARC [...]
2008-05-22 15:46:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER CO VE
08CARACAS703BRV SLAPS NAS-FUNDED NGO AFTER AMBASSADOR ATTENDS
[...] (C) Summary: The BRV stripped NGO Prevencion Alternativa of the requisite certification to work in the area of demand reduction after the Ambassador attended a May 17 ceremony to honor participants in a series of NAS-funded workshops in the economically depressed neighborhood of Petare. In hi [...]
2008-05-22 17:10:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALSNAR PGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS706ANTISEMITISM IN VENEZUELA: BRIEF RESPITE,
[...] (C) Summary. Leaders of the Confederation of Israelite Associations of Venezuela (CAIV) told Poloffs May 20 that government pressure on the Jewish community has declined so far in 2008. They believe that after the December 2007 raid on the Caracas Hebrew Center by the Venezuelan special pol [...]
2008-05-22 20:29:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KIRF VE
08CARACAS708UPDATE ON CONOCOPHILLIPS NEGOTIATIONS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: ConocoPhillips (CP) continues to be optimistic on the state of negotiations on compensation for its expropriated assets in Venezuela. CP executives presented senior BRV and Citgo officials with CP's valuations of three Citgo refineries. In the event of an asset swap, CP hopes to [...]
2008-05-23 14:09:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS716DANCING DEVILS AID CAPRILES DURING ATTACK BY
[...] (C) Summary. Chavistas attacked Baruta Mayor Henrique Capriles Radonski May 22 as he attempted to participate in Corpus Christi Day activities in Yare, Miranda state. Capriles was harassed by Glen Rivas, an ardent Chavista and president of the Miranda state assembly, and told to depart Yare. [...]
2008-05-23 21:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM VE
08CARACAS717BRV POSITIVE ON SOUTH AMERICAN SECURITY COUNCIL
[...] (C) In response to Reftel query, post assesses that the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) publicly supports any South American multi-lateral organization that excludes the United States and advances Chavez' vision of Latin American integration. President Chavez and other senior BRV offic [...]
2008-05-23 22:13:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALMOPS PGOV PHUM PINR PTER
08CARACAS73JUDGE DENIES AMNESTY MOTION IN SIMONOVIS CASE, 11
[...] (C) Summary. The judge in the case against former police commissioners Simonovis, Vivas, and Forero and eight other police officers denied January 16 a motion to dismiss charges under President Chavez's December 31 amnesty decree. The ex-commissioners are accused of ordering Caracas police o [...]
2008-01-18 23:06:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV VE
08CARACAS731CHAVEZ REITERATES INTENTION TO RUN AGAIN
[...] (C) Summary. President Chavez and his close confidant Miranda State Governor Diosdado Cabello publicly and unambiguously declared recently that the Venezuelan president intends to run for a third term in 2012. Chavez will still need to alter the 1999 Constitution's two-term limit, one of the [...]
2008-05-28 20:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM VE
08CARACAS751INFORMATION MINISTER OFFERS RESIGNATION AFTER
[...] (C) Summary. Andres Izarra, BRV Information Minister, offered to resign May 28 following a startling announcement by the ministry that the BRV would begin to impose fees on the retransmission of state-owned Venezolana de Television's (VTV) signal. Izarra claimed responsibility for the ill- [...]
2008-05-30 21:13:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS752RCTV CLOSURE - ONE YEAR ON
[...] (C) May 28, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of the revocation of Radio Caracas Television's (RCTV) free-to-air broadcast license by the BRV, which sparked student activism throughout Venezuela. RCTV staff and student groups organized a peaceful protest march through Caracas. Five stud [...]
2008-05-30 21:27:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS758CHAVEZ LOYALISTS WIN PSUV "PRIMARY"
[...] (C) Summary. Chavez loyalists dominated the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV's) June 1 intra-party elections for the nominations in the November state and local races. Per the party's rules, the PSUV party leadership will decide who the party's nominees are in races where there was [...]
2008-06-02 22:10:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM VE
08CARACAS767CHAVEZ INTELLIGENCE DECREE ENGENDERS STRONG
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On May 28, President Hugo Chavez, using powers to independently promulgate statutes, decreed the Law of Intelligence and Counter-Intelligence into effect. The new law would replace the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DIM) and the Directorate for the Services of Intelligence [...]
2008-06-03 22:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR VE
08CARACAS769VENEZUELA'S ECONOMIC GROWTH SLOWS IN FIRST QUARTER
[...] (C) Summary: Central Bank figures for the first quarter of 2008 show that Venezuela's economy is continuing to grow, but at a slower rate. First quarter growth was 4.8 percent in 2008, a marked decrease from the 8.8 percent registered in the first quarter of 2007. While the Central Bank lau [...]
2008-06-04 13:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EINV ETRD VE
08CARACAS771MFA OFFICIALS 'PLEASED' WITH 2008 TIP DESIGNATION
[...] (C) PolCouns and PolOff met with MFA Director for North America and Multilateral Affairs Yaneth Arocha and U.S. Desk Officer Marie Borregales to deliver a courtesy copy of Venezuela's country narrative in the 2008 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report and to inform them of their change in status [...]
2008-06-04 15:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KCRM SMIG VE
08CARACAS776SLOWLY SINKING: ARMADA SOCIALISTA I-2008
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Venezuelan Navy (Armada) released broad details regarding "Armada Socialista I-2008", a series of military exercises and civic action programs involving the Navy, Territorial Guard (GT),Army and Air Force (FAV) during the month of June. The highlight will be the first firi [...]
2008-06-04 19:30:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV MCAP VE
08CARACAS789PSUV ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES IN CONTESTED
[...] (SBU) President Chavez's United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) announced June 5 its nominees for eight gubernatorial and eight mayoral races that failed to produce clear winners in its primary elections. Per party regulations, the PSUV party leadership selects the party's nominee in cont [...]
2008-06-06 13:50:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM VE
08CARACAS79REP. DELAHUNT MEETS WITH CHAVEZ AND DEPUTIES
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Representative William Delahunt met separately with President Chavez, National Assembly Deputies, and opposition mayor Leopoldo Lopez on January 18. He also met separately with the families of three Colombian FARC hostages. During his private meeting with President Chavez, Delah [...]
2008-01-23 12:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM VE
08CARACAS802FARC ADOPTS BOLIVARIAN RHETORIC
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) appears to be incorporating "Bolivarian" rhetoric in Venezuela. The Embassy obtained a copy of the 2007 FARC manifesto (also available on the internet) from a contact who said it was being distributed in a government-run school in [...]
2008-06-06 19:54:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER SNAR CO VE
08CARACAS809CHAVEZ URGES FARC TO RELEASE HOSTAGES, LAY DOWN
[...] (SBU) President Chavez called on the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to release all hostages and end its armed struggle against the government of Colombia. Chavez's remarks are a dramatic shift in his public statements towards the FARC given that the Venezuelan president recently [...]
2008-06-09 19:18:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER SNAR CO VE
08CARACAS810CHAVEZ BACKTRACKS ON SNITCH LAW
[...] (SBU) In response to widespread and growing domestic and international criticism, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced on June 7 that the new Law of Intelligence and Counterintelligence would be revised. In a speech to members of his party, the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV [...]
2008-06-09 19:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR VE
08CARACAS812OPPOSITION ORGANIZES PEACEFUL DEMONSTRATION TO
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. On June 7 the opposition led a peaceful protest to the Comptroller's Office to protest the administrative ruling making 400 public officials ineligible to run for office. The Venezuelan Constitution, however, stipulates that a person can only be barred from running for public o [...]
2008-06-09 22:11:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS822VENEZUELA'S NOT SO FRIENDLY SKIES
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On June 3, Embassy officials met with Venezuela's civil aviation authority (INAC) for the first time since February 2007 to discuss TSA visits as well several other aviation issues (ref A). The meeting may have been prompted by former INAC President Yoffreda, who is rumored to be [...]
2008-06-11 11:20:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE
08CARACAS838CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES NEW ECONOMIC MEASURES: MUCH ADO,
[...] (C) Summary: President Chavez announced on June 11 a series of economic measures to stimulate domestic production and reduce inflationary pressures. Calling for a national productive alliance, Chavez detailed measures including creation of a USD 1 billion government controlled fund to inves [...]
2008-06-12 23:00:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PGOV VE
08CARACAS840PSUV GOVERNOR STRIPPED OF TITLE AND DECLARED
[...] (SBU) The Supreme Court (TSJ) opened an investigation into corruption charges against Yaracuy Governor Carlos Gutierrez in late May and subsequently stripped him of his charge. The TSJ also declared the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) governor ineligible to run for re-election in th [...]
2008-06-13 13:30:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL VE
08CARACAS844CORRECTED COPY: CHAVEZ ANNOUNCES NEW ECONOMIC
[...] (U) This cable is a corrected copy of CARACAS 838, with a pass line to USDA added. 2. (C) Summary: President Chavez announced on June 11 a series of economic measures to stimulate domestic production and reduce inflationary pressures. Calling for a national productive alliance, Chavez d [...]
2008-06-13 16:41:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EAGR PGOV VE
08CARACAS85BADUEL MAKES THE ROUNDS
[...] (C) Summary. Former Defense Minister Raul Isaias Baduel continues to make public appearances in the wake of his support for the successful "No" campaign in the December 2007 constitutional referendum. He recently told PolCouns that he believes a change of leadership is needed in Venezuela to [...]
2008-01-23 21:46:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS856STUDENTS MARCH IN SUPPORT OF BLACKLISTED BY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Student leaders and opposition-oriented citizen groups led a small demonstration to the headquarters of the Organization of American States (OAS) on June 13 to protest the Comptroller's administrative ruling making 400 persons ineligible to run for office in the November gubernato [...]
2008-06-16 21:51:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS86BRV CONSUMED WITH NORMALIZING VENEZUELAN FOOD
[...] (C) Summary: During January 21 - 22, a somewhat manic Chavez announced a laundry list of agricultural and food distribution "reforms," including increasing the controlled price of milk, closing the Colombian border to food smugglers, threatening to expropriate land and facilities from milk pro [...]
2008-01-23 22:30:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV EAGR VE
08CARACAS862VENEZUELAN INSPECTOR REPORTS CONCERNS WITH
[...] (C) Summary: On June 10 an Air Accident Inspector (strictly protect throughout) from the Ministry of Popular Power for Infrastructure (Minfra) told Econ staff that in her opinion Venezuela has no intention of allowing TSA inspections. She noted drug trafficking represents a serious threat to [...]
2008-06-17 19:49:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAIR ECON PGOV MARR VE ASEC
08CARACAS870TERRORISM FINANCE: NOTIFICATION OF U.S. DOMESTIC
[...] (C) As requested, Charge d'Affaires (CDA) delivered information in paragraphs four and six of reftel and copies of the Treasury Department Press notice to representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). 2. (C) MFA officials declined to schedule a meeting for June 18. Instead CDA [...]
2008-06-19 19:41:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALKTFN PTER PINR EFIN PREL VE LE
08CARACAS892LAW ENFORCEMENT ATTACHES OUTLINE LACK OF
[...] (C) SUMMARY. European and international police attaches told Legal Attache (Legat) that efforts to work with their Venezuelan counterparts to combat corruption and stem the flow of drugs through Venezuela have been largely unsuccessful. The law enforcement attaches and liaison officers cited [...]
2008-06-26 16:52:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SNAR VE
08CARACAS912PDVSA'S MARKETING MESS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: PDVSA is not shipping asphalt and other products to the U.S., a violation of a supply contract with Nustar Refining. PDVSA has been having problems placing its Monagas 18 crude due to its composition. PDVSA is still facing a myriad of problems at its refineries and continues to [...]
2008-06-30 21:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS921HARVEST FINALLY BEGINS TO REAP WHAT IT HAS SOWN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: After spending months in legal limbo, U.S. oil company Harvest has received all of its dividends through 2007 from its joint venture company Petrodelta. Harvest's drilling program has been highly successful and it has worked out a system whereby Petrodelta can secure material and [...]
2008-07-02 19:07:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEPET ENRG EINV ECON VE
08CARACAS930STRUCTURED NOTES REDUX: NEW RESOLUTION ROILS
[...] (C) Summary: A Ministry of Finance (MoF) resolution ordering Venezuelan banks to divest themselves of "structured notes" issued by foreign investment banks has roiled the local banking sector. Local banks hold an estimated USD 5 billion worth of these instruments, which are bolivar-denomina [...]
2008-07-03 22:12:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEFIN VE
08CARACAS931GENERAL DISCONTENT AROUND THE HOUSE
[...] (SBU) According to local media, following his testimony on the morning of July 1 before the Venezuelan Supreme Court (TSJ) at which he requested the court to prohibit the Chavista slogan "Fatherland, Socialism or Death!" stricken from military drill and ceremony, Brigadier General (BG) Angel [...]
2008-07-03 22:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALMARR PGOV VE
08CARACAS942VENEZUELA'S CODEX COMMITTEE ATTEMPTS A COMEBACK
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) may attempt to revive its currently moribund interministerial Codex committee, and recall its former director. Reviving Venezuela's Codex committee will not be easy, because of the very problems that led to its demise a few years ago. [...]
2008-07-07 20:18:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON ETRD PGOV VE
08CARACAS945CHAVEZ PUBLICLY STATES INTEREST IN DRUG COOPERATION
[...] (C) Summary. On the margins of Venezuela's July 5 Independence Day military parade, President Chavez told the Ambassador that he is interested in renewing bilateral counternarcotics cooperation with the USG. Both Chavez and Foreign Minister Maduro also sought out the Ambassador among the di [...]
2008-07-08 16:19:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALSNAR PREL PGOV CO VE
08CARACAS948VENEZUELAN PRIESTS OPEN "CHURCH OF CHAVEZ"
[...] (C) The Reformist Catholic Church of Venezuela announced its formation on June 26. Comprising former Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican priests, the Reformists are based in the small town of Ciudad Ojeda in Zulia State. The Reformist Church, which numbers around 2,000 parishioners according to [...]
2008-07-08 20:26:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM VE
08CARACAS949STUDENTS UNITE AROUND INELIGIBLE CANDIDATES
[...] (C) SUMMARY. In recent weeks the student movement has taken up the cause of the ineligible candidates ("inhabilitados") in an effort to garner increased national and international attention to the issue. The move has also helped re-energize the disjointed student movement whose leaders have [...]
2008-07-09 14:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS958MEDIA SKEPTICS SCOFF AT CHAVEZ' COMMENTS ABOUT
[...] C) SUMMARY Major local media outlets gave prominent attention to President Chavez' remarks calling for greater counternarcotics cooperation between the United States and Venezuela. Three major newspapers ran editorial/analysis pieces on July 8th expressing a degree of skepticism with Chavez' [...]
2008-07-10 17:26:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV VE
08CARACAS968VENEZUELA'S CODEX COMMITTEE ATTEMPTS A COMEBACK
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (BRV) may attempt to revive its currently moribund interministerial Codex committee, and recall its former director. Reviving Venezuela's Codex committee will not be easy, because of the very problems that led to its demise a few years ago. [...]
2008-07-14 11:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON ETRD PGOV VE
08CARACAS969SPECIAL ENVOY RICKMAN VISIT TO VENEZUELA
[...] (C) Summary: Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Gregg Rickman and special assistant Karen Paikin visited Venezuela June 29 - July 1. Catholic Church leaders, academics, Israeli Ambassador to Venezuela Shlomo Cohen, and a Venezuelan Ministry of the Interior's Office of Religion [...]
2008-07-14 14:37:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KIRF VE
08CARACAS97OPPOSITION SIGNS UNITY PACT -- FOR NOW
[...] (C) Summary. Nine opposition parties publicly pledged January 23 to field "unity" candidates against pro-government candidates in the late 2008 gubernatorial and mayoral elections. Opposition leaders tell us that they are confident that their parties can work together to pool -- and not divi [...]
2008-01-25 15:57:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM VE
08CARACAS986CHAVEZ AND URIBE'S UNEASY SUMMIT, A CARACAS READOUT
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Hugo Chavez met Colombian President Alvaro Uribe July 11 in the western Venezuelan city of Punto Fijo and announced that both countries were "ready to relaunch bilateral relations." However, in less than 48 hours Chavez took umbrage over comments by Colombian Defense [...]
2008-07-17 15:32:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL CO VE
08CARACAS987RESPONDING TO CHAVEZ' EFFORT TO RENEW COUNTER-DRUG
[...] (C) On the margins of the July 5 Venezuelan Independence Day parade, President Chavez told the Ambassador, in front of the diplomatic corps and state media, that he wanted to renew counternarcotics cooperation with the USG (Reftel). Chavez' overture, reiterated in a Ministry of Communications [...]
2008-07-17 18:15:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CARACAS989SUPREME COURT LEAK QUESTIONS BRV DISQUALIFICATION
[...] (C) Summary. A draft ruling by Supreme Court (TSJ) Justice Pedro Rondon Haaz calls the disqualification of close to 300 candidates for Venezuela's gubernatorial and mayoral elections by Comptroller General Clodosbaldo Russian unconstitutional. TSJ President Luisa Estella Morales told the lo [...]
2008-07-17 21:42:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM VE
08CARACAS991GENERAL MOTORS HALTING PRODUCTION IN VENEZUELA
[...] No summary [...]
2008-07-18 15:56:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EINV ETRD EIND PGOV VE
08CARACAS995STUDENT SHOOTING DEATH SPARKS WEEK-LONG PROTESTS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Students in several cities organized small, week-long demonstrations to protest the shooting death of University of the Andes (ULA) student Douglas Rojas Jimenez on July 9. Witnesses allege that a police officer fatally shot Rojas in the head during a student march in the univer [...]
2008-07-18 18:45:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SCUL VE
08CARACAS997PSUV TAKES UP FIGHT TO EXTEND CHAVEZ' RULE
[...] (SBU) Freddy Bernal, United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) national directorate member, announced plans during a July 17 broadcast of BRV news magazine "Al Momento," to work to make Hugo Chavez eligible for re-election in 2012/2013. (President Chavez is constitutionally prohibited from se [...]
2008-07-18 21:46:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV VE
08CARACAS998NEW BANKING SUPERINTENDENT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT HEALTH
[...] (C) Summary: Newly appointed Superintendent of Banks Maria Elena Fumero (strictly protect throughout) told Ecouncouns she believes the financial sector is generally in good shape. The structured notes (reftel) were problematic, she said, but did not represent a systemic threat to the sector [...]
2008-07-18 23:01:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN KTFN VE
08CARACAS999BRV BLOWS HOT AND COLD ON A/S SHANNON AND
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Foreign Minister Nicholas Maduro responded quickly and indignantly to WHA A/S Shannon's July 17 testimony before the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommittee. Maduro declared the "imperial U.S. system" an "anachronism" and announced that Venezuelan drug seizures [...]
2008-07-18 23:02:00Embassy CaracasCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL VE
08CASABLANCA104SOURCES OF WEALTH IN CASABLANCA - INTERNAL, EXTERNAL, ILLICIT
[...] (SBU) Summary: In Casablanca, Morocco's largest city and economic capital, prosperity is increasingly on display, raising the question of where it comes from. Family money, the banking and real estate sectors, and a strong-performing stock market account for some wealth. Remittances from Moroccans [...]
2008-05-23 16:42:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EINV KDEM MO
08CASABLANCA200THE JEWS OF CASABLANCA
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Morocco is the only Arab country that promotes and protects its indigenous Jewish minority while fostering ties with the state of Israel and with Israeli citizens of Moroccan descent. Notwithstanding the unwavering support of King Mohammed VI, the Jewish community of Morocco con [...]
2008-10-23 17:15:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALKIRF MO PHUM PGOV PREL
08CASABLANCA207MOROCCO AND ALGERIA'S QUIET ECONOMIC RAPPROCHEMENT
[...] (C) Despite their closed land border, the Moroccan and Algerian economies have become increasingly interconnected in sectors ranging from energy to banking. Revenues for General Electric (GE) Morocco total 250 million USD per year in Algeria; the CEO of the National Office of Phosphates (OCP) [...]
2008-11-04 07:28:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALAG ECIN ECON ENRG MO PGOV PREL
08CASABLANCA210MOROCCAN EFFORTS TO COUNTER ISLAMIC EXTREMISM: THE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: A controversial fatwa, or religious opinion, by a Gulf-sponsored Imam was the trigger, or perhaps excuse, for the Government of Morocco (GOM) to crack down on independent, fundamentalist Islamic institutions. In late September a well-known Moroccan salafist, Sheikh Mohammed Al Ma [...]
2008-11-05 15:55:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KISL KOCI KWMN PREL MO
08CASABLANCA213POLITICAL THEATER ENERGIZES THE BASE OF MOROCCO'S
[...] (U) SUMMARY: The Casablanca regional congress of the Islamist Party for Justice and Development (PJD) illustrated why the PJD is the best organized and most popular political party in Morocco and the largest opposition in Parliament. On November 1st, the party employed both populist and Islami [...]
2008-11-10 08:54:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KISL PTER MO
08CASABLANCA28NUMBER OF IRAQI REFUGEES IN MOROCCO GROWING
[...] (SBU) During a January 29 meeting, UNHCR Chief of Mission Johannes Van Der Klaauw told poloff that nearly fifteen percent of UNHCR's recognized refugees in Morocco are Iraqi. Van Der Klaauw said the Iraqis began to arrive in significant numbers in early 2007. So far, he said, he has register [...]
2008-02-05 12:40:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALMO PGOV PINR PREL PHUM PREF
08CASABLANCA285CASABLANCANS REACT TO GAZA TROUBLES
[...] (SBU) Summary: While many Casablancans have been thinking of little but Morocco's plight in soccer's Africa Cup Playoffs, others have been preoccupied with raising their voices about recent events in Gaza. Over the past week, three organizations organized progressively larger protests in oppo [...]
2008-01-31 09:00:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SOCI MO
08CASABLANCA33DEMARCHE DELIVERED:UN.GIFT AND VIENNA FORUM TO HUMAN
[...] (C) On February 11, poloff discussed the UN.GIFT and Vienna Forum to Human Trafficking (reftel) with MFA Director of Consular and Social Affairs Ambassador Jaouad El Himid and encouraged Moroccan participation in the Forum. 2. (C) El Himdi informed poloff that a Moroccan delegation would be [...]
2008-02-14 13:59:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF SMIG KCRM KWMN MO
08CASABLANCA35MOROCCANS STRIKE OVER RISING FOOD COSTS
[...] (SBU) Summary: In recent weeks, Morocco has been hit by a number of national strikes protesting rising costs and other issues and it appears there may be more strikes on the horizon. The GOM, in an early attempt to preempt a national general strike, commenced talks with trade union represen [...]
2008-02-21 14:21:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB ECON ETRD MO
08CASABLANCA38DISMANTLED TERRORIST NETWORK ILLICITS SHOCK, BUT NOT
[...] (C) Summary: Casablancans reacted to the news of the discovery of an extensive terrorist network in Morocco with shock, but not surprise. Casablancans were stunned that seemingly ordinary professionals were involved, and that large weapons caches were found. At the same time, volatile events [...]
2008-02-25 16:48:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPTER PINS PGOV KDEM MO
08CASABLANCA71CLANDESTINE MIGRANTS FACE GROWING ASSAULTS
[...] (C) Summary: In recent weeks, assaults have plagued the sub-Saharan community in Rabat. In one case, according to reports, a Nigerian clandestine migrant resisted arrest during a periodic roundup and was severely beaten before being taken into custody. As a result of the beating, the migrant [...]
2008-04-10 15:10:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PINR PREL PREF SMIG MO
08CASABLANCA81MOROCCAN ROYAL FAMILY HOLDING ONA FIRES CEO
[...] (SBU) Summary: Morocco's largest conglomerate, the palace-controlled ONA, dismissed its CEO on April 11, charging that he mismanaged Wana, the company's telecommunications subsidiary. The abrupt nature of the dismissal has been the talk of Casablanca business circles for the past week, and has refo [...]
2008-04-24 11:06:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN KDEM MO
08CASABLANCA86CASABLANCA FIRE MAKES SAFETY STANDARDS A BURNING ISSUE
[...] (SBU) Summary: On April 26, fire erupted in a mattress factory in Casablanca, killing 58 of the 100 workers trapped inside. While the factory owner violated numerous safety regulations and will be prosecuted for his role in the tragedy, citizens also blame government authorities for failing to [...]
2008-04-30 17:02:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALECON ELAB KDEM PHUM MO
08CASABLANCA93STRIKES ON THE HORIZON DESPITE GOM OFFER
[...] (SBU) Summary: Following a surprisingly weak turnout on what many though would be well attended May Day celebrations, Prime Minister Abbas El Fassi announced that he would implement his offer to increase monthly minimum wage, lower some income taxes and increase other social benefits. In resp [...]
2008-05-07 12:54:00Consulate CasablancaCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB ECON ETRD MO
08CHENGDU122POST-QUAKE SICHUAN: A MANUFACTURER LEAVES FOR THE COAST?
[...] (C) Summary: According to a well-connected local businessman, the famed Dongfang Electric Machinery Company based in Deyang, Sichuan Province, which sells billions of dollars in power generation equipment worldwide including to Iran and Pakistan, may move its hydroelectric power operations to [...]
2008-06-04 04:00:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALECON EIND PGOV CH
08CHENGDU156CHINA HIV/AIDS ACTIVIST KEEPS UP THE FIGHT
[...] (C) Summary: Internationally-recognized HIV/AIDS campaigner Dr. Gao Yaojie discussed with Congenoff during a recent visit to Chengdu her ongoing work and the upcoming publication in Hong Kong of her politically-charged memoirs. She expects to travel through Guangdong and Hong Kong on her way [...]
2008-07-18 02:36:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KHIV CH
08CHENGDU157CHINA HIV/AIDS ACTIVIST KEEPS UP THE FIGHT
[...] (C) Summary: Internationally-recognized HIV/AIDS campaigner Dr. Gao Yaojie discussed with Congenoff during a recent visit to Chengdu her ongoing work and the upcoming publication in Hong Kong of her politically-charged memoirs. She expects to travel through Guangdong and Hong Kong on her way [...]
2008-07-18 02:38:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KHIV CH
08CHENGDU158CHENGDU TRANSPORTATION EXPERT CRITICAL OF NEW INFRASTRUCTURE
[...] (C) Summary: According to a former long-time transportation advisor to Chengdu party secretaries, it is highly unlikely the city will be able to recoup the costs of either a new light rail line to Dujiangyan, still scheduled to begin construction in late 2008 despite the recent earthquake, or [...]
2008-07-18 02:54:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALECON ELTN PGOV CH
08CHENGDU17EAP DAS CHRISTENSEN VISIT TO CHENGDU: LOCAL SCHOLAR ON
[...] (C) Summary: During a recent meeting in Chengdu with EAP DAS Christensen, noted Sichuan-Tibetan scholar Tsering Dhudrup frankly shared his concerns on the economic and political challenges faced by ethnic Tibetans in China. He complained that assistance funds directed by the central government [...]
2008-02-11 01:59:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM SOCI CH
08CHENGDU171KUNMING BOMBINGS: SOME LOCAL PERSPECTIVES
[...] (C) Summary: Following the July 21 bombing of two buses in Southwest China's Yunnan provincial capital of Kunming, security forces remain on alert with a noticeable stepped up presence in some downtown areas. Speculation in the city appears still focused, although not exclusively, on alleged [...]
2008-08-01 08:20:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER PHUM ASEC CH
08CHENGDU183LHASA SECURITY: INTIMIDATING TIBETANS, REASSURING HANS
[...] (C) Summary: Omnipresent People's Armed Police (PAP) patrols in Lhasa brandishing automatic weapons appear to serve the dual purpose of intimidating ethnic Tibetans while reassuring ethnic Han Chinese residents. Some Tibetans note the current heavy security presence in Lhasa was hidden during [...]
2008-09-05 02:01:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CH
08CHENGDU184LHASA MONKS DESCRIBE CURRENT RELIGIOUS CLIMATE
[...] (C) Summary: According to Buddhist monks and Tibetans at religious centers in Lhasa visited by ConGenOff in late August, many monks remain in detention, and security officials continue to monitor closely and restrict the activities of monasteries. The 150 monks of the Jokhang Temple, Tibetan B [...]
2008-09-05 09:28:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV CH
08CHENGDU188LHASA: CONVERSATIONS WITH TAR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS
[...] (C) Summary: In a week of meetings with Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) foreign affairs, religion, health, education, and tourism officials, ConGenOffs' interlocutors generally responded readily to questions but at times showed considerable unease. TAR officials apparently believe that the March [...]
2008-09-10 07:09:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KHIV SOCI CH
08CHENGDU189LHASA: FEAR CURTAILS VISITS TO TIBETAN HOMES
[...] (C) During ConGenOff's August 25-30 visit to Lhasa (see refs),an ethnic Tibetan man invited ConGenOff to visit his home several blocks from the Johkang Temple. The man told ConGenOff in his apartment that constant patrols by People's Armed Police armed with machine guns make people feel they [...]
2008-09-10 07:27:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV CH
08CHENGDU197WITH MONKS IN SHANGRI-LA
[...] (C) Summary: Monks at the Ganden Sumtsen Ling Monastery in Shangri-la County, Yunnan Province, told ConGenOff August 18 that monks from their monastery studying in the Tibetan Autonomous Region were all sent back to Yunnan after March 2008. Despite PRC compulsory education regulations that st [...]
2008-09-19 06:46:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV CH
08CHENGDU2HENAN AIDS CAMPAIGNER GAO YAOJIE'S MEMOIRS SET FOR EARLY
[...] (C) Summary: Dr. Gao Yaojie's youngest sister discussed her two week stay with her sister in Zhengzhou, Henan Province. Gao is closely monitored and her family members regularly pressured. Gao's next two books -- on AIDS in Henan and her memoirs -- may tempt the authorities to deal more h [...]
2008-01-03 09:02:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPHUM KHIV SOCI CH
08CHENGDU238NORTHWEST YUNNAN'S DIQING PREFECTURE: SNAPSHOT OF A QUIETER
[...] (C) Summary: Northwest Yunnan's Tibetan Diqing Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) has been the calmest of all the ethnic Tibetan areas in China during 2008, likely due to a large presence of Han and other minorities (Tibetans only make up about a third of the population),the influence of its ethnic [...]
2008-10-24 05:56:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM ECON SOCI CH
08CHENGDU247SENIOR TIBETAN MONK ON SECURITY SITUATION IN WESTERN
[...] (C) Summary: During the recent visit to Chengdu of G Special Assistant/Office of the Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues/Jeannette Windon, a senior monk from the Yachen Gar Monastery in western Sichuan's Ganzi Prefecture discussed China's widespread security clampdown in Tibetan areas (in [...]
2008-10-29 02:16:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CH
08CHENGDU249SOUTHWEST CHINA: CONVERSATIONS WITH LOCAL COMMUNIST PARTY
[...] (C) Summary: During recent discussions with ConGenOff in the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu, several Communist Party members shared their frustrations about local Party organizations. The head of a state enterprise complained of the emptiness of the Party's concept of "democracy" and t [...]
2008-10-29 06:41:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV CH
08CHENGDU251CHENGDU LEADERSHIP PORTRAITS AND THE PERILS OF POOR TIMING
[...] (C) Summary: On the margins of several high-level events held in the Sichuan provincial capital of Chengdu during late October, contacts shared their views about local political leaders and how their careers are developing. There was wide consensus that Chengdu Party Secretary Li Chuncheng's [...]
2008-10-31 09:09:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR CH
08CHENGDU275SOUTHWEST CHINA: MIGRANT LABOR, DIALECTICS, AND LIES
[...] (C) Summary: An excursion arranged by an influential Southwest China businessman for some of his employees that ConGenOff was invited to join provided a rare opportunity for informal exchanges on challenges faced in a relatively underdeveloped part of eastern Sichuan Province. Many of the ar [...]
2008-12-03 01:24:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB CH
08CHENGDU287SOUTHEAST TIBET: ETHNIC HAN TOWNSHIP FLOURISHES ON
[...] (C) Summary: Massive government subsidies and military infrastructure improvements have doubled the size of Bayi Township (80 percent ethnic Han) in the southeast of China's Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) over the past decade. Large contributions on infrastructure and in kind "Help Tibet Ca [...]
2008-12-15 09:58:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV ECON PHUM CH
08CHENGDU288SOUTHEAST TIBET: TRAVELING WITH THE PARTY'S MINDERS
[...] (C) Summary: A week spent in the Bayi capital of Linzhi Prefecture in China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with local authorities and "Help Tibet Cadres" yielded a number of insights on prevailing attitudes about government policies in the region and the personalities involved. The array of [...]
2008-12-16 01:02:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR CH
08CHENGDU289SOUTHEAST TIBET: ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL OVERVIEW
[...] (C) Summary: According to Linzhi Prefecture officials in the southeast of China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),ninety percent of local government expenditures are subsidized by the central government as well as the provincial governments of Fujian and Guangdong. A major source of income fo [...]
2008-12-16 01:40:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV SOCI CH
08CHENGDU30SOUTHWEST CHINA -- THE SATELLITES ARE HIGH AND THE EMPEROR
[...] (C) Summary: Satellite television ties rural Chinese to urban culture and brings unjammed foreign broadcasts to a large audience throughout China. Simple satellite receiver dish packages selling for USD 50 bring central Chinese television to rural areas and the world to Chinese cities. To [...]
2008-02-21 09:18:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALSOCI PHUM ECPS KIPR CH
08CHENGDU36SOUTHWEST CHINA -- GUIZHOU SLOWLY RECOVERING FROM STORM
[...] (C) Summary: In the aftermath of what provincial authorities claim was the worst winter storm since 1904, China's poorest province is struggling to deal with the provision of basic necessities to the countryside. Damage to the province's electrical power distribution system was particularly s [...]
2008-02-26 09:37:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV ECON SOCI CH
08CHENGDU39ISLAM ON THE TIBETAN PLATEAU - TWO LOCAL PERSPECTIVES
[...] (C) Summary: According to a Tibetan active in Lhasa's Muslim community who studied Islam in Nepal and Pakistan, the inflow of Muslim businessmen and laborers from other parts of China into traditionally Tibetan areas has sometimes caused tension and "incidents" with local Buddhists, but for ec [...]
2008-03-05 06:24:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM SOCI CH
08CHENGDU42LHASA CONVERSATIONS - WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE THINKING?
[...] (C) Summary: A series of unscripted Consulate encounters in Lhasa, including with a Han teacher from Hebei, a Hui Muslim vendor of pirated DVDs from Gansu, a longtime resident Han barber from Sichuan, a lama recently arrived from Qinghai, university students from Chamdo (eastern Tibet),and B [...]
2008-03-06 09:41:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV ECON SOCI CH
08CHENGDU43TIBET: TOURISM, THE TRAIN, AND MIGRANT LABOR
[...] (C) Summary: Local officials in charge of tourism, railroad, and labor issues in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) claim to be "unsure" how many people from inland China may be resettling in traditional Tibetan areas. In 2007, over four million tourists (mostly from inland China) visited t [...]
2008-03-07 09:33:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV ECON SOCI CH
08CHENGDU52TIP IN SOUTHWEST CHINA IMPROVING? AUTHORITIES SHED LITTLE
[...] (C) Summary: Sichuan and Yunnan authorities insist that effective law enforcement, education campaigns, and victim assistance programs have dramatically reduced human trafficking in southwest China. But a healthy dose of skepticism seems to be in order. End Summary. 2. (SBU) Accompanied [...]
2008-03-24 03:05:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALELAB ECON PGOV SOCI CH
08CHENGDU55SOUTHWEST CHINA: INSTABILITY AND RESENTMENT IN TIBETAN AREAS
[...] (C) Summary: According to an influential Han Chinese businessman and patron of Buddhism in Chengdu, the Communist Party will likely have to purge many ethnic Tibetans from its ranks as they are sympathetic to the Dalai Lama. A high-ranking Tibetan administrator of a local university where st [...]
2008-03-26 07:29:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV SOCI CH
08CHENGDU56SOUTHWEST CHINA: "PATRIOTIC EDUCATION" FOR TIBETANS --
[...] (C) Summary: Well prior to the recent outbreak of unrest, a "Patriotic Education Campaign" launched by the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (TAP) in western Sichuan Province following a series of security incidents during the summer of 2007 provoked considerable resentment among the area's [...]
2008-03-27 07:29:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CH
08CHENGDU61SOUTHWEST CHINA: TRYING TO CONTROL FOREIGN NGOS IN A
[...] (C) Summary: While it remains unclear what impact recent unrest in Tibetan areas of China will have on the work of foreign non-governmental organizations operating in the region, according to a limited-distribution government document obtained by the Consulate, Ganzi Prefecture in western Sich [...]
2008-04-02 02:43:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CH
08CHENGDU65GROWING UP A TIBETAN CADRE KID IN CHINA - DIALOGUE WITH HAN
[...] (C) Summary: While not going into detail about recent unrest in western Sichuan and other Tibetan areas, a well-educated son of Communist Party officials shared with Post his experiences as a young ethnic Tibetan studying and working in inland China. An admirer of the banned Tibetan-Chinese w [...]
2008-04-10 05:04:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM SOCI CH
08CHENGDU78TIBETAN ECONOMIC DISCONTENT -- LHASA MERCHANT ON OBSTACLES
[...] (C) Summary: According to a merchant from Lhasa, the overall poor education level of Tibetans, their lack of access to capital, and the "discrimination" they face from Han Chinese make it very hard for Tibetans to succeed in business. The merchant's comments are reflected in a Chinese academi [...]
2008-04-22 07:39:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PHUM CH
08CHENGDU98CHENGDU PETROCHINA PROJECT PROTEST
[...] (C) Summary: Summoned by anonymous text messages, a crowd of 100 or more protestors gathered in Chengdu on May 4 to express their opposition to the construction of a large chemical plant north of the city. The project in question is a USD 5.5 billion joint investment by PetroChina and the Sic [...]
2008-05-08 03:31:00Consulate ChengduCONFIDENTIALPGOV SENV PHUM ECON CH
08CHENNAI110ANDHRA PRADESH "GREYHOUNDS" DOG MAOISTS IN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Police contacts confirmed media reports of a joint counter-insurgency operation involving police units from the Indian states of Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh. 17 Maoists insurgents were killed in a March 18 raid, including at least one important Maoist leader, according to c [...]
2008-03-25 07:19:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALASEC IN PGOV PHUM PTER
08CHENNAI168KARNATAKA'S ELECTIONS: CONGRESS SHOULD WIN, BUT
[...] (SBU) Summary: All Indian political eyes are on the South Indian state of Karnataka as it heads toward legislative assembly elections that begin on May 10 (ref A). A key pre-election poll published by one of South India's leading dailies shows that the Congress Party looks set to win a signi [...]
2008-05-08 10:06:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR KDEM IN
08CHENNAI203ANDHRA PRADESH COP SEES HYDERABAD LINK TO JAIPUR
[...] (C) Summary: One of Andhra Pradesh's top anti-terrorist cops said the trail of evidence in the May 13 Jaipur bombings leads to Hyderabad. The detonators used in Jaipur have been traced to the district adjoining Hyderabad and the shapes of the charges used in Jaipur are similar to the August [...]
2008-06-10 07:54:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALASEC IN KISL PGOV PREL PTER
08CHENNAI213DMK WON'T BREAK WITH CONGRESS BUT WILL URGE SONIA
[...] (C) Summary: Tamil Nadu's DMK party will not abandon Congress in the upcoming national elections according to one of the party's senior strategists and a confidante of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The strategist emphasized the need for the Congress party to project its prime mi [...]
2008-06-18 09:39:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALIN PGOV
08CHENNAI223DMK WON'T BREAK WITH CONGRESS BUT WILL URGE SONIA
[...] (C) Summary: Tamil Nadu's DMK party will not abandon Congress in the upcoming national elections according to one of the party's senior strategists and a confidante of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. The strategist emphasized the need for the Congress party to project its prime mi [...]
2008-06-26 05:06:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALIN PGOV
08CHENNAI342SHADOWY NGO'S TERRORIST TIES WORRY KERALA OBSERVERS
[...] (C) Summary: The National Development Front (NDF),a shadowy, self-described human rights organization is causing alarm in north Kerala. A wide range of interlocutors alleged that the group has connections to the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and a history of violent activ [...]
2008-10-07 08:12:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALASEC KISL PGOV PTER
08CHENNAI398STATE FAILS TO NOTIFY CONSULATE OF SPECIFIC TERRORIST THREAT
[...] (C) Summary: Two contacts casually mentioned to us that the government of Tamil Nadu had recently increased security due to a ""specific threat"" against the Consulate. The Consulate received no advance notification of the threat; we only came to know due to the two informal after-the-fact refer [...]
2008-12-08 07:22:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALASEC KISL PGOV PTER IN
08CHENNAI55POLICE CONTINUE TO INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE TERRORISTS
[...] (C) Summary: Police officials in the South India state of Karnataka arrested two individuals on January 9 who have since made statements suggesting that they are involved in plotting terror attacks in India. At least one of the suspects claimed to have received training at a Lashkar-e-Tayyib [...]
2008-02-14 08:50:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL PGOV KTFN PK BG NP SA IN PINR
08CHENNAI69FORMER IT MINISTER MARAN SAYS INDIA'S RULING COALITION IN TROUBLE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: DMK Member of Parliament Dayanidhi Maran spoke candidly about India's current political scene. He said the upcoming budget will provide clues as to whether the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) expects early elections. Maran was pessimistic about the UPA's electoral pr [...]
2008-02-23 07:38:00Consulate ChennaiCONFIDENTIALIN PGOV PREL
08CHIANGMAI10STAFFDEL YEO FOCUSES ON REFUGEES, IDPS AND BURMESE POLITICAL
[...] (C) In meetings with Staffdel Yeo, some politically active Burmese exile groups requested stronger U.S. sanctions against Burma, claimed to play a significant role in organizing recent protests inside Burma, and asked for U.S. support for a constitution they drafted as an alternative to the Bu [...]
2008-01-14 09:00:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PREF PHUM PGOV SOCI TH BM
08CHIANGMAI110BURMESE ASYLUM SEEKERS FORCIBLY RETURNED; NOT HANDED OVER TO
[...] (C) Though the precise timing of events is still unclear, the Thai Government returned some 70 Burmese asylum seekers from two refugee camps to Burma sometime between the evening of July 16 and the morning of July 17. Thai authorities escorted the group to the Eh Tu Ta camp for internally disp [...]
2008-07-17 11:15:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREF PREL PGOV PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI125THA-BURMA CROP SUBSTITUTION PROPOSAL ADVANCING, SLOWLY
[...] (C) Thai and Burmese officials met in mid-August to explore a Burmese request for Thai assistance in crop substitution and poverty alleviation in drug-producing border areas. While the project reportedly has the backing of the Thai King, progress is slow as the Burmese have yet to meet the Th [...]
2008-08-21 06:26:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL SNAR PHUM PREF TH BM
08CHIANGMAI126PUTTING THE NEW TIP LAW TO ITS FIRST TEST
[...] (C) Criminal proceedings have begun in what Thai NGOs and authorities are highlighting as the first case under the new trafficking in persons (TIP) law passed by the Thai Parliament in December 2007 (Reftel). The two suspects in the case have been charged with selling the sexual services of si [...]
2008-08-25 07:15:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALKCRM KWMN SMIG PHUM TH BM
08CHIANGMAI13LESE MAJESTE, CENSORSHIP OPENLY CRITICIZED AT THAI STUDIES
[...] (C) Despite suspecting they were under the eyes of Thai intelligence officers, Thai students and academics discussed and debated the monarchy and legal prohibitions on lese majeste in an open setting at Thammasat University. Though a taboo topic in Thailand, participants in the bi-annual Thai [...]
2008-01-31 01:50:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR TH
08CHIANGMAI133NORTHERN LABOR UNIONS, STUDENTS AND MEDIA DIVIDED OVER PAD
[...] (SBU) Labor unions in northern Thailand are split, with some supporting the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) and others supporting Prime Minister Samak's government, though the more vocal ones support PAD. Over 1,000 PAD supporters have traveled from the north to Bangkok [...]
2008-09-03 10:08:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ELAB SOCI TH
08CHIANGMAI136ANALYTICAL EXILES FAVOR LIMITED U.S. ENGAGEMENT WITH BURMESE
[...] (C) In a subtle shift, influential Burmese political pundits based in northern Thailand have begun advocating limited U.S. engagement with the Burmese regime over the past few months, likely spurred on by the acceleration of Burma's sham roadmap and the regime's bungled response to Cyclone Nar [...]
2008-09-04 09:05:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI144LOWER NORTH'S TAKE ON NEW GOVERNMENT: NEXT MOVE WILL COME
[...] (C) Consul General discussed Thailand's national political impasse with parliamentarians and governors during a recent trip to two lower north provinces. While all interlocutors, including two opposition MPs, saw new Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat as an improvement over his mercurial predec [...]
2008-09-29 08:38:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR KDEM TH
08CHIANGMAI152PAY-OFF DISPUTE SPARKS MINOR CLASH ON THAI-BURMA BORDER
[...] (C) The October 3 border incursion by the Burmese junta-backed Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA) into Thai territory in Tak Province was a small-scale action sparked by a dispute over farming pay-offs. The action, which involved fewer than a dozen DKBA troops, damaged the house of a Thais [...]
2008-10-08 07:57:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MOPS BM TH
08CHIANGMAI17KARENNI REFUGEE CAMP FEELING SQUEEZED
[...] (C) At the Karenni refugee camp where a violent clash with security forces last December left one refugee dead, order has been restored but follow-up actions promised by local officials have proceeded unevenly. A post-clash formal dialogue involving camp residents, local Thai authorities, and [...]
2008-02-01 02:43:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREF PREL PHUM SOCI TH BM
08CHIANGMAI173BURMESE EXILES TELL STAFFDEL GROVE HUMANITARIAN SPACE WON'T
[...] (C) Increased space for humanitarian relief work in the Irrawaddy Delta won't speed up political change, and the U.S. needs a strategy for change in Burma involving regional actors -- these were the two main messages prominent Burmese exiles conveyed to StaffDel Grove during his brief November [...]
2008-11-14 09:22:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM KDEM EAID ECON SOCI BM CH TH
08CHIANGMAI174WITHOUT BURMA, EAST-WEST CORRIDOR IS UNDERUSED AND
[...] (SBU) Stretching 1,056 miles from Rangoon, Burma to Da Nang, Vietnam, the R2 highway remains incomplete, underused, and with little economic value to date. Though the Asian Development Bank (ADB),the mind behind this highway and the larger Greater Mekong Subregion infrastructure project, cons [...]
2008-11-17 01:08:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALECON ELTN ECIN EINV ELAB ETRD EWWT PREL BM VM
08CHIANGMAI175THAIS SEE ECONOMIC BENEFIT FROM CONTRACT FARMING IN BURMA
[...] (C) Thai contract farming is a growing feature of the Thai-Burmese bilateral economic relationship. The activity remains concentrated in the border areas, however. Thai businesspeople who engage in contract farming in Burma are generally individuals who conduct their business informally with [...]
2008-11-20 10:01:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPINR ECON EAGR EAID ECIN EINV ETRD PREL BM TH
08CHIANGMAI178PRO AND ANTI-THAKSIN GROUPS IN CHIANG MAI: A PROFILE
[...] (C) There are two anti-Thaksin groups, but only one main pro-Thaksin group based in Chiang Mai, according to journalists and members of the three groups. The pro-Thaksin group is financed by Thaksin himself, while the two People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD)-sympathetic groups are self-funde [...]
2008-11-25 11:52:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM KDEM TH
08CHIANGMAI184LOWER NORTH LEADERS SAY NATIONAL STALEMATE HARDENING; DON'T
[...] (C) Consul General discussed Thailand's national political impasse with local politicians during a trip to two lower north provinces just prior to the December 2 court ruling dissolving the governing People's Power Party. All interlocutors, in a trend reflective of similar conversations in th [...]
2008-12-03 07:38:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM KJUS ASEC CASC ECON EINV TH
08CHIANGMAI185THE NORTH KOREA-THAILAND REFUGEE PIPELINE: A TALE OF TWO
[...] (C) The number of North Koreans seeking resettlement to a third country via Thailand is expected to continue to rise, despite a drop in the number of North Koreans arrested in early 2008, according to officials in Chiang Rai Province, which borders both Laos and Burma. Though these same inter [...]
2008-12-04 07:09:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREF PREL PHUM PINR BM LA CH KS KN TH
08CHIANGMAI191BURMESE MONKS' VIEWS ON BURMA'S INTERNAL SITUATION
[...] (C) Monks will not be the leading agents for change; the populace is waiting for Aung San Suu Kyi to come to power; the regime continues to keep close tabs on Buddhist clergy; the general public complains about worsening economic conditions; and monastic education is suffering, according to Bu [...]
2008-12-19 04:21:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM PINS BM TH
08CHIANGMAI193KNU WILLING TO TALK?; ETHNIC ALLIANCES IN TROUBLE
[...] (C) The Karen National Union (KNU) is interested in a just peace with the Burmese regime if a mutually acceptable agreement can be reached, and a major regime offensive in Karen State may not take place this dry season, according to KNU contacts. Other Burmese exile interlocutors told us separ [...]
2008-12-19 09:43:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MOPS BM TH
08CHIANGMAI2DEATH OF KARENNI REFUGEE HIGHLIGHTS UNDERLYING CAMP
[...] (C) The December 15 shooting death of a Karenni refugee at Ban Nai Soi Camp highlights underlying, on-going tensions in the camp between residents and Thai security officials, according to the camp commander and Thai National Intelligence Agency contacts. Though the camp commander has been tra [...]
2008-01-03 07:30:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREF PHUM MOPS BM TH
08CHIANGMAI21CHANGE IN BURMA: NOW, OR IN THE DISTANT FUTURE?
[...] (C) Change will not come to Burma for another 20 years if it does not come soon, was the prevailing sentiment among Burmese exiles over lunch with the Ambassador. Though there was disagreement among the group over whether steps could be taken to help effect short-term change, and whether the [...]
2008-02-06 10:54:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ECON SOCI TH BM
08CHIANGMAI24RECENTLY ARRIVED BURMESE MONKS TELL THEIR STORY
[...] (C) The demonstrations in Burma in August and September 2007 were spontaneous and organized mainly from inside the country, according to several participants who recently migrated to Thailand. Many monks were detained and sent to labor camps, they told StaffDel Yeo and visiting Rangoon PolOff [...]
2008-02-08 09:41:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREF PREL PGOV PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI27KNU SECRETARY GENERAL ASSASSINATED
[...] (C) Though the assassination of Karen National Union Secretary General Mahn Sha is most likely the result of SIPDIS infighting among Karen groups, we cannot discount entirely the possible involvement of elements of the Burmese military and perhaps local Thai officials. The Thai police are [...]
2008-02-15 10:18:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV MOPS PREL PREF PHUM SNAR BM TH
08CHIANGMAI29SPDC BLAMED FOR KNU ASSASSINATION AS TENSIONS RISE
[...] (C) An increasing number of interlocutors are blaming the Burmese regime for the February 14 assassination of Karen National Union Secretary General Mahn Sha. Thai officials' investigation has turned up a regime connection to the killing, as well as a private Thai link to the plot and photos o [...]
2008-02-21 09:51:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MOPS PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI30BURMA SEEKS THAI HELP FOR CROP SUBSTITUTION IN
[...] (C) Thai and Burmese officials are exploring Thai assistance to northeastern Burma's Shan State in the form of crop substitution and poverty alleviation in drug-producing areas. This would mirror a previous program that had some success in Shan State from 2002-05 before abruptly ending shortly [...]
2008-02-28 08:13:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL SNAR TH BM PHUM PREF
08CHIANGMAI32SNAPSHOT OF NORTHERN KAREN STATE PROVIDES LITTLE HOPE
[...] (C) A snapshot of Burma's northern Karen State provided by a recently returned Free Burma Rangers relief mission provides an overall bleak assessment for the local populace there. The ethnic Karen, although not facing an increase in fighting with Burma Army troops, are contending with contin [...]
2008-03-03 07:53:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL MOPS PHUM PREF TH BM
08CHIANGMAI34THAI-LAO BORDER CHECKPOINT GIVES GLIMPSE INTO
[...] (C) A visit to a small Thai-Lao border checkpoint revealed good cross-border cooperation, predictable trade patterns, and little or no illegal migration. However, the local Thai military commander reported that narcotics trafficking networks in the region were increasingly shifting their tran [...]
2008-03-04 09:16:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL SNAR PREF ETRD TH LA
08CHIANGMAI37THOUGHTS ON BURMA'S CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM FROM A
[...] (C) Burma's constitutional referendum presents a choice between perpetuating military rule and finding a way forward, asserted Aung Zaw, editor of the widely-circulated Irrawaddy news magazine. Several groups are unlikely to oppose the Constitution, he opined, due to the fact that if approved, [...]
2008-03-07 10:11:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI43ETHNIC GROUPS TO OPPOSE REFERRENDUM, CONDUCT EXIT POLL
[...] (C) Ethnic exile groups based in Thailand are encouraging their contacts inside Burma to reject the draft Constitution in the upcoming referendum. Though they have next to no funding available, they are organizing ethnic youth, ceasefire, and other political groups in Burma's seven ethnic sta [...]
2008-03-14 10:39:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPHUM KDEM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI63BURMESE EXILES RALLY AROUND VOTE NO, BUT STRATEGY LACKING
[...] (C) Though opposition to Burma's draft constitution and a "vote no" campaign have unprecedentedly united Burmese exile groups in Thailand, the exiles have so far failed to plan strategically for the post-referendum political environment. The exiles have outlined three scenarios for what will h [...]
2008-04-22 09:05:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI65KACHIN STATE: A SNAPSHOT OF REFERENDUM ACTIVITIES
[...] (C) Kachin National Organization (KNO) contacts in Thailand told us that, despite KNO efforts to mount a "vote no" campaign in Burma's upcoming constitutional referendum, they nonetheless expect most Kachin voters to check the "yes" box. Many would do so out of fear, our interlocutors asserted [...]
2008-04-30 07:34:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV BM TH
08CHIANGMAI69MILITARY DETENTION OF AMCIT UNDERSCORES SHIFT IN THAI POLICY
[...] (C) Amcit and Free Burma Rangers (FBR) head David Eubank, together with his wife and children, was detained by the military under martial law provisions April 29-May 1. This detention, like the tactics used in last month's raids by Thai security organs against Burmese exile groups, are a depar [...]
2008-05-01 12:19:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM CASC BM TH
08CHIANGMAI74BURMA'S CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM DOMINATED BY
[...] (C) Voting irregularities in Burma's constitutional referendum were blatant, wide-spread, and intentional, according to Burmese exile groups based on the Thai-Burma border. By the morning of May 10, they had already catalogued over 100 reports of irregularities covering both advanced voting an [...]
2008-05-14 04:28:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV KDEM BM TH
08CHIANGMAI75EXILES SEE OPPORTUNITY FOR POLITICAL CHANGE IN NARGIS
[...] (C) The Burmese regime's mishandling of the relief effort in the wake of Cyclone Nargis has the potential to boil over into mass uprising, according to Thailand-based Burmese exiles. Given the correct confluence of factors, demonstrations could even possibly lead to the downfall of the regime, [...]
2008-05-15 09:49:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM SOCI BM TH
08CHIANGMAI76CHINA-FOCUSED CHRISTIAN GROUP CAUGHT UP IN PRC'S POST-TIBET
[...] (C) The "Friends of China" (FOC) NGO - which has been placing teachers and rural developmental workers in China for 20 years - reports that Beijing authorities recently shut down its office in Qinghai Province that oversees assistance projects with ethnic Tibetans there. FOC believes this is [...]
2008-05-29 04:01:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL KIRF SOCI CH TH
08CHIANGMAI80A "THIRD WAY" TO AVOID A CRISIS?
[...] (C) Over 130 academics from across the country have launched a campaign to find a way out of the current political stalemate. Their plan calls for a more complete constitutional amendment process than the one currently underway, resulting in an entirely new constitution that would have to be [...]
2008-06-02 02:33:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM TH
08CHIANGMAI96AFTER NARGIS, A BORDER TRADE BOOM IN THAILAND'S FAVOR
[...] (C) Trade activity on the Thai-Burma border is bustling as demand for relief supplies remains high in Burma after cyclone Nargis. Thai exports to Burma through Mae Sot increased 75% last month compared to May 2007, and officials do not expect export volumes to drop to normal levels anytime soo [...]
2008-06-23 07:03:00Consulate Chiang MaiCONFIDENTIALECON ETRD PREL EINV EAID EAGR TH BM
08CHISINAU100PARLIAMENT TO TAKE IRAQ TROOPS DECISION MID-FEBRUARY
[...] (C) DATT and Pol/Econ Chief met February 1 with Iurie Stoicov, head of Moldova's Parliamentary Committee on Security Issues, to discuss Moldova's troop contributions to Iraq. DATT expressed the USG's appreciation for Moldova's continuing support to the coalition, and commented that Moldovan de [...]
2008-02-01 14:21:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL MARR MOPS MD
08CHISINAU1008PRESIDENT VORONIN WORRIED ABOUT POSSIBLE "INCIDENT" PROVOKED
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 7 meeting President Voronin told DAS David Merkel that he was more concerned about Transnistria now than at any point in his presidency. Voronin believed that Russia wanted to take over the negotiating process to the exclusion of the other 5-plus-2 members. Russia [...]
2008-10-09 05:46:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS PINR RS MD
08CHISINAU1016PRIME MINISTER DISCUSSES MOLDOVAN-U.S.
[...] (C) Summary: During an October 8 meeting with DAS David Merkel, Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii underlined the importance of moving forward on an MCC Compact agreement as soon as possible. Merkel discussed Moldova's trafficking in persons (TIP) efforts; the Prime Minister vowed the GOM woul [...]
2008-10-09 15:06:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL ECON EAID KDEM MD
08CHISINAU1017ECONOMY MINISTER DESCRIBES PROGESS AND
[...] (C) Summary: During Ambassador Chaudhry's October 6 courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Igor Dodon, the Minister explained that the GOM had privatized over 90 percent of land and 80 percent of enterprises following independence. Since then Moldova had succeeded in [...]
2008-10-10 05:47:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET RS MD
08CHISINAU105 Anti-Russian Christian Democrat Leader Also Critical of
[...] (C) Summary: In a February 1 meeting with Ambassador Kirby, Christian Democrat (PPCD) leader Iurie Rosca sought assurances that the USG would not "guarantee" Moldovan neutrality. The Ambassador explained that the U.S. was not in a position to guarantee the neutrality of another sovereign nati [...]
2008-02-04 13:36:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS KDEM MD
08CHISINAU107MOLDOVANS, RUSSIANS AGREE TO NEUTRALITY LANGUAGE AS BASIS
[...] (U) This is an action message. See para. 8. 2. (C) Summary: In a state of "cautious optimism" about his consultations in Moscow, Presidential Advisor Marc Tkaciuk described the outlines of a three-paragraph agreement on neutrality that Moldovan officials reached with their Russian counterp [...]
2008-02-04 16:15:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS MARR MD RU
08CHISINAU1075MOLDOVA FM: SOLVING TRANSNISTRIA WOULD
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 24 meeting with Ambassador, Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan underlined Moldova's European aspirations. The Ambassador noted that Moldova had to live up to European standards in democracy and development. Finding a settlement to the Transnistria problem would speed [...]
2008-10-29 14:29:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV EU MD
08CHISINAU1078EUROPEN COMMISSION HEAD DOWNBEAT ON
[...] (C) Summary: 1. In an October 9 meeting with Ambassador Chaudhry, the head of he European Commission delegation to Moldova, Ceare de Montis, gave a disapproving assessment of political and economic developments in Moldova. He painted a generally negative picture of MoldoaQs prospects for rea [...]
2008-10-31 08:27:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU1079HUNGARY PLAYS ROLE ASSISTING MOLDOVA'S
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 27 courtesy call, Hungarian Ambassador Gyorgy Varga discussed Hungary's active role in assisting Moldova's European integration. The Hungarian Ambassador favored a firm EU decision to bring Moldova into the EU club, and suggested giving Moldova associate member st [...]
2008-10-31 08:31:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV EAID RS EU HU MD
08CHISINAU1084TRANSNISTRIAN BORDER GUARDS REFUSE
[...] (C) Summary: On November 3, Minister for Reintegration Vasile Sova convened the Ambassador to inform him about an incident that had taken place earlier that morning. Transnistrian "border" guards had denied President Voronin access to his home village of Corjova, a central-government-control [...]
2008-11-03 15:43:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU1085 US AMBASSADORQS INITIAL MEETING WITH
[...] (U) Summary: In an October 30 meeting, Ambassador Chaudhry and Minister of Defense Vitalie Vrabie discussed Moldova's peacekeeping activities, the signing of an MCC compact agreement, U.S. and Moldovan central government security engagement with Transnistria, and the purchase of Ministry [...]
2008-11-03 15:48:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MARR PBTS EU MD
08CHISINAU1095UKRAINIAN AMBASSADOR ON BORDER DISPUTES AND
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 28 meeting with Ambassador Chaudhry, Ukrainian Ambassador Serhiy Pirozhkov underscored his desire for close cooperation with the U.S. and coordination on 5- plus-2. He reviewed three troublesome issues in border delineation that remain unresolved irritants to Ukra [...]
2008-11-06 14:37:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS UK MD
08CHISINAU1100PRIME MINISTER GRECEANII POSITIVE ON TIP
[...] (C) Summary: In a November 6 meeting, Ambassador Chaudhry explained the next steps on Trafficking in Persons (TIP) to Prime Minister Greceanii, who reacted positively and described changes in high-level GOM responsibilities for TIP. The PM was concerned that the MCC report card was a harbin [...]
2008-11-07 14:20:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM KTIP AMGT MD
08CHISINAU1101COUNCIL OF EUROPE GROUP
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 29 meeting Vladimir Ristovski, Special Representative of the Secretary General of the Council of Europe (COE) in Moldova, briefed the Ambassador about the recent visit of a Council of Europe delegation. Ristovski stated that overall the visiting group left with a [...]
2008-11-07 14:21:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV EAID COE EU EUN MD
08CHISINAU1106ODESSA 5-PLUS-2 DISCUSSES CONFIDENCE-
[...] (C) Summary: At the informal 5-plus-2 meeting in Odessa November 8, European Union Special Representative Kalman Mizsei put forth a package of confidence-building measures, to be undertaken by Chisinau and Tiraspol. Though Minister for Reintegration Sova said he was ready to sign on to all [...]
2008-11-12 15:43:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU1144ECONOMIC MINISTER DESCRIBES MINIMAL
[...] (C) Summary: During Ambassador Chaudhry's November 13 meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Igor Dodon, the Minister explained that the global financial crisis had not affected Moldova initially. Moldova might face the return of some citizens working abroad in the EU a [...]
2008-11-21 12:39:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET RS MD
08CHISINAU1155AMBASSADOR PRODS CORRUPTION CZAR ON
[...] (C) Summary: In a November 21 meeting, Ambassador Chaudhry pushed Deputy Prime Minister Valentin Mejinschi to change the selection process for the Civilian Monitoring Board (CMB) that was created to monitor the Center for Combating Economic Crimes and Corruption (CCECC). He also updated Mej [...]
2008-11-28 10:52:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR MD
08CHISINAU1156ECONOMIC MINISTER DISCUSSES ACQUISITION
[...] (C) Summary: On November 13 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Igor Dodon, and U.S. Ambassador Asif J. Chaudhry met to discuss the acquisition of a five-hectare site located at 28 Vasile Lupu for a New Embassy Compound (NEC) for the USG. The GOM had suggested this five- hectare [...]
2008-11-28 10:52:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALABLD MD
08CHISINAU1168CHISINAU MAYOR COMPLAINS TO AMBASSADOR
[...] (C) Summary: In a November 25 meeting, Chisinau Mayor Dorin Chirtoaca complained to Ambassador Chaudhry about central government use of the Termocom heating issue to try to embarrass him, stated his implacable opposition to unrepentant Communists, and agreed to cooperate with the Embassy on [...]
2008-12-03 13:08:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR AMGT MD
08CHISINAU1206MEETING THE TRANSNISTRIANS IN TIRASPOL
[...] (C) Summary: During his first working visit to Transnistria on November 24, Ambassador Chaudhry met separately with "President" Smirnov, Speaker Shevchuk, and Acting "Foreign Minister" Yastrebchak, and held a press conference with local media. The visit combined initial courtesy calls with [...]
2008-12-09 13:44:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU123FEW OUTSTANDING ISSUES BLOCK MOLDOVAN-ROMANIAN BORDER AND
[...] (C) Summary: Treaty specialists from the MFA Legal Department and the Romanian DCM explained Moldovan and Romanian views of the outstanding issues on the draft border and political treaties currently under negotiation. Only minor differences in wording remain. If the political will existed on [...]
2008-02-08 10:46:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS MD RO
08CHISINAU1235Ambassador Presses Senior Presidential
[...] (C) Summary: In a December 8 meeting, Ambassador Chaudhry pressed senior presidential advisor Sergiu Stati to end GOM harassment and renew the work and residence permit of National Democratic Institute (NDI) Country Director Alex Grigorievs. Stati said the issue would be solved in a few day [...]
2008-12-15 14:01:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS PINR MD
08CHISINAU1258Urechean's Implausible Presidential
[...] (C) Summary: In a December 17 meeting with Ambassador Chaudhry, Our Moldova Alliance (AMN) party leader Serafim Urechean criticized his political enemies, lamented Moldova's decline under Voronin's rule, predicted his own election as president in the 2009 elections (despite ruling- party dir [...]
2008-12-22 14:15:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM PBTS PINR MD
08CHISINAU1260IURIE ROSCA CLAIMS DEATH THREATS
[...] (C) Summary: As part of a series of courtesy calls on political party leaders, the Ambassador met on December 17 with Iurie Rosca, chairman of the People's Christian Democratic Party (PPCD). In a rambling 2-1/2 hour long meeting, Rosca described his fundamental political position opposing Rus [...]
2008-12-23 12:54:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU132VORONIN: LOTS OF TALK, NO TRACTION ON TRANSNISTRIA
[...] (C) Summary: On February 12, the Ambassador met with President Voronin and, separately, with Foreign Minister Andrei Stratan to discuss Transnistria (TN),Article 98, relations with Romania and Ukraine, and the upcoming Gagauzia parliamentary elections. Voronin discussed Moldovan neutrality a [...]
2008-02-13 10:03:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS EAID MARR MD RO UP
08CHISINAU171MOLDOVA: CHISINAU CAUGHT IN A COMMUNIST TRAP
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The opposition-controlled Chisinau municipal government is struggling with the decision of its Communist Party (PCRM) predecessor to increase and subsidize heating tariffs for all residents of the capital city. Although the current Chisinau city council attempted to cancel these [...]
2008-02-21 08:37:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU211 RECALL OF MOLDOVAN AMBASSADOR TO UN REFLECTS POLITICAL
[...] (U) On February 27, the Cabinet recalled Ambassador Alexei Tulbure, Moldova's Permanent Representative to the United Nations. Though the ambassador was appointed only 18 months ago, Deputy Foreign Minister Kistruga, who attended the Cabinet meeting, told the press it was just a regular rotation [...]
2008-02-29 12:26:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR UN MD
08CHISINAU214NO CURRENT PARLIAMENTARY DECISION ON IRAQ TROOPS; MOLDOVA
[...] (C) Pol/Econ Chief and DATT met February 29 with Iurie Stoicov, head of Moldova's Parliamentary Committee on Security Issues, to discuss Moldova's troop contributions to Iraq and inquire about planning for 2009. As requested by Ref A, we raised the question of Moldova's possibilities for parti [...]
2008-02-29 14:04:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL MARR MOPS MD
08CHISINAU248RELIGIOUS LEADERS GATHER AT AMBASSADOR'S RESIDENCE
[...] (SBU) Summary: At the second annual reception in honor of religious freedom on February 28, leaders of 11 religious groups networked on social and spiritual issues, described bureaucratic barriers to registration, and appreciated the venue (the Ambassador's residence),while regretting that ecu [...]
2008-03-06 07:56:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KIRF MD
08CHISINAU249PRESIDENT REJECTS DUAL-CITIZENSHIP BAN FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS:
[...] (C) Summary: To the surprise of many, President Voronin sent back to Parliament the draft law banning public officials from holding dual (read Moldovan and Romanian) citizenship. Most observers believe that Voronin, as the prime mover of the bill, had come to understand that the law would invo [...]
2008-03-06 08:20:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM MD
08CHISINAU262 Shevchuk Wants MCC Roadwork Project; while Litskai Too Ill
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Transnistrian Speaker Shevchuk expressed strong interest in the proposed MCC road reconstruction projects, which would make an important contribution to the Transnistrian transportation corridor linking Chisinau and the west with Ukraine. Sheriff Company Director Ilya Kazmaly comp [...]
2008-03-07 16:07:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS PINR EAID ETRN MD
08CHISINAU267 Gagauzia Facing 3-Way Legislative Race on March 16
[...] (C) SUMMARY: A March 3 pre-electoral visit to Gagauzia found the administration still scrambling to solve the problem of funding the March 16 elections for the Gagauz People's Assembly. Gagauz Governor (Bashkan) Mikhail Formuzal hoped to prove to the population that Gagauzia could solve its p [...]
2008-03-11 11:51:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR MD
08CHISINAU272GOM WILLING TO BUY ELECTRICITY FROM TRANSNISTRIA
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Minister of Industry Vladimir Antosii said that the Moldovan Government (GOM) was willing to buy electricity from Transnistria (TN) and that price, not politics, would drive any future decision to do so. Antosii confirmed that Moldova's contract with Ukraine for supplies of elect [...]
2008-03-12 12:12:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG PGOV PREL PBTS MD
08CHISINAU304AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES OPPOSITION LEADERS TO COOPERATE ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-03-19 12:35:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU305AMBASSADOR ENCOURAGES OPPOSITION LEADERS TO COOPERATE ON
[...] (C) Summary: Ambassador Kirby met leaders of the three largest opposition parties to discuss recent 3+2 talks in Vienna and to discuss a future, acceptable settlement on Transnistria. The Ambassador shared his view that any durable solution would require broad political support, including tha [...]
2008-03-19 14:42:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU306MOLDOVA: ECONOMIC SQUEEZE NON-COMMUNIST LEADERS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Over the past several months, the Communist Party of Moldova (PCRM) seems to have used economic pressure to punish and hamper the ability of non-Communist leaders to govern. Demanding payment for historic debts incurred by a Communist predecessor and manipulating the non-transpare [...]
2008-03-19 15:23:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU307 Moldovan Prime Minister Resigns, Cabinet Dismissed
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Tarlev resigned March 19 and as a result the cabinet resigned as required by Moldovan law. Reportedly, Tarlev only learned about his resignation this morning when President Voronin asked him to resign. President Voronin presented Tarlev with a government award to [...]
2008-03-19 16:25:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR MD
08CHISINAU312AMBASSADOR GETS POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM MINISTER OF JUSTICE
[...] (C) Summary: In a March 19 meeting on religious freedom with the Minister of Justice, Ambassador Kirby received a positive response to our concerns, and promises that the Ministry would set up a roundtable with religious leaders and publish templates for registration procedures. Pirlog frequen [...]
2008-03-20 07:38:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KIRF PINR MD
08CHISINAU314MINISTER OF JUSTICE ENCOURAGING ON ARTICLE 98
[...] (C) Summary: Moldovan Minister of Justice Vitalie Pirlog told us on March 19 that he was optimistic about Moldova's signing Article 98. Working-level meetings on March 20 confirm the optimism, but concerns about Moldova's inter-agency process and EU reaction remain. End summary. 2. (C) A [...]
2008-03-20 11:16:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALKICC MARR PREL PGOV MD
08CHISINAU315COMMUNIST PARTY MODERNIZES, CAREFULLY
[...] (C) Summary: Moldova's Communist Party held a congress which stressed unity, modernizing gradualism, and ideological tweaks to its policies. Decentralized seating, open sessions, and a mild condemnation of Soviet practices, added some interest to what was otherwise a dull event. The more int [...]
2008-03-20 14:05:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM MD
08CHISINAU324NEW PRIME MINISTER GRECEANII: SOMEONE WE CAN WORK WITH
[...] (C) Summary: On March 21, President Voronin nominated First Deputy Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii to be Prime Minister. She will present her cabinet and program within 15 days, and easily win a Parliamentary vote of confidence. We look forward to working with her, with all her paradoxes. [...]
2008-03-21 13:30:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU34CHRISTMAS TREE FIGHT DERAILS MOLDOVAN GOVERNMENT
[...] (C) Summary: An ecumenical outreach by the Government of Moldova (GOM),which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration planned to propose to Prime Minister Tarlev, was thwarted by the Christmas Tree fight (ref A) between the GOM and Chisinau's city government, and by an atmosp [...]
2008-01-11 12:36:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KIRF KDEM PINR MD
08CHISINAU369NEW MOLDOVAN CABINET: FEW CHANGES, WITH AN EMPHASIS ON
[...] (C) This contains an information request for Embassy London. Please see para. 5. 2. (C) Summary: The new 20-member Moldovan cabinet of Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, approved by Parliament on March 31, contains 14 holdovers from the Tarlev administration, five new ministers in establish [...]
2008-04-02 12:07:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU370REINTEGRATION MINISTER AGREES FIVE-PLUS-TWO REQUIRES CBM'S
[...] (C) Summary: Minister of Reintegration Sova agreed with the Ambassador that a successful "long Five-plus-Two" requires preparation, confidence-building measures (CBM's),and goals. While drawing red lines on troop withdrawal and the integrity of the state, he declared himself flexible and read [...]
2008-04-02 12:10:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU371VORONIN PLEASED WITH BUSH'S SUPPORT OF MOLDOVAN SOVEREIGNTY
[...] (C) Summary: Ambassador Kirby met with President Voronin on April 2 to review the Bucharest NATO Summit, an Article 98 agreement, a Moldovan contingent to Iraq, and the resignation of the NATO Information and Documentation Center head. Voronin didn't lose this opportunity to reiterate Moldova [...]
2008-04-02 12:20:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU372MOLDOVA'S NEW ANTI-MONEY LAUNDERING LAW
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In July 2007, in response to concerns from the international community about insufficient anti-money laundering (AML) safeguards in the Government of Moldova's (GOM) tax and capital amnesty law, Parliament adopted USG-drafted amendments and a new, modern AML law. The GOM and regu [...]
2008-04-02 12:30:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN PREL PGOV MD
08CHISINAU379AMBASSADOR RECEIVES SOS MESSAGE FROM AMN'S URECHEAN
[...] (C) Summary: Our Moldova Alliance (AMN) leader Serafim Urechean reiterated his self-anointing as the leader of the opposition, dodged discussion of the new Prime Minister, and speculated on his chances of doing well enough in 2009 elections to attract the Christian Democrats and the Democratic [...]
2008-04-03 11:45:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PINR MD
08CHISINAU398AMBASSADOR MEETS VLAD FILAT, HEAD OF NEW PARTY WITH HIGH
[...] (C) Summary: Leader of the six-month-old Liberal Democratic Party (PLDM) Vlad Filat briefed Ambassador Kirby on the PLDM's attractiveness to the politically uninvolved, his plans for 2009 parliamentary elections, and his promotion of a referendum to change presidential and parliamentary electio [...]
2008-04-08 12:11:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PINR MD
08CHISINAU400NEW PRIME MINISTER GRECEANII - A VOTE FOR REFORM
[...] (C) Summary: In an April 8 meeting with the new Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, the Ambassador expressed his confidence that her appointment was a vote for reform. The two discussed the new government, President Voronin's progress with Transnistrian leader Smirnov and trafficking in persons [...]
2008-04-09 14:31:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS NATO MD
08CHISINAU401FM STRATAN: SEES PROGRESS ON TRANSNISTRIA; IS UNHAPPY ABOUT
[...] (C) Summary: In an April 8 meeting with the Ambassador Foreign Minister Stratan discussed President Voronin's recent phone call to Transnistrian leader Smirnov, the NATO Summit, resignation of the NATO Documentation center leader and the EU Action Plan. The Ambassador asked whether the GOM wo [...]
2008-04-09 14:35:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS NATO MD
08CHISINAU416DAS MERKEL AND AMBASSADOR DISCUSS TRANSNISTRIA, MCC,
[...] (C) Summary: On April 14, in a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Stratan, DAS David Merkel discussed possibilities for a Transnistrian settlement, and warned against locking in neutrality. He encouraged Moldova to make progress on MCC, Article 98, and bo [...]
2008-04-16 14:19:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS MD
08CHISINAU417PRESIDENT VORONIN PUSHING FORWARD ON TRANSNISTRA SETTLEMENT
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 14 meeting with DAS David Merkel and the Ambassador, President Voronin focused predominantly on Transnistria, underlining repeatedly that settling this conflict was Moldova's most pressing issue. Voronin said he had presented proposals for confidence-building measures [...]
2008-04-16 14:25:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS ECON MD
08CHISINAU419MOLDOVA: DAS MERKEL'S MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In an April 14 meeting with Prime Minister Zinaida Greceanii, DAS David Merkel expressed the USG's continued support for Moldova and a resolution to the Transnistrian (TN) conflict, noted Greceanii's positive reputation in Washington and Brussels as a reformer, and thanked her for [...]
2008-04-16 14:53:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS ECON MD
08CHISINAU427MOLDOVA: GAZPROM INCREASES GAS PRICES
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On April 15, the Moldovan national energy regulator (ANRE) confirmed that Gazprom had increased the price of natural gas supplied to Moldova from USD 191 per thousand cubic meters (tcm) to USD 213 per tcm, an 11% increase. ANRE also noted that consumer tariffs would not increase [...]
2008-04-17 13:32:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PBTS ENRG MD
08CHISINAU428AMBASSADOR GETS POSITIVE RESPONSE ON TIP FROM DEPUTY PM
[...] (C) Summary: Ambassador Kirby's April 16 meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Victor Stepaniuc resulted in promises of closer cooperation on anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) efforts and better Government reporting on crime and punishment statistics. End summary. 2. (C) Victor Stepaniuc, ap [...]
2008-04-17 14:01:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KWMN PINR MD
08CHISINAU434MD WILL DISCUSS RUSSIAN "MECHANISMS" IN ABKHAZIA AND SOUTH
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-21 12:31:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL GG RS MD
08CHISINAU466 THE WORLD ACCORDING TO SMIRNOV
[...] (C) Summary: Transnistrian (TN) "president" Igor Smirnov took advantage of the April 30 meeting, the first with an American Ambassador to Moldova since 2001, to declaim Transnistria's Russianness and separateness from Moldova, to expound on Transnistrians' distrust of Moldovan President Voroni [...]
2008-05-02 13:28:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL EAID MD
08CHISINAU48TRANSNISTRIAN BUDGET AND RUSSIAN AID: POLITICAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The gap between Transnistria's (TN) legislature (Supreme Soviet) and President Igor Smirnov widened further, as the Supreme Soviet reduced appropriations for the Executive in the 2008 budget. Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk and his Obnovlenie (Renewal) party continue to ascend, enjoying [...]
2008-01-17 09:48:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PBTS PREL MD
08CHISINAU49TRANSNISTRIAN BUDGET AND RUSSIAN AID: POLITICAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The gap between Transnistria's (TN) legislature (Supreme Soviet) and President Igor Smirnov widened further, as the Supreme Soviet reduced appropriations for the Executive in the 2008 budget. Speaker Yevgeny Shevchuk and his Obnovlenie (Renewal) party continue to ascend, enjoying [...]
2008-01-17 09:48:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PBTS PREL MD
08CHISINAU496 TN SUPPORTS WORKING GROUPS NOT FULL PACKAGE
[...] (C) Summary: In a May 7 meeting, Charge Keiderling and P/E Chief Daria Fane met Transnistrian (TN) "Deputy Foreign Ministers" Yastrebchak and Simonenko to discuss TN participation in the working groups and USG assistance. The Transnistrians complained about one-sided discussions in the working [...]
2008-05-08 15:11:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS EAID PINR MD
08CHISINAU497 SOVA ON THE WORLD OF SMIRNOV
[...] (C) Summary: Charge d'Affaires Keiderling and P/E Chief Daria Fane met with Minister for Reintegration Vasile Sova and Reintegration Vice Minister Ion Stavila on May 1 to brief them on Ambassador Kirby's April 30 meeting with Transnistrian (TN) "President" Igor Smirnov (reftel). Sova said tha [...]
2008-05-08 15:16:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS PINR MD
08CHISINAU564NEW MOLDOVAN FINANCE MINISTER WANTS TO CUT SPENDING
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Moldova's new Finance Minister, Mariana Durlesteanu, a reformer appointed by Prime Minister Greceanii, faces the challenge of rising inflation and an opaque budget process. A non-partisan technocrat, she wants to balance the government's budget and rationalize expenditures accord [...]
2008-05-30 13:03:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PHUM MD
08CHISINAU602MINISTER OF REINTEGRATION ON 3 PLUS 2 MEETING, OSTROVSKY
[...] (C) Summary. Ambassador Kirby met with Minister of Reintegration Vasile Sova on May 29 to review progress on confidence-building measures. Sova shared details about his meeting with Russian Duma deputy Aleksei Ostrovsky. Sova stressed that the 5 plus 2 format was the only way to resolve the [...]
2008-06-06 14:46:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPBTS PGOV PREL RS MD
08CHISINAU663SOVA URGES MCC ROADS IN TRANSNISTRIA
[...] (C) Summary: Minister for Reintegration Vasile Sova urged the USG to move ahead with including Transnistrian (TN) roads in the Moldovan MCC compact. Sova said the biggest disappointment for TN "President" Smirnov would be a U.S. decision to finance these roads. Such a decision could turn t [...]
2008-06-24 12:57:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS PINR KMCA MD
08CHISINAU68TRANSNISTRIAN POLITICAL ECONOMY: THE CASE OF MMZ
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Despite the economic and political challenges of doing business in Transnistria (TN),Moldova Metal Works (MMZ) managed to produce a record volume of steel in 2007. The case of MMZ highlights the complicating role that economic interests play in negotiating a resolution to the TN [...]
2008-01-25 14:44:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON PBTS PGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU71SOVA: READY FOR NEXT STEPS AFTER VORONIN'S MEETING
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Apparently, no major Transnistria (TN) initiatives flowed from the January 21-22 Putin-Voronin talks in Moscow. Minister Sova recently talked twice with Transnistrian "Foreign Minister" Litskai, who confidentially warned Sova that Smirnov or his inner circle may stage a provocat [...]
2008-01-28 10:58:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS OSCE RU UK MD
08CHISINAU730IRI/NDI CRITICIZED IN MOLDOVAN PRESS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Government-controlled television and press gave long play July 3 and 4 to a story critical of IRI and NDI. In response to these articles, Embassy convened a meeting July 8 with representatives of both organizations. Embassy plans no public statement at this time, but IRI (whi [...]
2008-07-08 15:24:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM MD
08CHISINAU731GOM CONSIDERING EXPELLING IRI AND NDI
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Government of Moldova (GOM)is planning to ask IRI and NDI to leave the country. The decision was taken at a Presidential meeting July 8. Deputy Foreign Minister Ostalep called in Embassy rep and suggested that President Voronin might change his mind if warned directly of t [...]
2008-07-09 13:48:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM MD
08CHISINAU735ROMANIAN FM VISIT A STEP FORWARD IN A
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Romanian Foreign Minister Comanescu's July 7 visit to Moldova was viewed in Chisinau as a successful step forward in bilateral relations. Though no decisions were made on signing a border treaty, President Voronin said he would agree to the Romanian request to open a consulate [...]
2008-07-10 11:57:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV MD RO
08CHISINAU745CCTIP PROPOSES CANDIDATE FOR CCTIP
[...] (C) On July 10, the Ministry of Internal Affairs presented Embassy with the nomination of Valeriu Tudor Hincu for the position of Director of the Moldovan Center for Combating Trafficking in Persons (CCTIP). Pursuant to the dual bilateral Letter of Agreement between the USG and the GOM on Na [...]
2008-07-11 14:16:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KWMN MD
08CHISINAU746TRANSNISTRIAN POWER STRUGGLES OVER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Two succession-related power struggles are currently taking place in Transnistria. The first is the struggle to determine who will succeed Valeri Litskai as Transnistrian "Minister" for Foreign Affairs. Political insiders who attended the Embassy's 4th of July reception categor [...]
2008-07-11 14:29:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS OSCE PGOV PINR MD
08CHISINAU753MOLDOVA DOWNPLAYING GUAM BUT NO PLANS TO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: According to Moldovan FM Stratan, President Voronin's failure to attend the GUAM Summit in Batumi was an attempt to reassure the Russians, rather than a signal of Moldovan plans to leave GUAM. Moldova was trying to downplay GUAM participation in hopes of securing Russian suppor [...]
2008-07-15 13:58:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU762SOVA WANT 5-PLUS-2 TO TACKLE STATUS
[...] (C) Minister for Reintegration Sova believes 5-plus-2 needs to begin work on the status of Transnistria. He had hoped for concrete results in time for Moldova's elections and was disappointed with the slipping time frame. Sova reports that the fire has gone out of Smirnov's eyes, and that t [...]
2008-07-18 11:37:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PBTS MD
08CHISINAU765A TOUR D'HORIZON WITH PRESIDENT VORONIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-07-18 13:35:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS ECON PINR KWMN MD
08CHISINAU781FM STRATAN SAYS BALL IS IN ROMANIAN, UKRAINIAN, AND EUROPEAN
[...] (C) Summary: At his April 21 meeting with EUR DAS Merkel and CDA Perina, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration Andrei Stratan stressed that Moldova had worked hard to make progress with Romania (on border and political treaties and consulates),Ukraine (on power plants and the D [...]
2008-07-24 13:54:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV PBTS MD
08CHISINAU7863-PLUS-2 MEETING GIVES IMPULSE TO
[...] (C) Summary: The July 21-23 meeting of observers and mediators to the 5-plus-2 process (known as the 3-plus-2) was successful in giving greater impulse to the working groups. The US, EU, OSCE, and to a lesser extent Ukraine reps repeatedly stressed the need for starting work on the political [...]
2008-07-28 12:34:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PBTS ECON OSCE MD
08CHISINAU787PRESIDENT VORONIN WANTS 5-PLUS-2
[...] (C) In a July 21 bilateral meeting with DAS Merkel before the start of 3-plus-2, President Voronin pressed for getting the negotiators to consider the Moldovan package proposal on Transnistria's status. Voronin believes that Russian President Medvedev personally wants to solve the Transnistria [...]
2008-07-28 13:01:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PBTS KWMN MD
08CHISINAU788Moldovan Concern about Gazprom Takeover of Union Fenosa
[...] (C) Moldovan Prime Minister Greceanii (please protect) asked for an urgent one-on-one meeting with CDA July 28 to voice her concern about possible Gazprom takeover of the Spanish firm Union Fenosa, which controls about 70 percent of electricity distribution in Moldova. 2. (C) Greceanii sai [...]
2008-07-28 14:38:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG PGOV MD
08CHISINAU794MOLDOVA TAKES STEPS TO REVERSE ITS TIER
[...] (C) Summary: In meetings with the G/TIP assessment team, Government of Moldova officials noted that though originally surprised by the Tier 3 placement, they now acknowledged it as both accurate and as a needed spur to improving their record on trafficking. In each meeting, officials noted [...]
2008-07-30 14:45:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KWMN PINR MD
08CHISINAU825GOM TO IGNORE TRANSNISTRIAN ANNOUNCEMENT
[...] (C) Summary: The Transnistrian "Foreign Ministry" issued a declaration August 12 announcing that it would sever links with the Moldovan government until Chisinau issued a decisive statement condemning Georgian "aggression" against South Ossetia. Minister Sova told Embassy that the GOM plans [...]
2008-08-14 12:52:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS RS MD
08CHISINAU846RUSSIAN ENERGY GIANT COMPLETES TAKEOVER
[...] (C) Summary: On August 1, Russian energy giant Inter RAO EES announced that it had completed acquisition of 100 per cent of shares in the Moldovan State Power Plant located in Kuchurgan, Transnistria, landing yet another major Transnistrian industrial site in Russian hands. This transaction [...]
2008-08-20 14:19:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG EPET PREL PBTS RS MD
08CHISINAU854SIXTH MOLDOVAN DEMINING CONTINGENT EN ROUTE TO IRAQ;
[...] (C) Summary: The sixth Moldovan Army demining contingent left Moldova on August 19, en route to a week's trainup in Kuwait before a six-months' deployment in Iraq. The Government of Moldova (GOM) notes that 86 deminers in the previous five contingents have destroyed 30,000 tons of ordnance i [...]
2008-08-22 12:59:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MARR PARM MD
08CHISINAU871GEORGIA DEMARCHES HEARD BY INTERESTED EARS
[...] (C) Charge d'Affaires delivered reftel demarches on the Georgian crisis to Foreign Minister Stratan on August 28. The Foreign Minister promised to inform President Voronin of the USG position. Stratan said that Moldova found itself in a delicate situation, needing Russian assistance to resolve [...]
2008-08-29 13:25:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS RS MD
08CHISINAU872MOLDOVA OPPOSES RECOGNITION OF SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA
[...] (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 8. 2. (C) Summary: In an August 28 meeting Minister for Reintegration Vasile Sova stressed categorically that Moldova would not recognize South Ossetia or Abkhazia. President Voronin emerged from his August 25 meeting with Medvedev believing [...]
2008-08-29 14:04:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM PBTS MD
08CHISINAU882Moldova Agrees that ICJ is Wrong Place to Discuss Kosovo's
[...] No summary [...]
2008-09-04 14:15:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL UN UNGA KV MD
08CHISINAU883Moldova Agrees with Non-Recognition of South Ossetia and
[...] No summary [...]
2008-09-04 14:15:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV GG RU MD
08CHISINAU89MOLDOVA INCREASES TARIFFS, GAZPROM TO RAISE PRICES
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Following Gazprom's price increase on January 1, Moldova was forced to increase tariffs for electricity, heating and natural gas for power generators and consumers. Moldova now pays USD 191 per thousand cubic meters (tcm) for natural gas, up from USD 170/tcm in 2007 (reftel). Howe [...]
2008-01-30 12:36:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG PGOV PREL MD
08CHISINAU90GAZPROM AND MOLDOVAN (TRANSNISTRIAN) GAS DEBTS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Gazprom continues to press Moldova to repay its debts to Gazprom, which have been mostly accrued by Transnistria (TN). One possible solution, a debt-for-share swap with Gazprom's obtaining more MoldovaGaz shares is gaining momentum. Gazprom remains concerned about property right [...]
2008-01-30 12:44:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG PBTS PGOV PREL MD RU
08CHISINAU906 Foreign Minister Reiterates Moldova's
[...] (C) Summary: During the Ambassador's first meeting with Foreign Minister (FM) Andrei Stratan, on September 8, the Foreign Minister reiterated Moldova's well-known policy positions. Moldovan officials would discuss the Transnistria (TN) conflict with Russian officials, but any final settleme [...]
2008-09-11 11:24:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS MD EU
08CHISINAU933RUSSIAN PRESIDENT MEDVEDEV TAKES INITIATIVE BUT
[...] (SBU) Summary: While a formal 5-plus-2 meeting is now planned for early October, Russian President Medvedev has been pursuing his own initiatives with both Moldovan President Vladimir Voronin and Transnistrian leader Igor Smirnov. Medvedev has secured an agreement that left- and right-bank le [...]
2008-09-17 06:12:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPBTS PREL RU MD
08CHISINAU951AN UNEXPECTEDLY WELCOMING TRANSNISTRIAN
[...] (C) We don't expect broad smiles from Transnistrian (TN) "deputy foreign minister" Sergey Simonenko, who some Chisinau officials claim reports back-channel to Transnistrian Minister for State Security (and all-around bad guy) Vladimir Antiufeyev. But that's what USAID Assistant Administrator [...]
2008-09-23 14:48:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPBTS PGOV EAID RS MD
08CHISINAU958VORONIN-SMIRNOV: THE MEETING THAT DIDN'T
[...] (C) Summary: Although a Voronin-Smirnov meeting was scheduled for September 25, on September 24 SmirnovQs press office announced that the meeting would be postponed because the sides could not agree upon a venue. The Transnistrian side attempted to blame the GOM for Chisinau's inflexibility [...]
2008-09-25 14:53:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPBTS PREL PINR RU MD
08CHISINAU971PRESIDENT VORONIN: RELYING ON 5-PLUS-2 TO AVOID RUSSIAN TRAP
[...] (C) Summary: In his first meeting with Ambassador, President Voronin expressed his commitment to solving the Transnistria conflict only in the 5-plus-2 format. He wanted to avoid falling into any Russian "traps" that could appear if he negotiated directly with the Russians. Outside interests [...]
2008-09-30 13:39:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS PINR AMGT RU MD
08CHISINAU977Ambassador Discusses MCC, P.L. 480, Corruption and TIP, and
[...] (C) Summary: In his first meeting with Prime Minister Greceanii, Ambassador Asif Chaudhry explained delays in the signing of a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) compact agreement; discussed P.L. debt; pressed on the issue of civilian oversight for the Center to Combat Economic Crimes and [...]
2008-10-01 13:33:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR KTIP MD
08CHISINAU979MOLDOVA VIGILANT FOR RUSSIAN TRAPS, SAYS REINTEGATION
[...] (C) Summary: In his first meeting with Minister for Reintegration Vasile Sova, Ambassador Chaudhry found broad agreement on the basic issues: removing foreign troops from Moldovan territory, reforming the peacekeeping force, continuing confidence-building measures (CBMs),increasing EU partici [...]
2008-10-01 13:34:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PBTS EAID PINR MD RS
08CHISINAU983KALMAN MISZEI BELIEVES MOLDOVA NEEDS 5-
[...] (C) Summary: In a September 29 meeting EU Special Envoy Kalman Mizsei told Ambassador that he did not believe the Russians were committed to a 5-plus-2 meeting. Mizsei opined that Moldova needed the transparency of the 5-plus-2 process to protect it from walking into a Russian trap. The U.S [...]
2008-10-02 11:34:00Embassy ChisinauCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS PINR RS MD
08COLOMBO100MALDIVES: IN RUNUP TO ELECTION, INFIGHTING SLOWS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Special Majlis has resumed work on the final two chapters of the constitution, but President Gayoom's DRP party and the opposition alliance NUA continue to battle over the specifics of two chapters, including the nature of the executive and transitional arrangements to a new g [...]
2008-01-28 11:39:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM MV
08COLOMBO1023SRI LANKA AND MALDIVES: POSITION ON UNGA THIRD
[...] (U) On November 6, Ambassador conveyed reftel points to Sri Lankan Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona. Ambassador sought Sri Lanka's support and vote for upcoming human rights resolutions in the United Nations General Assembly's Third Committee and stated U.S. opposition to "no-action" motions [...]
2008-11-13 13:27:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL CE
08COLOMBO1042SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT FORCES TAKING CONTROL OF
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The recent fall of Pooneryn and the crossroads town of Mankulam to government forces has greatly improved the government's military position and put the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in a strategic bind. Government forces now control virtually all of Sri Lanka's western coastli [...]
2008-11-18 14:11:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV MOPS PTER CE
08COLOMBO1049SRI LANKA: TERRORISM TRIAL OF JOURNALIST
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The trial on terrorism charges of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam has entered a critical phase. The testimony in the case has not gone well for the government, with the officer who took Tissainayagam's confession conceding errors. The Judicial Medical officer who examined Tissa [...]
2008-11-20 13:46:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PTER PREL CE
08COLOMBO1062GUIDANCE NEEDED ON 699(G) RESTRICTIONS APPLIED TO
[...] (C) In a meeting with Ambassador on November 25, Foreign Minister Bogollagama informed post that two U.S. defense contractors, a Kuwaiti company affiliated with the U.S.-based Oshkosh Corp and DynCorp International, had instituted hiring restrictions on Sri Lankan expatriate workers in Kuwait [...]
2008-11-26 04:55:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL ECON SMIG KTIP ELAB CE
08COLOMBO1070SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR REVIEWS PROBLEMS IN EASTERN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In a meeting on November 25, Ambassador discussed current U.S. concerns about the situation in Sri Lanka with Foreign Minister Bogollagama. After praising GSL cooperation with the UN and ICRC over delivering food supplies to the population of the Vanni, Ambassador noted that incr [...]
2008-11-26 11:21:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM MOPS PREF CE
08COLOMBO1076MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT NASHEED REQUESTS $8-10 MILLION
[...] (U) This is an Action Request. Please see paragraph 5. 2. (C) Maldivian President Nasheed telephoned Ambassador the morning of November 27 to request a USG loan of 8 to 10 million U.S. dollars to help bridge a financial shortfall the Maldivian Government faces to meet its budgetary obligat [...]
2008-11-28 06:30:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALEFIN PREL ECON EAID MV
08COLOMBO1078SRI LANKA: DASD CLAD TOLD EASTERN PROBLEMS LIKELY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: During a visit to Sri Lanka on November 22-23, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense James Clad discussed the Sri Lankan Army's military progress against the LTTE, future political arrangements in Sri Lanka's north, demobilization of the TMVP, and child soldiers with Defense Secr [...]
2008-11-28 09:49:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO1079SRI LANKA: LTTE CHIEF PRAISES INDIA, CALLS SRI
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In his annual "Heroes' Day" speech, a defiant LTTE supremo Prabhakaran professed his commitment to a peaceful solution of the conflict, but labeled the government's pursuit of a military solution racist and genocidal. He criticized "so-called Peace Sponsors" who "impaired" neg [...]
2008-11-28 09:54:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO1094SRI LANKA: ANTI-CONVERSION BILL STALLED IN
[...] (C) After a meeting at the Peace Secretariat (SCOPP) on December 1, Secretary to the Ministry of Human Rights and Disaster Management Rajiva Wijesinghe reported to Charge that the anti-conversion bill currently being debated in Parliament is likely to remain in a standing committee and not com [...]
2008-12-02 12:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALKIRF PHUM CE
08COLOMBO1099SRI LANKA: SECURITY DETERIORATES IN EASTERN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Over the past three weeks the security situation in the East has deteriorated as LTTE cadres and TMVP members loyal to Karuna have conducted a series of killings. In response, the government imposed a curfew on Batticaloa and the Chief Minister and Mayor of Batticaloa went on a o [...]
2008-12-03 05:11:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO1102SRI LANKA: TMVP, GSL, AND UNICEF SIGN MOU ON CHILD
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On December 1 the Government, the TMVP and UNICEF signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that committed each party to end the use and recruitment of child soldiers by the TMVP. Karuna signed on behalf of the TMVP, "as leader of the TMVP in the presence of the Chief Minister o [...]
2008-12-03 12:38:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO1106MALDIVES: HOME MINISTER QASIM IBRAHIM RESIGNS
[...] (U) SUMMARY: Home Minister Qasim Ibrahim has resigned following a police brutality scandal at a five-star resort. Qasim's Republican Party has not decided on its continued participation in the MDP-led government. Upcoming Parliamentary elections in February will determine the extent to which [...]
2008-12-04 11:15:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB MV
08COLOMBO1108SRI LANKA: VERBAL AGREEMENT REACHED ON TMVP
[...] (SBU) According to IOM Chief of Party Mohammed Abdiker, on December 1 at a meeting convened by Secretary of Defense Gothabaya Rajapaksa, TMVP Commander and Member of Parliament Vinayagamurthi Muralitharan ("Karuna Amman") and Eastern Provincial Council Chief Minister Sivanesathurai Chadrakant [...]
2008-12-04 13:40:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM MOPS EAID CE
08COLOMBO111SRI LANKA: DISAPPOINTMENT AT LIMITED SCOPE OF
[...] (C) SUMMARY: While the international response to the unveiling of the government proposals for limited devolution of powers to the provinces under Sri Lanka's 13th Amendment was cautiously positive, reactions from the minority Tamils and Muslims have ranged from disappointment to scathing rej [...]
2008-01-29 15:02:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO1113SRI LANKA: RELIGIOUS LEADERS FACE OBSTACLES
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On November 23, international and Sri Lankan religious leaders held a conference in Anuradhapura at which they sought to facilitate the opening of a humanitarian corridor for the IDP population of the Vanni. Following the conference they met with the President who offered his [...]
2008-12-08 05:38:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV MOPS PINR CE
08COLOMBO1117SRI LANKA: TRIAL OF JOURNALIST ON TERRORISM
[...] (U) The inquiry to determine whether the confession of journalist J.S. Tissainayagam was voluntary or forced was held on December 5 at the High Court of Colombo before High Court Judge Deepali Wijesundera. The court ruled that it was voluntary. The future direction of this high-profile case [...]
2008-12-08 12:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL TERAA CE
08COLOMBO114SRI LANKA: RISING VIOLENCE IN NORTH KILLS STUDENTS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: An LTTE artillery bombardment of the Palaly base near Jaffna thwarted an attempt by Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa and Army Commander Sarath Fonseka to land there on January 28, forcing their aircraft to return to Colombo. Government forces responded by bombing the LTTE a [...]
2008-01-30 11:46:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM PREF MOPS CE
08COLOMBO135SRI LANKA: SPIKE IN DEADLY ATTACKS CONTINUES TO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka experienced a spike in terrorist attacks prior to its February Independence Day celebrations. On February 2, a bomb exploded on a civilian bus in Dambulla, in north central Sri Lanka, killing 20. On February 3, an LTTE suicide cadre killed herself and 14 others at the Fo [...]
2008-02-05 12:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER PHUM MOPS ASEC CE
08COLOMBO14ADMIRAL KEATING'S MEETING WITH MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT
[...] (C) Summary: In a friendly courtesy call with Maldivian President Gayoom on November 21, Pacific Commander Admiral Timothy Keating told the President his visit had reinforced the partnership between the U.S. and Maldives. He outlined for Gayoom plans the two militaries have to share more inf [...]
2008-01-03 11:11:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER PGOV CE
08COLOMBO142SRI LANKA: OPPOSITION AND MINORITY PARTIES SEARCH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's main opposition and minority parties have resigned themselves to working another year under the SLFP-led government. The opposition and minority parties remain frustrated with the SLFP-led government, but recognize they have few options for replacing the current admi [...]
2008-02-07 08:33:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO149SRI LANKA: MINISTER'S STRATEGY FOR ENGAGEMENT WITH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador met Human Rights Minster Mahinda Samarasinghe on January 25 to discuss a range of U.S. concerns about Sri Lanka's human rights situation, including recent incidents. Samarasinghe explained Sri Lanka's strategy for engagement with the UN Human Rights Council, emphasiz [...]
2008-02-11 08:22:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL MOPS CE
08COLOMBO15SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT DECIDES TO ANNUL CEASE-FIRE
[...] (C) Summary. On January 2, Sri Lanka's cabinet voted unanimously to end the Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA) signed between the GSL and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2002. Norway, the CFA's facilitator, issued a statement regretting the decision and noting that the Sri Lankan Mo [...]
2008-01-03 12:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO157SRI LANKA UNDECIDED ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE
[...] (C) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama on February 11, urging the Government of Sri Lanka to recognize Kosovo's independence if Kosovo issues such a declaration. Ambassador noted that the U.S. does not consider Kosovo independence [...]
2008-02-12 09:50:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL UN UNMIK YI CE
08COLOMBO162SRI LANKA: FIGHTING INTENSIFIES IN THE NORTH
[...] (C) Summary: Fighting between Sri Lankan Army (SLA) and LTTE forces has intensified, particularly in Mannar district. On February 12, the LTTE attacked the Thallady brigade command center in Mannar district killing several soldiers and damaging a nearby church. On February 11, 10 government [...]
2008-02-13 12:46:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO166SRI LANKA: GERMAN AID MINISTER CALLS FOR EU TO
[...] (C) Summary: German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Heidemarie Wieczorek-Zeul told the German press this week that she would urge the EU to withdraw Sri Lanka's eligibility for tariff-free exports to the EU under the GSP program if Sri Lanka continues to pursue a military res [...]
2008-02-15 10:26:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALEAID ETRD CE
08COLOMBO17SRI LANKA: GSL BLAMES CFA ABROGATION ON LTTE;
[...] (C) Summary. On January 3, the GSL submitted to Norwegian Ambassador Tore Hattrem formal notification, dated January 2, of its intent to withdraw from the Cease Fire Agreement (CFA). Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama briefed Co-Chair Ambassadors on the evening of January 3 and the broad [...]
2008-01-04 10:50:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO197SRI LANKA: BOMB BLASTS IN COLOMBO SUBURB AND
[...] (SBU) On February 23, a bomb blast injured 18 people at a bus stop in Mount Lavinia, a southern suburb of Colombo. According to press reports, a passenger who spotted an unattended parcel in the back of the bus alerted the driver, who evacuated the bus just before the explosion. Eight Tamils [...]
2008-02-26 05:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPTER PGOV PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO198SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT CIRCUMVENTS CONSTITUTIONAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Parliament adopted the 17th Amendment to the Sri Lankan Constitution in 2001, intending it to be a significant check on the powers of the Executive President. The 17th Amendment mandates an independent Constitutional Council (CC) responsible for nominating members to key public [...]
2008-02-26 05:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CE
08COLOMBO199SRI LANKA: LOCAL GOVERNMENT ELECTIONS IN EAST FACE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The GSL's plan of holding local government elections in nine constituencies in Batticaloa faces many challenges. Interlocutors from a variety of political parties and civil society organizations believe that holding a credible, free and fair election will be difficult, given the [...]
2008-02-26 05:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER PHUM PREL MOPS CE
08COLOMBO211SRI LANKA: RARE MEETING BETWEEN PRESIDENT AND
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Rajapaksa and Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe had their first meeting in months, but Wickremesinghe called the meeting inconclusive. He rebuffed the President's attempt to encourage the UNP to rejoin the APRC discussions. However, Wickremesinghe said that the UN [...]
2008-02-27 11:51:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO213CHILD SOLDIERS IN SRI LANKA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On February 28, Ambassador delivered to Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Rohitha Bogollagama reftel demarche on the possible restriction of U.S. Foreign Military Financing to the Government of Sri Lanka, due to the recruitment and use of child soldiers by government-backed [...]
2008-02-28 12:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV PTER MASS CE
08COLOMBO231BASIL RAJAPAKSA DISCUSSES ELECTIONS IN EAST, APRC,
[...] (C) Summary: At a March 5 lunch with Co-Chair Ambassadors, Basil Rajapaksa, the President's brother, senior political advisor, and coordinator for the stabilization and development of the East, said that the President had insisted to all the parties and the paramilitary TMVP that the March 10t [...]
2008-03-06 11:37:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM CE
08COLOMBO244SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED EX-TIGERS SWEEP LOCAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The March 10 local elections in Batticaloa District in eastern Sri Lanka went off without any serious violations or incidents of violence. The TMVP, a government-backed anti-LTTE Tamil paramilitary, swept the elections, winning 8 of 9 local bodies (and in a coalition with the r [...]
2008-03-11 14:34:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO245SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED EX-TIGERS SWEEP LOCAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The March 10 local elections in Batticaloa District in eastern Sri Lanka went off without any serious violations or incidents of violence. The TMVP, a government-backed anti-LTTE Tamil paramilitary, swept the elections, winning 8 of 9 local bodies (and in a coalition with the r [...]
2008-03-11 15:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO246SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED EX-TIGERS SWEEP LOCAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The March 10 local elections in Batticaloa District in eastern Sri Lanka went off without any serious violations or incidents of violence. The TMVP, a government-backed anti-LTTE Tamil paramilitary, swept the elections, winning 8 of 9 local bodies (and in a coalition with the r [...]
2008-03-11 15:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO247SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED EX-TIGERS SWEEP LOCAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The March 10 local elections in Batticaloa District in eastern Sri Lanka went off without any serious violations or incidents of violence. The TMVP, a government-backed anti-LTTE Tamil paramilitary, swept the elections, winning 8 of 9 local bodies (and in a coalition with the r [...]
2008-03-11 15:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO248SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED EX-TIGERS SWEEP LOCAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The March 10 local elections in Batticaloa District in eastern Sri Lanka went off without any serious violations or incidents of violence. The TMVP, a government-backed anti-LTTE Tamil paramilitary, swept the elections, winning 8 of 9 local bodies (and in a coalition with the r [...]
2008-03-11 15:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO249SRI LANKA: DEFENSE SECRETARY DEFENDS SPECIAL
[...] (C) On March 11, Ambassador delivered reftel (a) points to Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa, highlighting our desire to clarify U.S. vetting policy to the GSL while at the same time preserving our long-term relationship with the Sri Lankan military. Ambassador invited Gothabaya to provi [...]
2008-03-11 15:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL MASS PGOV MOPS CE
08COLOMBO250MALDIVES: CONSTITUTION NEAR COMPLETION; COUNTRY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On February 20, visiting Staffdel from the House Foreign Affairs Committee and Poloff called on Maldivian government officials to discuss the political reform process and upcoming multi-party elections. Staffdel consisted of Professional Staff Member Manpreet Anand, Senior PSM H [...]
2008-03-12 03:59:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MV
08COLOMBO264SRI LANKA: EMINENT PERSONS REITERATE PROBLEMS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) issued its fifth public statement on March 6, reiterating its concerns about the Commission of Inquiry's (COI) lack of progress and failure to adhere to international norms. The statement also announced IIGEP's decis [...]
2008-03-14 05:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO272SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT REACTS SHARPLY TO HUMAN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 14, Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama called in the Ambassador to register strong protest to the U.S. State Department's 2007 Human Rights Report on Sri Lanka. The Minister objected to the report's sourcing and its negative conclusions, and to the State Department pr [...]
2008-03-17 12:06:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV MOPS PTER CE
08COLOMBO279AMBASSADOR PRESSES SRI LANKAN JUSTICE SECRETARY ON
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 17, Ambassador and DCM met the Secretary to the Ministry of Justice Suhada Gamalath to urge SIPDIS that the GSL, in the face of restrictions on U.S. Foreign Military Financing to Sri Lanka (ref A),take swift and effective measures to demobilize and rehabilitate child [...]
2008-03-18 11:51:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM PTER MOPS CE
08COLOMBO280SRI LANKA: TAMIL JOURNALISTS DETAINED FOR ALLEGED
[...] (C) SUMMARY: J.S. Tissainayagam, a columnist for the Sunday Times, and two other journalists were arrested on March 7 by the Sri Lanka Police's Terrorism Investigation Division. Police also arrested B. Jasikaran, owner of the printing press that prints the Tamil weekly Sarinihar, his busine [...]
2008-03-18 12:01:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PTER PREL CE
08COLOMBO281SRI LANKA: CITIBANK BLOCKS SRI LANKAN AIRLINE
[...] (SBU) Summary: Citibank Sri Lanka has blocked a $250,000 transaction between Sri Lankan Airlines and Iranian Bank Melli, in accordance with Executive Order 13382 sanctions against Bank Melli. The blocked transaction was intended to pay for routine civil aviation overflight fees due to the gov [...]
2008-03-19 01:08:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALKTFN EFIN KNNP CE IR
08COLOMBO286EU TROIKA VISIT TO COLOMBO YIELDS LITTLE
[...] (C) Summary: In a briefing to Co-Chair Ambassadors at the conclusion of their March 17-18 visit to Colombo, EU Troika members noted they: pressed the Government of Sri Lanka to allow access to the Vanni for the Norwegian facilitators; noted the GSL's intention to implement the 13th Amendmen [...]
2008-03-19 12:51:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV CE
08COLOMBO287SRI LANKA: COORDINATING HUMAN RIGHTS STRATEGY WITH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On March 18, Ambassador hosted a meeting of representatives of missions that have contributed to the International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) to discuss how to maintain a strategy of continued engagement with the GSL on human rights following IIGEP's decision to [...]
2008-03-19 12:57:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO288SRI LANKA: PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS RISK
[...] (C) SUMMARY: During EmbOffs' visit to Batticaloa before the March 10 district-wide local council elections, political parties reiterated their concerns that the elections would not be free or fair. Paramilitaries contesting as political parties claimed to have disarmed, but local residents fe [...]
2008-03-19 13:56:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO306SRI LANKA NONCOMMITTAL ON SUPPORTING SPECIAL
[...] No summary [...]
2008-03-25 10:28:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM UNHCR CE
08COLOMBO313UNSCR 1803: SRI LANKA REVIEWING "LINE BY LINE"
[...] (C) Summary: Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Central Bank both responded to post's demarches on UN Security Council Resolution 1803 with assurances that Sri Lanka would meet its international obligations with respect to sanctions against Iran. The MFA acting Director General for U [...]
2008-03-27 10:31:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALEFIN KNNP UNSC IAEA IR CE
08COLOMBO314SRI LANKA: EMBASSY DISCUSSES CHILD SOLDIERS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador and DCM called on Foreign Secretary Palitha Kohona on March 24 to discuss Embassy SIPDIS suggestions for a roadmap to address child soldiers. Ambassador recommended any progress on the issue be verified by UNICEF and noted that the Embassy would remain engaged in t [...]
2008-03-27 11:11:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PTER PREL MOPS CE
08COLOMBO335SRI LANKAN AIRLINES APPLICATION TO OFAC TO RELEASE
[...] (C) Summary and recommendation: Sri Lankan Airlines has submitted a license application to the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) requesting release of a Pounds Sterling 125,124.70 payment that Citibank's Sri Lanka branch blocked in accordance with Executive Order 13382 because the r [...]
2008-04-01 12:20:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALEFIN KNNP KTFN IR CE
08COLOMBO34SRI LANKA: TIGER ATTACK KILLS MINISTER OUTSIDE
[...] (C) Summary. On January 8, non-cabinet Minister of Nation Building D.M. Dassanayake was killed in a roadside bomb attack just outside of Colombo. Initial indications are that Dassanayake was likely a target of opportunity for the LTTE. This incident is the first successful assassination of [...]
2008-01-08 12:00:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS ASEC CE
08COLOMBO341SRI LANKA: MAIN OPPOSITION AND MUSLIM CONGRESS
[...] (U) On April 1, the Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP) and Rauff Hakeem's Sri Lankan Muslim Congress agreed to contest the Eastern Provincial Council elections jointly in all three eastern districts - Ampara, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. SLMC General Secreta [...]
2008-04-02 09:37:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO345SRI LANKA: BISHOP OF MANNAR APPEALS TO STOP CHURCH
[...] (U) On April 3, the Bishop of Mannar faxed to Ambassador a press release calling on both the LTTE and Sri Lankan military to stop shelling the premises of a venerated Catholic shrine in Madhu, and to respect it as a zone of peace. TamilNet reported that the LTTE said the SLA was shelling the [...]
2008-04-03 11:48:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO363SRI LANKA: JVP RIFT RESULTS IN SUSPENSION OF
[...] (C) Summary. On April 6, local press reported that the JVP, in a March 21 Central Committee meeting, had decided to suspend Parliamentary Group Leader and Propaganda Secretary Wimal Weerawansa from the party. Weerawansa reportedly upset fellow JVP leaders by publicly contradicting the party' [...]
2008-04-09 10:52:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO369SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT-BACKED PARAMILITARY RELEASES
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Eleven TMVP child soldiers were released on April 7 to police custody in Batticaloa. They were transported on April 8 to a temporary holding facility in Pallekele, near Kandy, where they were met by Justice Secretary Suhada Gamalath, who chairs the GSL committee on SIPDIS c [...]
2008-04-09 12:36:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO385MALDIVES: CONSTITUTIONAL ASSEMBLY STALLED OVER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Intense debate continues between the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and ruling Dhivehi Raiyyithunge Party (DRP) on the draft constitution's chapter on transitional arrangements. Drafting is stalled after DRP MPs walked out of the Special Majlis on April 6, protestin [...]
2008-04-11 05:58:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MV
08COLOMBO394SRI LANKA: SCENESETTER FOR PDAS CAMP'S VISIT TO
[...] (C) INTRODUCTION: Your visit comes at a time when our relations with Sri Lanka are beginning to show signs of strain from the increasing pressure we have applied on key issues, particularly human rights and military cooperation. Nonetheless, we continue to have access at the highest levels [...]
2008-04-17 11:26:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO407SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES HUMAN RIGHTS
[...] (C) Summary: Ambassador met Tourism Minister Milinda Moragoda for a debrief of the Minister's recent visit to Washington. President Rajapaksa recently designated Moragoda as a special envoy on external military relations with the US, India and possibly other countries. Ambassador suggested [...]
2008-04-24 12:49:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL PTER MOPS CE
08COLOMBO409SRI LANKA: IIGEP COMES TO END; HOPE REMAINS FOR
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The International Independent Group of Eminent Persons (IIGEP) has ended its work in country and released its final public statement on April 15. The statement concluded that the Commission of Inquiry's (COI) work has not met international standards, detailed the reasons for th [...]
2008-04-25 06:31:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO410SRI LANKA: TMVP RELEASES 28 CHILD SOLDIERS
[...] (SBU) Minister of Disaster Management and Human Rights Mahinda Samarasinghe informed Ambassador the evening of April 24 that the TMVP (a government-backed paramilitary in the East) released 28 child soldiers earlier in the day in Batticaloa. This second release follows the release of 11 chil [...]
2008-04-25 06:53:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM CE
08COLOMBO412SRI LANKA: PDAS CAMP ENCOURAGES PROGRESS ON HUMAN
[...] (C) Summary. During his April 21-22 visit to Colombo, SCA PDAS Don Camp highlighted to GSL officials that despite the long-standing friendship between our countries, continuing human rights abuses place limits on our cooperation. PDAS Camp pressed for the release of TMVP child soldiers and [...]
2008-04-28 04:02:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS ECON CE
08COLOMBO417SRI LANKA: BUS BOMBING KILLS 26
[...] (U) On April 25, a bomb exploded on a packed, evening rush-hour bus in Piliyandala, a suburb 15 km south of Colombo. Twenty-six people were killed, and 64 injured. The bus was traveling from the outskirts of Colombo to Kahapola, a village east of the city. Police have arrested nine suspect [...]
2008-04-28 11:41:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO441SRI LANKA: GSL ACHIEVES PROGRESS ON CHILD SOLDIERS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: UNICEF reported that in April, the number of child soldiers with the TMVP on whom it has files dropped by 55, to a total of 76. The actual number still with the TMVP is likely higher, possibly 200-250. Nevertheless, the GSL is clearly pushing the TMVP to release child soldiers, [...]
2008-05-06 12:27:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO448SRI LANKA: MAY 10 EASTERN POLLS SEEN AS REFERENDUM
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The May 10 Eastern Provincial Council elections are the first provincial-level polls in the East in twenty years. A relatively free, fair, and peaceful election would help bring back normalcy in the East, lay the groundwork for democratic administrative structures, and reinforce [...]
2008-05-08 13:25:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO449SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT PROROGUES PARLIAMENT
[...] (C) On May 6, President Rajapaksa abruptly prorogued (suspended) Parliament until June 5. All parliamentary committees must be reconstituted and pending legislation must be re-introduced when Parliament reconvenes. Presidential advisor Basil Rajapaksa and Presidential Secretary Lalith Weera [...]
2008-05-08 13:31:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM CE
08COLOMBO459REQUEST TO SRI LANKA TO PROVIDE AVIATION SUPPORT
[...] (C) Ambassador and ODC Chief Orozco met with Sri Lankan Secretary of Defense Gotabhaya Rajapaksa on May 12 to request that Sri Lanka offer Mi-8 or Mi-24 helicopters to support the UN-AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur. Drawing on the background in para 4 of reftel, Ambassador noted that Suda [...]
2008-05-12 11:12:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALMARR PREL KPKO CE
08COLOMBO463SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT WINS EASTERN POLLS BY NARROW
[...] (C) Summary: The ruling UPFA won the Eastern Provincial Council elections on May 10, amidst criticism by the opposition parties and observer groups of large scale election malpractices. The UPFA-TMVP won 18 seats plus 2 bonus seats, the UNP-SLMC won 15, and the JVP and TDNA won one each. Re [...]
2008-05-12 13:22:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO465SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES PROSPECTS FOR
[...] (C) On May 12 Ambassador met with V. Anandasangaree, President of the Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) to discuss devolution of power and prospects for peace. Anandasangaree stressed that the LTTE is not the sole representative of the Tamil people, and that the government should talk with [...]
2008-05-13 12:16:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO473MALDIVES: CONSTITUTION DRAFTING COMPLETE;
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Maldives is now in the midst of final frenetic preparations to ratify its new constitution and then hold the first truly free presidential elections in the country's history in August of this year. The final chapter of Maldives' new constitution passed in the Special Majlis [...]
2008-05-15 11:58:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM MV
08COLOMBO476DARFUR HELICOPTERS: SRI LANKANS HOPE THEY CAN HELP
[...] (C) Ambassador spoke on May 16 with Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to seek an update on the Government of Sri Lanka's response to our request that Sri Lanka provide helicopters to support the UN-AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur (reftel). Rajapaksa said he had spoken with Air Force [...]
2008-05-16 10:54:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALMARR PREL KPKO CE
08COLOMBO477DARFUR HELICOPTERS: SRI LANKANS HOPE THEY CAN HELP
[...] (C) Ambassador spoke on May 16 with Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to seek an update on the Government of Sri Lanka's response to our request that Sri Lanka provide helicopters to support the UN-AU peacekeeping operation in Darfur (reftel). Rajapaksa said he had spoken with Air Force [...]
2008-05-16 10:54:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALMARR PREL KPKO CE
08COLOMBO478SRI LANKA: SCENESETTER FOR DAS ERICA
[...] (C) Summary and Introduction: Your visit comes at a time when our relations with Sri Lanka are strong, but show some strain from the pressure we have applied on key issues, particularly human rights. Nonetheless, we continue to have access at the highest levels of the GSL and to play an imp [...]
2008-05-16 10:57:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM MOPS PTER CE
08COLOMBO480SRI LANKA: PILLAIYAN IS CHOICE FOR CHIEF MINISTER
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The government's game plan for organizing the newly elected Eastern Provincial Council and naming the province's new Chief Minister may be unravelling. TMVP leader "Pillaiyan" and M.L.M. Hisbullah, both elected to the council for the United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA),lay [...]
2008-05-16 12:17:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO483SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT NAMES PILLAIYAN CHIEF
[...] (C) SUMMARY: President Rajapaksa swore in the TMVP leader "Pillaiyan" as new Chief Minister of the Eastern Province on May 16. However, it is still unclear whether a block of a few Muslim Provincial Councilors led by M.L.M. Hisbullah will assure Pillaiyan of a majority by supporting him in th [...]
2008-05-20 12:12:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM MASS MOPS PTER CE
08COLOMBO492AMBASSADOR URGES MALDIVIAN PRESIDENT TO FINISH NEW
[...] (SBU) Summary: Ambassador and US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Bone met on May 19 with Maldivian President Gayoom on the margins of the "Partnering for a Safer Sea" conference hosted by the Government of Maldives at Sun Island Resort, Maldives. The President noted the need for a South Asian Re [...]
2008-05-22 02:29:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM CE
08COLOMBO493SRI LANKA: COMMISSION REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FOR
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On May 6, Chairman of the Commission of Inquiry Udalagama formally requested assistance in continuing video conference testimony from abroad. Embassy and USAID have agreed that support of this effort would be the most appropriate use of unused U.S. funds which had been designat [...]
2008-05-22 04:19:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO496TIGHT TIMETABLE TO PREPARE FOR PRESIDENTIAL
[...] (C) Summary: Excitement and expectations are building for what Maldivians hope will be their country's first ever free and fair Presidential elections in the fall of 2008. Opposition parties failed to agree on a single "Alliance" candidate to contest against the presumptive ruling DRP party ca [...]
2008-05-22 11:36:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM CE
08COLOMBO499SRI LANKA: TENSIONS RISE FOLLOWING SEVERAL
[...] (C) On May 22, a TMVP member named Santhan and his bodyguard were shot dead near the Divisional Secretary's office in Kattankudy (Batticaloa District),the home electorate of Pillaiyan's chief rival for the post of Chief Minister, M.L.A.M. Hisbullah. Santhan's wife successfully contested th [...]
2008-05-22 12:29:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO507SRI LANKA: DEFENSE JOURNALIST ABDUCTED, BEATEN AND
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Keith Noyahr, a prominent journalist and defense analyst, was abducted and severely beaten by unidentified men on the night of May 22. The next day, hundreds of journalists protested the attack and demanded a full investigation. Some of the victim's journalist colleagues specula [...]
2008-05-27 12:00:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PTER CE
08COLOMBO510SRI LANKA: DISCUSSIONS ON NEXT STEPS AFTER EASTERN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassadors or Heads of Mission of the U.S., France, Norway, India, and U.K., and the Resident Representatives of the UN, World Bank and Asian Development Bank met on May 21 to discuss policy responses to the recent elections for the Provincial Council in the east. Most agreed [...]
2008-05-28 12:13:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER MARR PHUM CE
08COLOMBO516SRI LANKA OFFERS TO PROVIDE ONE HELICOPTER FOR
[...] (C) In response to Ambassador's May 12 meeting with Secretary of Defense Gotabaya Rajapaksa (ref B) and follow-up conversations May 16 (ref A) and May 23, post today received written confimation, dated May 27, that the Government of Sri Lanka is prepared to make available one Bell 212 helicop [...]
2008-05-29 12:51:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALKPKO MARR PREL
08COLOMBO528SRI LANKA: DEFENSE MINISTRY MOBILIZES AGAINST
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Defense Secretary summoned two media workers from the government-owned publishing house. He reportedly harangued them for over two hours for participating in a rally to protest the abduction and beating of defense journalist Keith Noyahr. The journalists told us that Gothab [...]
2008-06-02 13:14:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PTER MOPS PREL CE
08COLOMBO536SRI LANKA'S CHILD SOLDIERS: INITIAL STEPS WELCOME,
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In May 22-23 meetings, DRL DAS Barks-Ruggles obtained an update on the government's efforts to release child soldiers. She urged Justice Secretary Gamalath to put in place effective measures to combat the problem, and pressed the Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of the Disast [...]
2008-06-03 10:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM PTER MASS CE
08COLOMBO539SRI LANKA: ETHNIC DIVIDE IN ATTITUDES ON THE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In May 22-24 meetings with visiting DAS Barks-Ruggles, representatives from the ICRC, the UN, and a leading local think tank described a deteriorating human rights situation. Human Rights Ministry Secretary Amarasinghe highlighted the limited steps the government has taken to rec [...]
2008-06-03 10:39:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PTER CE
08COLOMBO546MALDIVES COAST GUARD REQUESTS TRAINING FROM U.S.
[...] (C) U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Craig E. Bone, Commander, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) District Eleven, met Major General Mohamed Zahir, Chief of Staff Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and Embassy Colombo ODC Chief Orozco on May 9 in Maldives. 2. (C) Major General Zahir requested from Ad [...]
2008-06-05 03:12:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALMAS MV PGOV PREL
08COLOMBO55SRI LANKA: PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR WELCOMES USG
[...] (C) Summary. On January 8, Senior Presidential Advisor Basil Rajapaksa outlined for Ambassador and the visiting 1210 team the GSL's ambitious development agenda for the East and welcomed USG assistance on a wide range of policy initiatives. Rajapaksa highlighted the government's progress i [...]
2008-01-11 08:00:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO551SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT BLOCKS VIDEO TESTIMONY TO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Presidential Secretariat has directed the Commission of Inquiry to suspend all further hearing of video testimony from protected witnesses abroad in the cases of five Tamil students slain in January 2006 in Trincomalee and the massacre of 17 humanitarian workers of the French [...]
2008-06-05 11:12:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO552SRI LANKA'S EASTERN PROVINCIAL COUNCIL CONVENES;
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Sri Lanka's new Eastern Provincial Council was sworn in June 4 despite an opposition boycott. Since the announcement of Chief Minister Pillaiyan's appointment, tensions have remained high between the Muslim and Tamil communities in the East with targeted political assassination [...]
2008-06-05 12:10:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR EAID PTER PHUM MOPS ECON EINV
08COLOMBO57SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT PROMISES DEVOLUTION PACKAGE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The government has announced a new deadline for presenting a proposal for a political solution to Sri Lanka's ethnic problem. The President and Council of Ministers have asked the All-Party Representative Committee to endorse enhanced powers for the Northern and Eastern Province [...]
2008-01-11 09:27:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO571SRI LANKA: TWO PROVINCIAL COUNCILS DISSOLVED;
[...] (U) At midnight on June 10, the government dissolved the Sabaragamuwa and North Central Provincial Councils. Both councils' terms were scheduled to end in August 2009. North Central Chief Minister (CM) Bertie Premalal Dissanayake and Sabaragamuwa Chief Minister Mahipala Herath confirmed tha [...]
2008-06-11 11:51:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO572MALDIVES: FIU WANTS AND NEEDS USG ASSISTANCE IN
[...] (SBU) Summary: Despite the lack of a developed Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU),Maldives -- a moderate, pro-U.S. Islamic state -- is taking steps to combat financial crimes and enact legislation that will make it more difficult for money launderers or terrorist financing networks to abuse [...]
2008-06-11 11:54:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALEFIN PTER ETTC PREL MV
08COLOMBO578SRI LANKA'S CHILD SOLDIERS: GSL AGREES TO JOINT
[...] (C) SUMMARY: At a dinner on June 10, Defense Secretary Rajapaksa, Justice Secretary Gamalath and UNICEF Country Representative Duamelle agreed to a joint verification plan in which UNICEF officials and Justice Ministry staff would seek to identify the whereabouts of the approximately 70 child [...]
2008-06-12 11:58:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL MASS CE
08COLOMBO581SRI LANKA: PRESIDENT TELLS PRESS TO TOE THE LINE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Two senior journalists told Embassy that President Rajapaksa called in the heads of Sri Lanka's major media outlets on June 6 to criticize their coverage of the war and instructed them to avoid publishing any sensitive or derogatory military information. The President implied that [...]
2008-06-13 03:26:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PTER MOPS PREL CE
08COLOMBO588SRI LANKA: SUICIDE BLAST KILLS 12 POLICEMEN,
[...] (U) A little after 7:00 am on June 16 a suicide bomber on a motorbike killed himself and 12 police personnel in front of the Senior Superintendent of Police's (SSP) office in Vavuniya. RSO FSN's contacts reported that 19 additional police personnel were admitted to the general hospital in V [...]
2008-06-16 10:53:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER MOPS ASEC CE
08COLOMBO595SRI LANKA: LOW EXPECTATIONS FOR NORTHERN TASK
[...] (U) Summary. On April 30, the Cabinet approved President Rajapaksa's proposal for a Special Task Force (STF) for Northern Development to administer the Northern Province. He appointed Minister of Social Welfare and Eelam People's Democratic Party (EPDP) leader Douglas Devananda as Chairman [...]
2008-06-17 10:45:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO610SRI LANKA: HIGH LEVEL INDIAN DELEGATION URGES
[...] (C) Summary. Indian Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan, Foreign Secretary Shiv Shankar Menon and Defense Secretary Vijay Singh made an unannounced, two-day visit to Colombo from June 20-21 to meet with Sri Lankan officials, military service chiefs, and Tamil political party leaders. Indian DC [...]
2008-06-24 11:33:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO62OPPOSITION LEADER PROVIDES GLOOMY ASSESSMENT TO
[...] (C) Summary: In a meeting with Co-Chair and other key Ambassadors on January 11, Opposition and UNP leader Ranil Wickremesinghe criticized the GSL for abrogating the cease-fire agreement, failing to come forward with a devolution package, and continued human rights abuses. He predicted the [...]
2008-01-14 11:30:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER PGOV CE
08COLOMBO620SRI LANKA: SCENESETTER FOR DAS FEIGENBAUM'S VISIT
[...] (C) Sri Lanka: Your visit comes at a time when our relations with Sri Lanka are showing signs of strain from the increasing pressure we have applied on key issues, particularly human rights. Nonetheless, we continue to have access at the highest levels of the GSL and to play an important [...]
2008-06-25 13:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE MV
08COLOMBO637SRI LANKA: LARGE SEARCH OF TAMILS IN COLOMBO
[...] (C) On July 2, in an early morning operation Sri Lankan army, police, and STF forces cordoned off and searched Kimbula Ela, a predominantly Tamil area of Colombo. According to an Embassy mail room employee who lives in the area, 800 people (including the Embassy employee) were told to leave [...]
2008-07-02 10:36:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM ASEC CE
08COLOMBO646SRI LANKA: TMVP LEADER ASSURES COOPERATION ON
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In his first meeting with USG officials, new Eastern Province Chief Minister and TMVP head Pillaiyan pledged his cooperation to release the TMVP's remaining child soldiers. He was less forthcoming about the near-term disarmament of all TMVP cadres, arguing that the LTTE had re-i [...]
2008-07-07 07:33:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO650SRI LANKA: DAS FEIGENBAUM CONFRONTS GSL'S
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In a series of June 30 meetings with GSL officials, SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary Evan Feigenbaum stressed that Sri Lanka has many friends in Washington, but a growing sense of frustration, even despair, now prevails that the political track has not kept up with the military track [...]
2008-07-08 08:47:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS EAID CE
08COLOMBO652MALDIVES: DAS FEIGENBAUM ENCOURAGES REFORM AND
[...] (C) Summary. On July 2, SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary Evan Feigenbaum held meetings in Male' with government officials, civil society, the UN, and opposition groups to urge progress on democratic reform and free and fair multi-party elections in coming months. Government officials, includ [...]
2008-07-08 09:15:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM EINV ECON MV
08COLOMBO653SRI LANKA: TWO PROVINCIAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS SET
[...] (U) SUMMARY: The Sri Lankan Election Commission set August 23rd as the date for two Provincial Council elections in the North Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces. The campaigns in both provinces are likely to revolve around the government's war strategy versus the opposition's emphasis on poc [...]
2008-07-08 09:28:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO654KARUNA RETURNS TO SRI LANKA
[...] (U) SUMMARY: Former TMVP head Karuna Amman was deported from the UK and returned to Sri Lanka on July 3rd after spending the last three months in a UK detention center after the Crown Prosecution Service announced it had insufficient evidence to charge him with gross human rights violations. C [...]
2008-07-08 09:40:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO656MALDIVES: DAS FEIGENBAUM ENCOURAGES REFORM AND
[...] (C) Summary. On July 2, SCA Deputy Assistant Secretary Evan Feigenbaum held meetings in Male' with government officials, civil society, the UN, and opposition groups to urge progress on democratic reform and free and fair multi-party elections in coming months. Government officials, includ [...]
2008-07-08 10:56:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM EINV ECON MV
08COLOMBO659SRI LANKA: FONSEKA MOVES GOALPOSTS ON VICTORY AGAIN
[...] (U) In a June 30 interview widely reported in the Sri Lankan press, Army Chief Sarath Fonseka estimated LTTE strength at 5,000 cadres and stated "maybe a maximum of a year from now the LTTE should lose large areas." He also said "Even if we finish the war, capture the whole of the north, stil [...]
2008-07-09 10:35:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO66SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL WILLARD'S VISIT TO SRI
[...] (C) INTRODUCTION: Your visit comes at a defining juncture for Sri Lanka. With the abrogation of the 2002 Cease-Fire Agreement (CFA),we expect to see an escalation in fighting and further deterioration of the human rights situation in the coming months. The Sri Lankan military is a key pla [...]
2008-01-14 12:01:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALMARR PREL PHUM EAID CE
08COLOMBO668SRI LANKA: CHALLENGE ISSUED AND WITHDRAWN TO
[...] (U) Summary: Ranil Wickremesinghe, leader of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) has faced the third challenge to his leadership since 2000. In June, a group of senior UNP MPs threatened to boycott the upcoming Provincial Council (PC) election campaigns (Ref A) if Wickremesinghe di [...]
2008-07-11 09:05:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO686MALDIVES: AMBASSADOR PRESSES FOR SPEEDY
[...] (C) Summary: In a meeting with the Ambassador on July 15, Foreign Minister Shahid stressed the need for additional enabling legislation -- in advance of President Gayoom's signature on the constitution -- that will allow the police forces to continue to legally operate. He said the President [...]
2008-07-18 05:34:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM ECON MV
08COLOMBO695SRI LANKA: TENSION IN THE TMVP: KARUNA AND
[...] (U) SUMMARY: On July 12 in Colombo, Karuna and Pillaiyan held their first face to face meeting since Karuna's return to the country July 3. The TMVP spokesman characterized the meeting positively, yet two days later Karuna appeared in Batticaloa unannounced causing deep concern for Pillaiyan a [...]
2008-07-21 11:05:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO696SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR CONTINUES EFFORTS ON BEHALF
[...] (C) On July 16 Ambassador met with Ronnate Tissainayagam, wife of detained journalist and two time IVP participant J.S. Tissainayagam (Ref B). Mrs. Tissainayagam reported that the four and a half month detention had severely affected her husband's mental capacity and he was now hardly able to [...]
2008-07-21 11:11:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM CE
08COLOMBO7MODERATE TAMIL POLITICIAN ASSASSINATED IN COLOMBO
[...] (C) Summary. United National Party (UNP) member of parliament T. Maheswaran was shot and killed on January 1 while attending New Year's Day ceremonies at a Hindu temple in Colombo. Sri Lanka Police officials say that the suspected assailant, who they claim was working for the LTTE, was am [...]
2008-01-02 12:12:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO721SCENESETTER FOR A/S BOUCHER'S VISIT FOR THE 15TH
[...] (C) Summary and Introduction: Your visit for the 15th SAARC Summit finds most SAARC member countries preoccupied with domestic issues. After surviving a no-confidence vote, the Indian government is looking ahead to national elections next year, and frustrated that last minute objections from [...]
2008-07-25 08:04:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS PINR ECON CE MV
08COLOMBO723SRI LANKA: APRC RECOMMENCES MEETINGS, JOINED BY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador met with All Party Representative Committee (APRC) Chairman Tissa Vitharana to discuss the devolution process and encourage the APRC to invite the Opposition to reach a consensus on a post-conflict political solution. Vitharana told Ambassador that the APRC's main dif [...]
2008-07-28 08:53:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO725SRI LANKA: AMBASSADOR ASKS FOR GSL SUPPORT FOR
[...] No summary [...]
2008-07-28 13:24:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALIAEA KNNP PREL KZ SY AORC CE
08COLOMBO733SAARC SUMMIT: BOUCHER AND GILANI FOLLOW UP
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In a meeting on the margins of the SAARC summit, Prime Minister Gilani told Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher that he felt his recent meetings in Washington had gone well. Foreign Minister Qureshi objected to Afghanistan's withdrawal from pla [...]
2008-08-04 09:04:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL MOPS PINR PGOV PTER KNNP PARM IN AF PK
08COLOMBO74AKASHI READOUT OF VISIT TO COLOMBO
[...] (C) Summary: In a briefing for the Co-Chair and Indian Ambassadors on January 15, Japanese Special Envoy Yasushi Akashi reported that he conveyed to President Rajapaksa and other interlocutors Japan's deep concern about the abrogation of the cease-fire and the likelihood of intensified hosti [...]
2008-01-16 10:54:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER PGOV CE
08COLOMBO747SRI LANKA: BOUCHER PRESSES DEFENSE SECRETARY ON
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia Richard Boucher and Ambassador Blake met Defense Secretary Gothabaya Rajapaksa on August 1 to discuss bilateral security cooperation, the progress of the government's war against the separatist Tamil Tigers, and humanitarian and hum [...]
2008-08-08 10:21:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO748SAARC SUMMIT: PROGRESS ON DELIVERABLES DESPITE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The margins of the 15th South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation summit served as a venue for Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan to address the fallout of the embassy attack in Kabul and other recent incidents productively. For the first time in the Association's history th [...]
2008-08-08 10:32:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO75SRI LANKA: LTTE STRIKES CIVILIAN BUS IN THE
[...] (C) On January 16 at 7:30 am, a claymore mine exploded near Buttala, in Sri Lanka's southeastern Uva Province, hitting a civilian bus. At least 24 people were killed, including several women and children, and more than 60 were wounded. Chief of Defense Staff Donald Perera confirmed to Amba [...]
2008-01-16 11:35:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS ASEC CE
08COLOMBO765MALDIVES: BOUCHER VISITS MALDIVES FOR FIRST BIG
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher visited Male August 6, a day before President Gayoom signed the new constitution (ref A) which provides the legal framework for the first multi-party presidential elections in Maldives' history. Pres [...]
2008-08-15 05:40:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL MV
08COLOMBO766SRI LANKA: BOUCHER FINDS COMMITMENT TO MILITARY
[...] (C) SUMMARY: During Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Richard Boucher's visit to Colombo for the SAARC summit on August 1-4, Sri Lankan government interlocutors made clear they were committed to a military solution to the conflict. The President, the Foreign Minister, th [...]
2008-08-15 06:43:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS EAID CE
08COLOMBO80BOGOLLAGAMA SEEKS U.S. ADVICE ON WAY FORWARD
[...] (C) Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama convoked the Ambassador on January to hear the Ambassador's thoughts on steps Sri Lanka should take on issues of concern to the U.S. and others. With respect to the intensified conflict, which the US and other countries oppose, the Ambassador urged the [...]
2008-01-18 08:47:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER PHUM CE
08COLOMBO801SRI LANKA: JOURNALIST TISSAINAYAGAM CHARGED UNDER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: State prosecutors charged detained journalist J.S. Tissainayagam on August 25 in High Court under the Prevention of Terrorism Act for conspiracy to discredit the government, intent to aid and abet a terrorist organization, and accepting money from non-governmental organizations to [...]
2008-08-26 14:52:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM CE
08COLOMBO81SRI LANKA: APRC RESISTING GSL PRESSURE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On January 17, Ambassador called on All Parties Representative Committee (APRC) Chairman Tissa Vitharana to discuss the current status of the APRC process. Vitharana said the President has encouraged the APRC to focus its report on full implementation of the 13th amendment. Vit [...]
2008-01-18 08:58:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO854MALDIVES: MAJOR STEPS TAKEN AS DEADLINE NEARS FOR
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The Government has achieved significant, if still insufficient, progress on preparations for the first multi-party presidential elections in Maldivian history. Elections Commissioner Ibrahim announced that if the Parliament can pass two critical pieces of legislation by Septemb [...]
2008-09-11 02:04:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL MV
08COLOMBO86SRI LANKA: US PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION STIRRING
[...] (C) Summary. Recent comments by US Presidential candidates Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Barack Obama have been a catalyst for open discussion over what the US presidential election will mean for Sri Lanka. Tamil press and politicians have generally favored the perceived nuanced positi [...]
2008-01-23 07:25:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER OREP CE
08COLOMBO860AMBASSADOR REVIEWS US CONCERNS REGARDING SITUATION
[...] (C) Summary: In a September 11 meeting, the Ambassador briefed the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Bogollogama on US concerns regarding the rapidly evolving situation in northern Sri Lanka. He expressed concern that the Government Agents would not be able to replace the UN in managing the massive [...]
2008-09-11 11:43:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PREF PHUM CE
08COLOMBO907SRI LANKA: GRENADE ATTACK AGAINST HOME OF HUMAN
[...] (U) On Saturday September 27, 2008 at approximately 11:30 p.m., two grenades were thrown at the residence of Mr. J.C. Weliamuna in Kohuwela, a Colombo suburb. Weliamuna is a well-known human rights lawyer and also Director of Transparency International (Sri Lanka). One of the two grenades d [...]
2008-09-29 11:29:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO921SRI LANKA: SUICIDE BOMBING KILLS ABOUT 27,
[...] (C) An apparent suicide attack took the lives of at least 27 people and wounded about 90 in government-controlled territory in northern Sri Lanka. Reports state that a suicide bomber dressed in business attire walked into an office of the main opposition United National Party (UNP) in Anurad [...]
2008-10-06 12:18:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL PHUM MOPS PGOV CE
08COLOMBO929MINISTER OUTLINES PROGRESS ON LANGUAGE TRAINING;
[...] (C) Summary: In an October 8 meeting with Ambassador, Minister of Constitutional Affairs and National Integration Dew Gunasekera described the progress his Ministry is making to increase Tamil language training for Sinhalese-speaking civil servants, police and Buddhist monks to help promote [...]
2008-10-09 11:15:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM CE
08COLOMBO93SRI LANKA: GOVERNMENT UNVEILS PROPOSAL FOR FIRST
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The All-Party Representative Committee (APRC) complied with a Presidential instruction to produce a devolution plan based on full implementation of the 1988 13th Amendment to Sri Lanka's Constitution. In effect, it submitted to the President a draft reportedly dictated largely b [...]
2008-01-24 13:44:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KDEM CE
08COLOMBO930SRI LANKA: SUICIDE BOMBER MISSES MINISTER SIRISENA
[...] (U) On October 9 a suicide bomber targeted the motorcade of Minister of Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Development Maithripala Sirisena 15 kilometers south of central Colombo. One person was killed and five were injured including Deputy Minister Gamlath and the Minister's priv [...]
2008-10-09 11:42:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER CE
08COLOMBO933MALDIVES: GAYOOM IS TOP VOTE-GETTER, BUT FACES
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Final results of the first round of Maldives' first-ever multiparty presidential election (ref a) showed that incumbent President Gayoom took just over 40% of the vote, with five challengers splitting the rest. There were technical flaws in the election, including problems with [...]
2008-10-10 11:02:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER PHUM MOPS CE
08COLOMBO976PRESIDENT RAJAPAKSA AND AMBASSADOR DISCUSS
[...] (C) Summary: On the margins of ceremonies opening a USAID-funded vocational training center in President Rajapaksa's hometown of Tangalle on October 26, Ambassador and the President discussed a range of important issues. The President indicated he wants to become more personally involved in h [...]
2008-10-27 09:34:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM CE
08COLOMBO985CO-CHAIRS MEET WITH FOREIGN MINISTER TO ON
[...] (C) Summary: At the request of Co-Chair Ambassadors, Foreign Minister Bogollagama met with the Co-Chair Ambassadors on October 29 to discuss the humanitarian situation in the north and progress towards a political solution to Sri Lanka's conflict. The Co-Chairs urged continued humanitarian acc [...]
2008-10-30 08:29:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPREL PREF PGOV CE
08COLOMBO994BASIL RAJAPAKSA DISCUSSES INDIA TRIP,
[...] (C) Summary: In a November 3 meeting with Ambassador, Presidential senior advisor Basil Rajapaksa agreed security remains a problem in eastern Sri Lanka and agreed to discuss with the Defense Secretary a timetable for demobilizing paramilitaries there. Regarding his recent trip to India, he sa [...]
2008-11-04 12:25:00Embassy ColomboCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM IN CE
08CONAKRY100PAO CONAKRY MEETS WITH DIRECTOR OF MEDIA
[...] (U) Summary: The Public Affairs Officer (PAO) met with the new controversial director of the Commission National de la Communication (CNC),the government body that enforces press standards and guarantees press freedom in Guinea. The director talked about his vision for the CNC, his views of [...]
2008-04-16 11:56:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALOEXC PGOV PREL SCUL KPAO GV
08CONAKRY104NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS, BUT NOT MUCH
[...] (C) Aboubacar Sompare, President of the National Assembly, officially opened the spring legislative session on April 7. Despite speaking for 30 minutes, Sompare did not say much substantively, instead focusing on broad-based themes without going into much depth. He made no reference to upco [...]
2008-04-16 14:35:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB PHUM KDEM GV
08CONAKRY110GUINEA ASKS FOR HELP TO ALLEVIATE ECONOMIC
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Guinean Minister of Foreign Affairs urgently requested a meeting with the Ambassador in order to request help in dealing with rising prices for basic foodstuffs. The Ambassador responded with tough questions about corruption and the government's new export ban on foodstuffs [...]
2008-04-17 12:34:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALASEC EAGR EAID ECON EPET ETRD GV PGOV PREL
08CONAKRY121CURRENT PERSPECTIVE FROM THE RULING PARTY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A recent discussion with a leading member of the ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) provides some insights as to the current thinking of the party's leadership. Contact is firmly behind the president and sees the PUP as a powerful and significant political player. At the [...]
2008-04-18 14:31:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY129DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE
[...] (C) On April 22, Econoff met with the Chef de Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alpha Oumar Diallo, regararding support for the U.S. EU declaration regarding prisoners of conscience (REFTEL). Econoff also supplied Mr. Diallo with a copy of the diplomatic note on the same subject [...]
2008-02-21 10:32:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL EUN PHUM GV
08CONAKRY15RULING PARTY DECLARES SUPPORT FOR PRESIDENT CONTE
[...] (U) The Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) issued a declaration on January 6 affirming party support for its long time leader, President Lansana Conte. Sekou Konate, PUP General Secretary, who reportedly signed the document, called on PUP supporters to 'mobilize in order to safeguard national [...]
2008-01-08 05:49:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL GV
08CONAKRY152SYLLAH IN, SYLLAH OUT - WHO RUNS THE PATRONAT?
[...] (U) SUMMARY. A few weeks ago, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appointed Mamadou Syllah as the head of the government's official delegation to the International Labor Conference in Geneva. On April 26, the MFA retracted the designation following heavy criticism from the media, the population [...]
2008-05-02 11:40:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALECON PGOV PREL ELAB ASEC GV
08CONAKRY16YOUTH SAY STRIKES ARE A BAD IDEA
[...] (C) SUMMARY. According to a Conakry youth leader, Guinea,s young people do not support the unions, plan to resume a nationwide labor strike on January 10, which could prematurely escalate political tension. Many of Conakry,s youth reportedly do not think that the prime minister has effectiv [...]
2008-01-08 05:57:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB KDEM GV
08CONAKRY163A PRIVATE CHAT WITH GUINEAN PRIME MINISTER LANSANA
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On May 3, Ambassador Carter met with Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate at the EMR for 90 minutes. Kouyate, who was traveling to Kuwait that evening, had just come from a meeting with President Conte at his farm in Dubreka where the PM discussed plans for a possible cabinet reshuffle, and [...]
2008-05-05 14:50:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON GV PGOV PHUM SNAR
08CONAKRY164UNIONS BLOCK PM ON FUEL - UNION LEADER SAYS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Guinea,s labor unions are attempting to block GoG efforts to reduce or eliminate the country,s economically unsustainable fuel subsidy program as they call for consultations. Despite having a doctorate in economics, union leader Ibrahima Fofana demonstrated an appalling lack of [...]
2008-03-05 08:53:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY169HUMAN REMAINS UNEARTHED AT CENTRAL PRISON, EMBASSY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A Guinean prisoner advocacy NGO has reportedly unearthed human skeletal remains under a former trash heap at Conakry's central prison. Although most of the skulls and large bones were reportedly stolen in the middle of the night, Poloff saw several bone fragments sticking up out [...]
2008-05-07 11:44:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY170GUINEA'S HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION BLOCKED AGAIN
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. After finally receiving long-awaited government funding to launch an investigation into the human rights abuses allegedly committed by security forces in early 2007, Guinea's Human Rights Association is blocked again. The Central Bank has frozen the Commission's bank account, a [...]
2008-05-07 11:45:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY18LOCAL STAFF WORRIED ABOUT ONGOING POLITICAL
[...] (C) Poloff and Econoff held an informal discussion with a group of senior LES staff from USAID, Management, RSO, Peace Corps, and PAO on March 13 to exchange thoughts on Guinea's current political situation a the upcoming March 31 deadline for negotiations set by the country's la unions (refte [...]
2008-03-21 11:59:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB PREL KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY20WATCHDOG COMMITTEE ENCOURAGES DIALOGUE AND
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Guinea's Watchdog Committee, a group that was originally formed in January 2007 in response to civil unrest, reconvened on January 7 at the People's Palace. With union leaders visibly absent, the meeting played out as an attempt by Conte supporters to undermine the Prime Ministe [...]
2008-01-09 05:49:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB PREL KDEM GV
08CONAKRY209PRESIDENT SACKS GUINEAN PRIME MINISTER LANSANA
[...] (U) SUMMARY. President Conte fired Guinean Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate on May 20 and replaced him with a cabinet member from a previous government, Dr. Ahmed Tidiane Souare. Public support for Kouyate has been steadily waning and the public reaction has been relatively quiet, although there [...]
2008-05-21 11:07:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC PREL GV
08CONAKRY218LABOR UNIONS REJECT NEW PRIME MINISTER
[...] (U) Guinea's trade unions issued two separate declarations on May 22 criticizing President Conte's decision to appoint Dr. Ahmed Tidiane Souare as the country's new prime minister (reftel). The Unions-Intersyndicale, which is an umbrella organization representing four independent trade union [...]
2008-05-23 13:10:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALELAB PGOV PREL KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY219SOUARE SWORN IN AS NEW PRIME MINISTER OF GUINEA
[...] (SBU) Dr. Ahmed Tidiane Souare was officially sworn in as the new prime minister of Guinea around 1:30 PM on May 23. The ceremony was originally scheduled to begin at 11:00, but was reportedly delayed in order to wait for the arrival and participation of the former prime minister, Lansana Kouy [...]
2008-05-23 13:16:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY224EMBASSY CONAKRY SITUATION REPORT 1
[...] (C) The 12:00 deadline given by the military mutineers for the dismissal of the Minister of Defense has passed. One Embassy source reported that soldiers have left Camp Alpha Yaya Diallo and have begun marching towards Camp Touare. However, RSO contacts on the ground have not observed any si [...]
2008-05-27 10:47:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PMIL GV
08CONAKRY225SOLDIERS MUTINY, THREATEN MARCH ON CENTRAL BASE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A group of soldiers, which appears to be fairly well organized with significant internal backing, seized control of the military camp Alpha Yaya Diallo late on May 25. There has been intermittent shooting in Conakry's military camps, as well as reports of similar activity in up [...]
2008-05-27 11:31:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PMIL PREL GV
08CONAKRY226EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 2
[...] (C) Embassy sources report that a delegation representing the mutineers at Camp Alpha Yaya are on their way to Camp Touare. They will reportedly demand the immediate dismissal of the current Minister of Defense, General Baillo Diallo. There have been no further reports of large military move [...]
2008-05-27 11:32:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PMIL GV
08CONAKRY227EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 3
[...] (C) At about 2:30 PM, President Conte reportedly signed a decree dismissing General Baillo Diallo from his post as Minister of Defense, meeting the mutineers' immediate demand. No replacement has been named. The GoG announced Diallo's dismissal publicly during a 3:00 PM broadcast by RTG. [...]
2008-05-27 12:54:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PMIL GV
08CONAKRY228EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 4
[...] (C) After continued incidents of sporadic gunfire in Camp Alpha Yaha despite the removal of General Baillo Diallo as Minister of Defense, the GoG appears to have given in to all of the mutineers' demands (reftel A). 2. (C) Contacts report that the GoG has agreed to pay each soldier the 5 [...]
2008-05-27 13:58:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PMIL GV
08CONAKRY229GUINEA'S NEW PRIME MINISTER ASSURES AMBASSADOR
[...] (C) Summary: In a friendly and informative hour-long meeting with Guinea's new Prime Minister, Ambassador Carter highlighted U.S. policy priorities, and urged Prime Minister Souare to improve communication with the populace and move towards election and economic reform. The Prime Minister admi [...]
2008-05-27 15:11:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PREL GV
08CONAKRY23CHANTAL COLLE DEPORTED, CONTE RUMORED TO BE IN A
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Following her March 18 arrest, close presidential confidant Mme Chantal Colle left the country late on March 19 under a deportation order signed by the Minister of Interior and Security. Meanwhile, rumors of President Conte,s deteriorating medical condition have been rampant [...]
2008-03-21 13:35:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PHUM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY233EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 6
[...] (C) Embassy sources report that mutineers have modified their initial demands to the Guinean Government (GoG) and have given a 12:00 deadline for meeting those demands. Mutineers are now reportedly insisting on immediate payment of the promised 5 million GnF to each soldier, rather than recei [...]
2008-05-28 11:24:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY236EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 7
[...] (C) Embassy sources close to the negotiations report that things are "much better." Negotiations have reportedly ended for the day and the prime minister is expected to make an announcement this evening on the national news network. Sources indicate that the mutineers will likely release Gen [...]
2008-05-28 14:23:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY237COMMENTS FROM FORMER PRIME MINISTER DIALLO, HEAD
[...] SUMMARY. Former Prime Minister Cellou Diallo, who is also the current president of the UFDG opposition political party, says he will support the new PM as long as he commits to continued progress towards improved governance, legislative elections, and economic reforms. He was highly critical [...]
2008-05-28 14:25:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY243EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 10
[...] (C) SUMMARY. There have been reports of an increased military presence outside the military camps, roadblocks manned by presidential loyalists, as well as possible movements of mutineers. Visual evidence suggests that there is some truth to these reports, but the extent of military movement [...]
2008-05-29 12:33:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY244EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 11
[...] (C) Embassy received several reports from different sources of gunfire in the downtown area around 15:00, specifically around the Castro Bridge and the British Ambassador's residence. Sources reported hearing heavier fire, such as from grenades and/or Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs),but no [...]
2008-05-29 15:19:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY251CIVILIANS APPEAR TO CONDEMN MILITARY MUTINY
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Pol/Econ staff telephoned a number of key contacts throughout the civilian sector on May 30 in order to get a sense of the public's reaction to Guinea's continuing military mutiny (reftels). Opinions were mixed. Most contacts are condemning the mutineers, but the younger gen [...]
2008-05-30 11:52:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY252EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 13
[...] (C) As of 14:00, Conakry remains quiet and calm. Embassy has received no reports of gunfire or criminal activity. Local businesses and gas stations remain closed. There is very little traffic on the roads. Earlier this morning, between 150 and 250 women were peacefully demonstrating in fro [...]
2008-05-30 12:38:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY254EMBASSY CONAKRY - SITUATION REPORT 14
[...] (U) There was a visible lessening of tension in the streets over the weekend as Conakry residents ventured out to take care of regular business. Gas stations, some of which were under the protection of the president's military forces, opened to the public. Many stores were open, and there wa [...]
2008-06-02 08:04:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY274TEACHERS WARN OF POSSIBLE LABOR STRIKE
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Guinea's teachers' unions continue to threaten a possible labor strike, which could begin as early as June 10. Such a strike has the potential to spark civil unrest, as it did in a similar situation in 2006, especially among the country's students. It is not yet clear whether [...]
2008-06-06 13:31:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALELAB PGOV ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY285RESOLUTION OF MILITARY MUTINY STILL NOT CLEAR
[...] (C) The self-identified leader of the military mutiny that began on May 23, Claude Pivi "Coplan," continues to represent the interests of the mutineers based at Camp Alpha Yaya in Conakry. President Conte was supposed to have met with him on Friday, June 6, but did not show up because he was [...]
2008-06-10 14:29:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PMIL ASEC PREL GV
08CONAKRY288WORLD BANK RESREP VOICES CONCERNS ABOUT CURRENT
[...] (C) SUMMARY. During a meeting with the Ambassador, the World Bank representative to Guinea confirmed rumors that the presidency had canceled the Rio Tinto contract. He also confirmed that the GoG used French assistance funds to pay off the mutineers. Finally, he shared his perspective on th [...]
2008-06-12 15:12:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALECON EAGR EFIN EMIN ETTC KDEM PGOV PREL GV
08CONAKRY29UNIONS POSTPONE STRIKES, CALL FOR DIALOGUE
[...] (SBU) At midnight on January 10, Guinea,s labor unions were able to reach a negotiated agreement to postpone a nationwide labor strike. A key provision of the agreement is the immediate establishment of a Committee of Collaboration and Dialogue, which is supposed to review the January 27 Acc [...]
2008-01-10 15:15:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ELAB KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY292RFI CORRESPONDENT DISCUSSES GUINEAN MUTINY AND
[...] (SBU) Summary: On June 9 PAO met the Radio France International (RFI) correspondent Mouctar Bah over breakfast to talk about some of the recent events in Guinea. Bah talked about the ongoing mutiny and rumors that the Joint Chief of Staff is implicated. He gave his opinion regarding the ap [...]
2008-06-13 12:12:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PINR OIIP KPAO XA GV
08CONAKRY306PM ASKS AMBASSADOR FOR HELP, BUT NO CLEAR PLAN
[...] (C) SUMMARY. During his second meeting with the Ambassador, Guinea's new prime minister discussed the country's current security situation and ongoing political issues. He commented on the need to restore peace and security, and was optimistic that the GoG would soon be able to resolve the [...]
2008-06-20 11:50:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ELAB ASEC GV
08CONAKRY307NEW PM NAMES CABINET - A FIRST LOOK
[...] (U) Nearly one month after he was sworn in, Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare finally announced his cabinet on June 19. These appointments follow on the June 13 announcement restructuring the government, which created a total of 33 ministries, and three secretary general positions (reftel) [...]
2008-06-20 12:56:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY308GENERAL CAMARA LOOKING TO GET SITUATION UNDER
[...] SUMMARY. According to General Camara, certain elements of the military are out of control, but he has a plan for dealing with them. He blamed the situation on poor communication and rumors, which enabled the "Bulletin Rouge" to take on a life of its own. Focused and calm, Camara came acros [...]
2008-06-20 13:02:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ASEC GV
08CONAKRY326NEW PRIME MINISTER FINALLY SPEAKS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Following the cabinet announcement last week, Prime Minister Souare addressed the public for the first time on June 24, wherein he vaguely discussed his political agenda. Much of Souare's speech was basic rhetoric that lacked substantive depth. His priorities appear to be nati [...]
2008-06-26 09:36:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY329K-9 DRUG OFFICER SPEAKS UP ABOUT NARCOTICS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A K-9 officer within Guinea's anti-drug unit shares his insights regarding narcotics-related corruption and the recent, violent stand-off between the police and the military. Contact said that there are least 13 confirmed deaths resulting from the violence, and likely more unc [...]
2008-06-30 14:22:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV NARC ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY33CENI - SAME GUYS, SAME PROBLEMS?
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Private discussions with the president of Guinea,s National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) illustrate possible institutional resistance to effective elections administration. The CENI president suggested that a number of CENI members may simply be looking for a handout [...]
2008-01-11 10:54:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM GV
08CONAKRY333RELIGIOUS LEADER WORKING ON NATIONAL DIALOGUE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. According to Monsignor Gomez, leader of the Christian Counil, Guinea's reconciliation of past grievances will take time. Gomez said that Guinea's political and civil society actors lack a spirit of national unity and purpose. He said that Lansana Conte is at the root of Guinea's [...]
2008-07-01 12:23:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY335GOG SAYS 11 DEAD AND 147 WOUNDED DURING MAY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. According to a confidential GoG report, a total of 11 people were killed, and 147 wounded during the military mutiny in late May. These totals include 1 civilian death and 72 civilians injured. The GoG's tally, which comes from the Ministry of Defense, represents the best casua [...]
2008-07-01 14:29:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KDEM PMIL GV
08CONAKRY348G8 AMBASSADORS BRIEF U.N. AND ECOWAS ON POLITICAL
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The G8 ambassadors painted a bleak picture of the Guinea's political outlook for the U.N. Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and ECOWAS on Monday, July 7. The Ambassadors recommended that ECOWAS set several benchmarks to track the government's progress towards elections, and that [...]
2008-07-09 15:12:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ECON SOCI ECOWAS GV
08CONAKRY36CONTE BACK AT THE PRESIDENTIAL PALACE
[...] (SBU) Following widespread press speculation about his physical health (reftel A),President Lansana Conte returned to Conakry on March 21 after having spent some weeks at his country home, located about an hour outside the capital. Conte toured the city in his presidential motorcade on March [...]
2008-03-25 14:43:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY385FEAR HINDERS MEDIA COVERAGE OF GUINEA MUTINY
[...] (C) Summary: During the military mutiny of May 2007, media coverage was more notable for its absence than anything else. RTG, the state-run radio and television service, was noteworthy for its initial lack of coverage of the mutiny and inability to act without government approval, while priv [...]
2008-07-21 05:45:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM KPAO GV
08CONAKRY4RESTRUCTURING DECREE ALTERED FROM WITHIN THE
[...] (C) Both Finance Minister Ousmane Dore and a contact at the Prime Minister,s office confirmed that the presidential restructuring decree signed in early December by President Conte (reftel A) had been altered from within the presidency. Widespread rumors have pointed to the Secretary General [...]
2008-01-02 11:24:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM GV
08CONAKRY41RULING PARTY - WATCH OUT, WE,RE BACK!
[...] (C) A lengthy conversation with the head of the ruling Party for Unity and Progress (PUP) suggests that party leaders are interpreting last weeks events (reftels) as tacit popular support for President Conte. Highly critical of the unions and the prime minister, the PUP is firmly behind the [...]
2008-01-16 14:02:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ELAB ASEC GV
08CONAKRY446CONTE CRONY AND FORMER KEY OFFICIAL THROWN IN JAIL
[...] (SBU) Multiple Embassy sources have confirmed an August 19 internet news report (Guinee24.com) that the former Secretary General of the Presidency, Sam Soumah, has been arrested and is being detained at the military prison PM3. A contact at the Bureau of Customs told Pol LES over the telepho [...]
2008-08-19 15:23:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY447PM MAY TAKE A HIT WITH NEW PRESIDENTIAL DECREE
[...] (U) On August 19, an internet news source (Guinee24.com) posted a scanned copy of a presidential decree dated August 12. In the decree, the president criticizes the falsification of recent decrees and the misuse of presidential authority. As such, President Conte specifies that all preside [...]
2008-08-19 15:25:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY452PRESIDENT INTERVENES IN SAM SOUMAH ARREST
[...] (C) The deputy commander of the gendarme prison PM3 told RSO LES that the former Secretary General of the Presidency, Sam Soumah, was released from prison at 17:00 on August 19. Soumah had been arrested the day before (reftel). According to contact, President Conte called PM3 and ordered the [...]
2008-08-20 15:30:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY453GUINEA PLANS LARGE RICE IMPORT TAX BREAK DURING
[...] (U) SUMMARY. The GoG plans to grant tax exemptions to rice importers worth approximately $40 million for 600,000 metric tons of rice during the Ramadan season. However, the structure of the plan makes it vulnerable to corruption, and the aid therefore unlikely to reach those most in need. Co [...]
2008-08-20 15:41:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALECON EAID PGOV GV
08CONAKRY454HYPERDYNAMICS IS BACK IN BUSINESS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Ending a period of rocky relations with the GoG, controversial oil-exploration firm Hyperdynamics will soon begin the next phase of operations after receiving renewed approval from the presidency. The firm has resumed advertising on local television, and reports that revision of [...]
2008-08-20 15:44:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALECON EPET PGOV KCRM PREL GV
08CONAKRY455GUINEAN GOVERNMENT DESTROYS A REPORTED 34 KILOS OF
[...] (U) On August 20, Guinean security forces torched a reported 34 kilos of cocaine and 680 kilos of cannabis at a public burning covered by the press and diplomatic corps. Security and Civil Protection Minister Mohamed Damba allowed RSO to take random samples from the packets of cocaine slated for de [...]
2008-08-20 17:04:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALSNAR PGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY457PRESIDENT APPOINTS PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-08-21 15:43:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY46ONE WEEK LATER - NO COMMITTEE FOR DIALOGUE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. One full week after the January 9 negotiated agreement between Guinea,s labor unions and other political actors (reftel),the Committee de Suivi has not yet gelled. Although the general committee composition has been decided, only the unions have actually nominated members. The [...]
2008-01-18 05:51:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY460CHARGE MEETS WITH NEW MINISTER OF THE PRESIDENCY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. During an August 22 courtesy call, the new Minister Secretary General of the Presidency, Alpha Ibrahima Keira was polite, but close-mouthed. He stressed that he is the liaison between the government and the president, but said that he expects things to go smoothly. With upwards [...]
2008-08-22 14:48:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY462FORMER PRESIDENTIAL OFFICIAL UNDER INVESTIGATION
[...] (SBU) The former Chief of Protocol at the Presidency, Idrissa Thiam, is reportedly under investigation for embezzlement. Commonly viewed as the most powerful individual next to the president prior to his controversial dismissal earlier this month, Thiam joins colleague Sam Soumah (former Sec [...]
2008-08-25 17:07:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY468RUMORS FLY ABOUT POSSIBLE PM DISMISSAL
[...] (U) Guinea's rumor mill was working overtime yesterday as people throughout the capital speculated about the possibly imminent dismissal of Prime Minister Ahmed Tidiane Souare. By late afternoon, numerous government contacts were confirming the rumors and anticipating an official announcement [...]
2008-08-27 10:29:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC PREL GV
08CONAKRY470GUINEA PM BALKS AT MEETING SIERRA LEONE PRESIDENT
[...] (C) Guinea Prime Minister Tidiane Souare on August 26 declined an offer by Sierra Leone President Ernest Koroma to meet August 28 in Conakry to discuss narcotics trafficking issues. The refusal comes less than 10 days after the PM assured Charge and a representative of SL President Koroma that [...]
2008-08-27 15:38:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV PREF PREL SNAR GV
08CONAKRY494CENI SAYS ELECTIONS IMPOSSIBLE FOR 2008
[...] (C) SUMMARY. According to the President of the National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI),Guinea will not be holding legislative elections this year, although he was optimistic that they would be held no later than February 2009. Citing a series of delays and logistical challenges, [...]
2008-09-03 17:30:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY50UNIONS UNDECIDED ABOUT POSSIBLE LABOR STRIKE ON
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The unions are undecided about whether or not they will push for a strike on March 31, and unions leaders appear divided. Negotiations continue, but union leaders say that much will depend on the recommendation issued by the Committee de Suivi and the president,s subsequent rea [...]
2008-03-27 14:39:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY504ALLEGED STORY BEHIND SACKING OF MINISTER OF MINES
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A senior FSN, and now a new GoG political appointee, shared some interesting insights into the inner workings of the Ministry of Mines. According to FSN, the former Minister of Mines (fired August 27) was one of the "good reformers." However, the minister was reportedly negoti [...]
2008-09-08 15:57:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALEMIN ECON PGOV ASEC GV
08CONAKRY505OBSERVATIONS FROM THE PM'S POLITICAL ADVISOR
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A recently returned Humphrey Fellow who has been working as the senior political advisor at the PM's office since 2004, shared his impressions of PM Souare, whom he sees as largely ineffective. He also recounted three visits with President Conte over the last four years. The c [...]
2008-09-08 16:01:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY51EYE ON GUINEA,S SOCIO-POLITICAL UNDERCURRENTS
[...] (C) COMMENT. Since the president sacked the communications minister in early January, political and economic tensions in Guinea have generally been high. A persistent atmosphere of uncertainty has many Guineans on edge, especially as we approach the March 31 union deadline for resolving iss [...]
2008-03-27 14:40:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC ELAB PREL GV
08CONAKRY512GOG HAS NO CONCRETE PLANS FOR CELEBRATION OF 50TH
[...] (SBU) During meetings with the diplomatic community, former Prime Minister Kouyate repeatedly underscored the significance of Guinea's celebration of 50 years of independence, which will be officially recognized on October 2, 2008. That same message has continued through with the new adminis [...]
2008-09-10 09:37:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY520CONAKRY YOUTHS DEMAND PRESIDENT'S RESIGNATION,
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A group of 12 prominent youth leaders have sent a letter to President Conte demanding his immediate resignation and the dissolution of the entire government. They are waiting to see if the president will meet with them tomorrow. If he does not, they plan to hold a press confere [...]
2008-09-11 17:31:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY524GUINEAN PRISON CONDITIONS CONTINUE TO DETERIORATE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Sharing some insights into the deplorable conditions in Guinea's prisons and detention centers, the Director of the International Red Cross in Guinea claims that prison conditions continue to deteriorate. He blamed the situation on an overall lack of political will coupled with [...]
2008-09-12 14:36:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL SNAR ASEC GV
08CONAKRY525YOUTH MOVEMENT SPLINTERS IN THE FACE OF BRIBES AND
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The broad-based youth movement that began to take shape last week (reftel) appears to be losing momentum. According to initial information from one of the main youth leaders, Thierno Balde, some of the youth groups have accepted bribes while others have backed down because of f [...]
2008-09-15 10:55:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV KDEM GV
08CONAKRY532CONTINUED RUMBLINGS OF DISCONTENT IN CONAKRY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. For nearly a week and a half, Conakry has experienced a number of random, spontaneous demonstrations throughout the city. Reportedly protesting a lack of electricity, youths have been blocking major traffic intersections at various times by throwing rocks and burning tires. Th [...]
2008-09-16 15:03:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV KDEM GV
08CONAKRY538YOUTHS REGROUP, SAY MOVEMENT WILL GO FORWARD ON
[...] (C)SUMMARY. Youth leaders say that they have overcome some initial dissension, and plan to move forward with a massive youth movement sometime in the next month. They are confident that they have significant support from the youths, although firm commitments from the labor unions and prominen [...]
2008-09-16 16:35:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALKDEM ASEC PGOV PHUM GV
08CONAKRY54MINISTER OF INTERIOR ON DEPORTEES, ELECTIONS,
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. During a March 28 meeting with the Charge, the Minister of Interior and Security said that the Guinean Government wants to establish a bilateral agreement with the U.S. in order to regulate extradition cases, such as those pending for 40 Guineans awaiting deportation in the U. [...]
2008-03-31 05:34:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY564CHANTAL COLLE BACK, PRESIDENT REPORTEDLY OVERRULES
[...] (C) Described by some as a close presidential confidante and by others as a &troublemaker,8 Mme Chantal Colle returned to Conakry September 19 after having been deported in March to France by the former Minister of Interior and Security. Colle,s sudden March arrest and deportation two days l [...]
2008-09-26 13:30:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY565YOUTH EXCHANGE BLOWS OVER POLITICAL AGENDA
[...] (C) Some of Conakry,s youth leaders came to blows the evening of September 18 over differences of political opinion. Over the past few weeks, a group of twelve youth leaders have been trying to organize a massive youth movement to force President Conte,s resignation and a complete dissolutio [...]
2008-09-26 13:31:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV ASEC GV
08CONAKRY57RELIGIOUS LEADER SHARES POLITICAL INSIGHTS, OFFERS
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The Archbishop of Guinea,s Anglican Church shared a number of useful insights on Guinea,s political situation and the various actors with the Ambassador. A highly respected leader and one of the key players during the civil unrest in early 2007, Gomez said that if he is asked [...]
2008-01-18 17:11:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM ELAB ASEC GV
08CONAKRY571YOUTH CREATE NEW OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTY
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A recently established political party for youth, the NFD, claims to have already issued more than 1000 membership cards in just a little over a month. The party is led by a respected civil society youth leader turned politician who played a prominent role in the 2007 tripartit [...]
2008-09-30 16:09:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PREL GV
08CONAKRY602ETHNIC POLITICS IN GUINEA - UNION MANDINGE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. This cable is the second in a series of reports exploring the role of ethnicity in Guinean politics (reftel). The Union Mandinge is the youth arm of a broader ethnically based organization with ties to Upper Guinea and the Malinke population. A/DCM met with Union Mandinge lead [...]
2008-10-15 13:27:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY607ETHNIC POLITICS IN GUINEA - HAAL PULAR
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. This cable is the third in a series of reports exploring the role of ethnicity in Guinean politics (reftels). The leader of Haal Pular, a Peuhl youth organization, claims to have more than 20,000 members both within the country and from the Guinean Diaspora. Often criticized [...]
2008-10-16 16:12:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY61COMMITTEE DE SUIVI TO REPORT TO CONTE THIS WEEK
[...] (C) SUMMARY. According to one union leader, the Committee de Suivi will present a summary of its findings to President Conte this week. In addition, the Committee's delegation will present a new restructuring decree and ask that the president sign it. If the president rejects the Committee [...]
2008-04-01 11:10:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY623A DARK PERIOD FOR GUINEA SAYS PROMINENT RELIGIOUS
[...] (C)SUMMARY. One of Guinea,s prominent Christian leaders privately told Poloff that Guinea,s most difficult challenges are yet to come. He believes that the current system is fundamentally broken, but that people are so focused on overthrowing the regime that they have neglected to develop a [...]
2008-10-21 14:20:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC KDEM PREL GV
08CONAKRY648HIGH-LEVEL VISA APPLICATIONS CONTINUE AS NOVEMBER
[...] (C) Embassy received several visa requests from high-ranking officials in the Guinean government, including from the wife of the Minister of Defense and from controversial businessman Mamadou Sylla, on 29 October. The DS-156 visa applications noted that applicants hoped to travel before Novem [...]
2008-10-29 15:39:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV CVIS PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY651GOG DISPATCHES DELEGATION TO KAMSAR IN
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The GoG sent a delegation to Kamsar and Boke on October 28 and October 30 in an effort circumvent mass demonstrations planned to begin November 1. The local population is threatening to destroy the railroad if their demands for running water and electricity are not met by Octob [...]
2008-10-30 16:03:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALEMIN ECON PGOV ASEC GV
08CONAKRY655EYEWITNESS SAYS CONTE IS IN POOR PHYSICAL HEALTH
[...] No summary [...]
2008-10-30 16:38:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ASEC GV
08CONAKRY661AN INSIDE LOOK AT GUINEA'S MINING SECTOR
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A detailed discussion with a former USAID employee working at the Guinean Ministry of Mines reveals some interesting insights into the inner workings of Guinea's mining sector. Comments on dealings with CBG, Rio Tinto, Rusal, and Hyperdnamics illustrate exactly how the GoG has [...]
2008-10-31 15:27:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALEMIN PGOV PREL GV
08CONAKRY67DIALOGUE COMMITTEE SET TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ON
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Most of the member institutions of Guinea,s Committee de Suivi have named their representatives and Guinean Government officials report that the committee will hold its first meeting on January 29. The committee will be led by the President of the National Assembly and organized [...]
2008-01-24 12:04:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB KDEM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY69PARLIAMENTARY MINORITY LEADER ECHOES CALLS FOR
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The leader of the opposition minority at the National Assembly told Poloff that failure to monitor the effective implementation of the January 27 Accords is at the heart of Guinea,s current political situation. Echoing another opposition party leader (septel),contact said tha [...]
2008-01-24 14:18:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ELAB ASEC GV
08CONAKRY7DISCORD BETWEEN PM AND PRESIDENT INCRASES
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Political tension in Guinea appears o have intensified over the last few days. Repots of strained relations between the president ad the prime minister, rumors of Conte possibly dsmissing Kouyate, and union leaders saying that hey are considering resuming nationwide labor strkes [...]
2008-01-03 17:01:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV ELAB KHUM KDEM PREL
08CONAKRY709THE PATH TO HIPC COMPLETION AND DEBT RELIEF
[...] (C) SUMMARY. As the GoG approaches the HIPC completion point, World Bank officials have expressed concern about the GoG's long-term commitment to reform, as well as Guinea's continued political instability. The Bank's visiting regional director solicited the Embassy's perspective on the curr [...]
2008-11-19 13:43:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALEAID ECON AORC PGOV GV
08CONAKRY712DEMARCHE DELIVERED - EXPULSION OF DEA FROM BOLIVIA
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-19 16:14:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM SNAR BL GV
08CONAKRY748NIGERIAN EMBASSY FRUSTRATED WITH GUINEAN GOVERNMENT
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A recent discussion with a senior Nigerian Embassy official suggests that the Government of Nigeria is increasingly frustrated with the Guinean Government and unsympathetic to the country's political and economic struggles. Contact highlighted concerns over increased crime rate [...]
2008-12-10 16:24:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ASEC SNAR GV
08CONAKRY773GOSSIP FROM CAMP ALPHA YAYA - RUMORS ABOUT THE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A civilian contact at Camp Alpha Yaya says people are speculating widely as to the state of President Conte's health, and in some cases, asserting that he may already be dead. Contact claims that the military has been holding succession meetings at Camp Alpha Yaya. There have [...]
2008-12-18 16:50:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY78GUINEAN PRESIDENT CANCELS LIBYAN HOTEL CONTRACTS
[...] (U) Late on Friday, April 4, Radio Television Guinean (RTG) reported that President Lansana Conte had signed a decree cancelling Guinea's recent hotel deals with Libya. Prime Minister Lansana Kouyate is responsible for negotiating the deals, which essentially turned over three major Conakry h [...]
2008-04-08 11:39:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ASEC LY GV
08CONAKRY783RPG OPPOSITION LEADER RETURNS TO GUINEA
[...] (SBU) Alpha Conde, president of the Rally for the Guinean People (RPG) opposition political party, returned to Guinea on December 21 after an 18 month absence. According to a high level contact within the party, the RPG is not planning any immediate political activities, but said the party w [...]
2008-12-22 16:25:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ASEC GV
08CONAKRY810RESCUING THE GUINEAN STATE - A CNDD MEMBER'S
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. A member of the Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) outlined the new government's political agenda, emphasizing that the CNDD had no interest in governing the country in the long-term. Characterizing the CNDD as a patriotic movement to restore the Guinean State, Cont [...]
2008-12-30 17:13:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM SNAR ASEC KDEM GV
08CONAKRY814MOVING FORWARD WITH THE CNDD - COMMENTS FROM
[...] SUMMARY. Alpha Conde, leader of the Rally for the Guinean People (RPG) political party said he is willing to work with the CNDD as long as it moves to hold legislative and presidential elections by the end of 2009. Comparing Lansana Conte to Mugabe, Conde explained why a coup d'etat was the [...]
2008-12-31 15:48:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM PHUM ASEC GV
08CONAKRY815RELIGIOUS LEADER SEES COUP AND CNDD AS A POLITICAL
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A respected Christian leader called Guinea's recent coup d'etat and subsequent installation of the Council for Democracy and Development (CNDD) a political "catastrophe." He expressed disappointment over the lack of civilian leadership and the general complacency with which the [...]
2008-12-31 16:26:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SOCI ASEC GV
08CONAKRY88AMBASSADOR CARTER MEETING WITH GUINEAN PRESIDENCY
[...] (C) SUMMARY. In his initial meeting with Ambassador Carter, Sam Soumah, Secretary General of the Presidency, commented on Guinea's political situation, economy, legislative elections, and Hyperdynamics. Although Soumah emphasized Guinea's high esteem for the United States, he was guarded in [...]
2008-02-01 13:04:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL GV
08CONAKRY89UFR OPPOSITION LEADER MEETS WITH AMBASSADOR,
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Under the leadership of Sidya Toure, the Union Force Republican (UFR) party continues to prepare for elections, despite the lack of an actual election date. At the same time, Toure seems convinced that the only true solution to Guinea,s political problems is the removal of Pres [...]
2008-02-01 13:21:00Embassy ConakryCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL ASEC GV
08COPENHAGEN100DENMARK CONCERNED ABOUT EU COMMISSIONER'S CUBA
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-28 13:54:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV EUN CU DA
08COPENHAGEN171DENMARK ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT U.S.-GERMAN CFE
[...] (C) Denmark warmly welcomes the joint U.S.-German draft CFE statement (reftel),Danish MFA officials told us and the German defense attache March 26, hailing the initiative as a significant step forward in uniting the Alliance on this issue. Jakob Nielsen of the Danish MFA's Security Policy D [...]
2008-03-26 11:03:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL NATO KCFE MARR RS DA
08COPENHAGEN183DENMARK ON GREECE AND NATO INVITATION FOR MACEDONIA
[...] (C) We used the occasion of Secretary of Defense Gates's visit to Copenhagen April 1 to urge Denmark to weigh in with the Greeks on a NATO membership invitation for Macedonia (reftel). Secretary Gates told Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen the U.S. strongly supports NATO membership [...]
2008-04-02 11:16:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL NATO PGOV DA
08COPENHAGEN22DENMARK: GOVERNMENT FIRM, PUBLIC NERVOUS ON
[...] (C) Summary. Denmark's participation in ISAF enjoys broad parliamentary support, and the Danish government is looking to do more in Afghanistan. Danish public support regarding NATO's engagement in Afghanistan, however, is slipping, jarred by continuing casualties and the perception that other [...]
2008-01-22 11:20:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALMOPS NATO PGOV PREL PTER AF DA
08COPENHAGEN230DENMARK CONCERNED ABOUT RUSSIAN APPROACH ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-24 09:09:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL GG RS DA
08COPENHAGEN231DANES PRESS BOTH SIDES IN MACEDONIA NAME ISSUE
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-24 10:37:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL NATO PGOV MK GR DA
08COPENHAGEN257DANES SUPPORTIVE ON NEW YORK PRISONERS OF
[...] (C) Post reached Emil Hother Paulsen, Danish representative to the EU's COHOM human rights meeting, early May 6 in Brussels to urge Denmark's support for our latest compromise on the Prisoners of Conscience events this summer. We emphasized the importance of these events to political prisoner [...]
2008-05-06 09:31:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM KDEM EUN CU DA
08COPENHAGEN296LEBANON: DANES FOCUS ON EU IN RESPONSE TO CRISIS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-05-19 07:03:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV LE SY IR DA
08COPENHAGEN323DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN FM
[...] (C) Summary: In a May 28 meeting before the start of the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, Norwegian FM Jonas Gahr Stoere and Deputy Secretary Negroponte discussed Arctic issues, Afghanistan, Pakistan, cluster munitions, and, briefly, the Doha Round of trade negotiations. Stoer [...]
2008-06-06 10:57:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV PBTS MARR KGHG ETRD NO
08COPENHAGEN324DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CANADIAN RESOURCE
[...] (C) Summary: Deputy Secretary Negroponte met with Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn on May 28 following the Arctic Ocean Conference at Ilulissat, Greenland. They discussed the recent U.S. listing of the polar bear as a threatened species, energy resource exploitation in the C [...]
2008-06-06 11:05:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV KGHG ENRG EPET CA
08COPENHAGEN325DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GREENLANDIC
[...] No summary [...]
2008-06-06 11:05:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV KGHG DA
08COPENHAGEN327DENMARK AFTER EMBASSY BOMBING: "NO APOLOGIES"
[...] (C) Danish government leaders and politicians of all stripes here have responded with defiance to al-Qaeda's claim that it was responsible for the June 2 bombing of the Danish embassy in Islamabad. Prime Minister Rasmussen and Foreign Minister Moeller have stated publicly that Denmark will not [...]
2008-06-06 12:40:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PTER DA
08COPENHAGEN336DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH DANISH FM MOELLER
[...] (C) Summary: In a May 27 meeting before the opening of the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, Deputy Secretary Negroponte and Danish FM Per Stig Moeller exchanged perspectives on cooperation in the Arctic; underlined shared goals for a climate change agreement and resolution of t [...]
2008-06-11 11:17:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV ETRD PBTS MARR KGHG AORC DA
08COPENHAGEN337DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH NORWEGIAN FM
[...] (C) Summary: In a May 28 meeting before the start of the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, Norwegian FM Jonas Gahr Stoere and Deputy Secretary Negroponte discussed Arctic issues, Afghanistan, Pakistan, cluster munitions, and, briefly, the Doha Round of trade negotiations. Stoer [...]
2008-06-11 11:19:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV PBTS MARR KGHG ETRD NO
08COPENHAGEN338DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CANADIAN RESOURCE
[...] (C) Summary: Deputy Secretary Negroponte met with Canadian Minister of Natural Resources Gary Lunn on May 28 following the Arctic Ocean Conference at Ilulissat, Greenland. They discussed the recent U.S. listing of the polar bear as a threatened species, energy resource exploitation in the C [...]
2008-06-11 11:28:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV KGHG ENRG EPET CA
08COPENHAGEN339DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH GREENLANDIC
[...] (C) Summary: In a respectful but serious bilateral meeting following the Arctic Ocean Conference in Ilulissat, Greenland, Greenland Home Rule (GHR) Premier Hans Enoksen expressed concern to Deputy Secretary Negroponte about the U.S. listing of the polar bear as a threatened species. The Gre [...]
2008-06-11 11:28:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SENV KGHG DA
08COPENHAGEN38DANISH DOCUMENTARY REVIVES CALLS FOR INQUIRY ON
[...] (C) Summary: A documentary aired January 30 on Danish state television alleges that civilian aircraft operated by the CIA have routinely transited Danish airspace in support of renditions. The film has provoked strong reaction from the Danish opposition and officials in Greenland, where the f [...]
2008-01-31 13:12:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PTER DA
08COPENHAGEN384DENMARK TO MAINTAIN CURRENT STAFFING LEVELS FOR
[...] No summary [...]
2008-07-16 10:23:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL MARR NATO IZ DA
08COPENHAGEN393DANISH VIEWS ON JULY GAERC MINISTERIAL
[...] (C). In a July 18 discussion of reftel, Danish MFA European Correspondent Asif Amin informed PolOff that Denmark supports the US positions on the GAERC agenda items. Due to the FM's vacation schedule, Denmark's Ambassador in Brussels will lead the Danish delegation. Because of the FM's abse [...]
2008-07-21 06:07:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALEUN PHUM PREL IR SO SU CD ZI UP DA
08COPENHAGEN427TFGG01: DANES SUPPORT NAC STATEMENT ON GEORGIA
[...] No summary [...]
2008-08-11 12:41:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL MARR NATO EUN RU GG DA
08COPENHAGEN430DANES ON NEW BURMA SANCTIONS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-08-11 13:21:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV ETRD BM EUN DA
08COPENHAGEN435DENMARK ON NUCLEAR SUPPLIERS GROUP DRAFT EXCEPTION
[...] (C) Summary. MFA Permanent Under Secretary Michael Zilmer-Johns told Ambassador Cain August 12 that Denmark's "end goal is to support and participate in a positive decision in the Nuclear Suppliers Group." However, Denmark must first navigate what could be tricky domestic cross-currents that [...]
2008-08-13 09:45:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPARM PREL ETTC AORC
08COPENHAGEN458GEORGIA: DANES WELCOME RECOGNITION WARNING,
[...] (C) Danish MFA Head of Department for Eastern Europe Ruben Madsen allowed that his government did not have the sense that the Russians would recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia soon, but agreed that firm warnings to Moscow are prudent and necessary in any event. Madsen welcomed our ref B appr [...]
2008-08-25 10:00:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MARR RS GG DA
08COPENHAGEN480DENMARK AT THE SEPTEMBER GAERC
[...] (C) In response to reftel demarche, Danish MFA European Correspondent Asif Amin told us that Denmark's primary focus at the upcoming GAERC remains Georgia. The Danes were generally pleased with EU decisions on Georgia and Russia at the recently-concluded Gymnich, Asif reported, adding that Co [...]
2008-09-11 08:10:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL EUN GG RU DA
08COPENHAGEN481DANES ACCEPT DECISION ON IRAQ COALITION
[...] No summary [...]
2008-09-11 08:33:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPRES MOPS MARR NATO IZ DA
08COPENHAGEN483DANISH VIEWS ON UNGA THIRD COMMITTEE PRIORITIES
[...] (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche on USG human rights priorities for the 2008 UN General Assembly Third Committee to Emil Paulsen of the Danish MFA Human Rights Department. Paulsen confirmed EU opposition to no-action motions. He also confirmed EU plans to table resolutions on Burma and the [...]
2008-09-11 14:29:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA DA
08COPENHAGEN485DENMARK SUPPORTS ISAF OPLAN AMENDMENT, BUT WARY OF
[...] (C) Denmark recognizes the importance of giving NATO forces in Afghanistan broad and flexible authority to conduct counter-narcotics interdictions, consistent with SACEUR's recommendation, Ulrik Petersen of the Danish MFA Security Policy Department assured us September 11. Petersen maintained [...]
2008-09-12 08:20:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL NATO MOPS MARR AF DA
08COPENHAGEN53DENMARK SUPPORTS EU STATEMENT ON SYRIAN DETENTIONS
[...] (C) The Danish government backs French efforts to secure an EU Presidency statement condemning Syrian detention of Riad Seif and other democracy activists, Danish MFA acting Middle East head Steen Norlov told us February 6. Noting that Syrian action followed the recent visit of the Dutch fore [...]
2008-02-08 07:48:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM KMPI SY DA
08COPENHAGEN531DANES TO ABSTAIN WITH EU ON KOSOVO ICJ RESOLUTION
[...] No summary [...]
2008-10-03 12:52:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL UNGA KVIR DA
08COPENHAGEN569DENMARK ISSUES REPORT ON CIA OVERFLIGHTS
[...] (C) Summary: Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller October 23 briefed parliament on his government's investigation of alleged U.S. rendition flights through Danish airspace, emphasizing that no evidence had been found to prove those allegations or to suggest that Danish authorities had been [...]
2008-10-24 11:15:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPINR PREL PTER MARR DA
08COPENHAGEN577DANES IN NO RUSH TO CLOSE OHR IN BOSNIA; PM TO
[...] (C) Describing Denmark as "one step behind" much of the EU regarding the termination of OHR in Bosnia, Danish MFA Head of Department for Eastern Europe Ruben Madsen indicated broad agreement with reftel points on the need for implementation of the 5 2 criteria before transitioning to EUSR super [...]
2008-10-29 14:38:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV EU BK SR DA
08COPENHAGEN598DENMARK TROUBLED BY BOLIVIAN SUSPENSION OF DEA
[...] (C) Danish MFA Head of Office for South America Maj Hessel November 12 underscored Denmark's deep concern about the Bolivian government's actions against DEA (reftel) and reported that the Danish government is pressing for a coordinated EU approach on the issue in La Paz. Characterizing U.S. a [...]
2008-11-13 13:37:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM SNAR BL DA
08COPENHAGEN61DENMARK READY TO MOVE QUICKLY ON KOSOVO
[...] (C) Denmark will be among the first EU member states to recognize Kosovo's independence. Danish MFA Eastern Europe Department Head Ruben Madsen confirmed to us February 11 that Denmark is poised to announce its recognition "within hours" of a declaration of independence. Madsen told us Danish [...]
2008-02-11 08:35:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV NATO EUN YI DA
08COPENHAGEN611DANISH CONCERNS OVER NICARAGUAN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-21 14:08:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL DA
08COPENHAGEN617YOUR VISIT TO COPENHAGEN
[...] (C) Madam Secretary, you know Danish Foreign Minister Per Stig Moller as a good colleague, and Denmark as one of our closest allies in Europe. Your "farewell" visit here is much appreciated by the Danes, who are naturally looking ahead to the incoming administration but are also keen to highli [...]
2008-11-25 08:59:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MARR ECON OVIP DA
08COPENHAGEN63DANES WILL OPPOSE OSCE BERLIN MECHANISM ON KOSOVO
[...] (C) Denmark will oppose any effort to invoke the OSCE's Berlin Mechanism in connection with a declaration of independence from Kosovo. MFA Kosovo Desk Officer Asger Kroll told us February 12 that Denmark sees "eye to eye" with the USG on the inappropriateness of the Berlin Mechanism in this c [...]
2008-02-12 10:40:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALOSCE PGOV PREL UNAUS UNMIK YI EU DA
08COPENHAGEN630DANES TO BACK CHANGE TO ANA TRUST FUND,
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-28 13:34:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL MARR MOPS NATO AFIN DA
08COPENHAGEN70DENMARK: CARTOONS IN DEFENSE OF FREE SPEECH
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-13 14:25:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPTER PGOV PREL KISL ASEC DA
08COPENHAGEN79KOSOVO: DENMARK PUSHING FOR GROUP RECOGNITION
[...] (C) Denmark will formally recognize Kosovo independence February 21 at the latest, Danish MFA East European Department Head Ruben Madsen told us February 19, reporting that the Danes are lobbying other governments to join them that day. Madsen allowed that he would prefer to move more quickly [...]
2008-02-19 12:29:00Embassy CopenhagenCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV NATO EUN YI KV DA
08COTONOU1BENIN'S NAVY PRESENTS NO DETERRENT TO ILLEGITIMATE
[...] No summary [...]
2008-01-02 08:59:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALMCAP SNAR BN
08COTONOU11GOB REQUESTS IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE IN INTERDICTING
[...] No summary [...]
2008-01-05 12:18:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALMASS SNAR BN
08COTONOU207OVERVIEW OF BENIN'S DOMESTIC POLITICAL SCENE
[...] (C) Summary: Fully cognizant of the very public tilt in the political balance of power towards his opponents, President Boni Yayi has undertaken a full court press to regain the momentum of his triumphs in the March 2006 presidential and March 2007 legislative elections. At stake is regainin [...]
2008-04-11 05:50:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM EAID KDEM PINR BN
08COTONOU215BENIN: UNSCR 1803 RELATED DEMARCHES
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-18 06:12:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPARM NSG MNUC EFIN KNNP IR BN
08COTONOU242DEMARCHE DELIVERED: US-EU PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE DECLARATION
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-24 09:17:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPHUM BN PREL
08COTONOU256CHINA'S ENGAGEMENT IN BENIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-30 08:38:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV EAGR ECPS EFIN MARR PREL SENV TRGY BN
08COTONOU336PRESIDENT YAYI CONOVKES CHARGE TO ASK AGAIN FOR
[...] No summary [...]
2008-06-12 16:27:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL EAID BN
08COTONOU341YAYI DISCUSSES DISPUTED MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS
[...] No summary [...]
2008-06-16 15:57:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV BN
08COTONOU348KHADAFI MAKES WAVES AT CEN-SAD SUMMIT IN BENIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-06-20 12:49:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPREL EAID SENV EAGR PINR XA LY BN
08COTONOU408SCENESETTER FOR PRESIDENT YAYI'S TRIP TO THE U.S.,
[...] (SBU) Summary: Benin,s President Boni Yayi travels to Washington, D.C., July 15-21, 2008, primarily for talks with the World Bank and the IMF and to seek assistance for plans to energize the country,s agricultural sector and to follow-up on earlier requests for food aid. His request for meeti [...]
2008-07-11 21:56:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALOVIP EAID EAGR PGOV PREL PINR EFIN LY BN
08COTONOU420BENIN: POLITICAL STATE OF THE NATION - NATIONAL
[...] (C) Summary: The uncertain legitimacy and role of Benin's Presidential Mediation Entity (OPM) headed by National Mediator, Albert Tevoedjre, is indicative of the political quagmire that engulfs the administration of reform-minded President Boni Yayi. The latter is beset on one hand by the i [...]
2008-07-15 19:36:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV SOCI EFIN PINR KDEM BN
08COTONOU46SCENESETTER FOR THE POTUS VISIT TO BENIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-01-18 13:34:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALOVIP BUSH GEORGE PGOV EAID KMCA BN
08COTONOU551Benin: UNGA Third Committee 2008
[...] (C) On September 4, 2008, the DCM delivered ref demarche to the MFA Director of International Organizations, Thomas Adoumasse. Adoumasse summarized the GOB position on the continued promotion of the concept of "defamation of religions," saying that one of the cornerstones of Beninese democracy [...]
2008-09-05 14:18:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UN BN
08COTONOU617BENIN: LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL INERTIA HAMPER GOB
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Judicial inertia and active resistance in Benin's National Assembly temper the positive impact of President Boni Yayi's ambitious anti-corruption and economic governance agenda. Political gridlock continues as opposition parties consolidate control of the National Assembly wrestl [...]
2008-09-29 13:47:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KCOR KMCA PINR BN
08COTONOU67(C) HCOC "INREACH" TO BENIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-01 04:02:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALKSCA PREL MNUC ETTC TSPA BN
08COTONOU82SCENESETTER FOR SECRETARY RICE'S VISIT TO BENIN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-02-06 11:59:00Embassy CotonouCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL OVIP BN
08CURACAO82OPPOSITION PARTIES AND VENEZUELA COMPLAIN ABOUT U.S.
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Local opposition parties are using rising fuel prices and fears of regional conflict to attempt, unsuccessfully, to stir up popular opposition to the U.S. counter-drug Forward Operating Location (FOL). Local media reports have also highlighted recent Venezuelan government criticis [...]
2008-06-24 18:24:00Consulate CuracaoCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MOPS SNAR NA NL AA VE
08DAKAR1036UNGA DEMARCHE: SENEGALESE FOREIGN MINISTER OPEN TO
[...] (U) This is an action message. Please see para 6. 2. (C) Summary: Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidiane Gadio on August 4. He responded enthusiastically that the United States and Senegal could work together to find points of commonality to yield mutual [...]
2008-09-09 10:40:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL UN SG
08DAKAR1067FARBA SENGHOR-PRESIDENT WADE,S FALL GUY
[...] 1. (C) SUMMARY: On August 28, Farba Senghor, Minister of Air Transportation and, more importantly, public relations officer for the ruling Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) was forced to resign his ministerial post because of his alleged role in recent attacks on the newsrooms of "L'As" and "24 [...]
2008-09-15 17:11:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL UN SG
08DAKAR1079SENEGAL: WADE-SARKOZY ENCOUNTER GONE AWRY
[...] (C) Summary: According to the French embassy, the recent meeting between the French and Senegalese presidents did not go well. The French were astonished that President Abdoulaye Wade spent most of the meeting talking about his belief that he will win a Nobel Peace Prize this year. End summa [...]
2008-09-17 18:27:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR FR MR SG
08DAKAR1095SENEGAL: DEMARCHE REGARDING WADE'S COMMENTS ON
[...] (C) Summary: Under instruction from Senegal's President Wade and in the presence of his Mauritanian counterpart, Foreign Minister Gadio publicly reiterated on September 17 Senegal's support of the AU position condemning the use of coup d'etat. The Foreign Minister had briefed Wade on the ref [...]
2008-09-19 13:19:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR MR SG
08DAKAR1140INVESTIGATING SENEGAL'S BUDGET BLACKHOLE
[...] (C) Summary: A special investigative IMF team came to Senegal to look into a budget crisis caused by revelations of massive extra-budgetary commitments. To bring back even a semblance of balance, the government must cut USD 240 million in expenditures and raise USD 360 million. The IMF does [...]
2008-10-03 11:15:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALEFIN KCOR PGOV PREL EAID ECON SG
08DAKAR1188GUINEA BISSAU SECURITY SECTOR REFORM
[...] (C) SUMMARY. An 25-26 August familiarization visit by the State Department AF/W desk officer to Bissau revealed in interviews defiance, optimism and some worry about the 16 November legislative elections, fighting drug trafficking and the influence of traffickers on national politics. Sub [...]
2008-10-16 17:16:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PU
08DAKAR1197BISSAU-GUINEAN ELECTION AT RISK DUE TO STRIKE
[...] (U) On October 13, 2008, the labor union representing employees of the National Electoral Commission of Guinea-Bissau (CNE) announced that, effective October 14, 2008, election workers would strike until October 23, 2008. If by the end of that time, the government of Guinea-Bissau (GGB) fails [...]
2008-10-17 13:38:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM PU
08DAKAR1319AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS, PRESSES FOR
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In a series of meetings surrounding the presentation of her credentials to Bissau-Guinean President Joao Bernardo Vieira on November 6, 2008, Ambassador Bernicat pressed for continued vigilance in the fight against narco-trafficking and pledged U.S. engagement in the anti-drug ef [...]
2008-11-14 07:35:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PU SNAR XY
08DAKAR1324GUINEA-BISSAU ELECTIONS COULD PROMPT UNEASE IN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Threatened by the likely victory of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC) in the November 16, 2008 legislative elections, a handful of insecure Bissau Guinean army officers theoretically could be persuaded to take action to forestall PAIGC- [...]
2008-11-14 13:16:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALKOCI PGOV PREL PU XY
08DAKAR1325SENEGAL: DISMISSAL OF NATIONAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT
[...] (SBU) Summary and Introduction: On November 9, the National Assembly voted 111 to 22 to remove Macky Sall from his position as president of the National Assembly. The sacking of Sall was the result of Sall's (likely politically motivated) attempt a year ago to convoke President Abdoulaye Wad [...]
2008-11-17 07:36:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV SG
08DAKAR1378RELIGION IN SENEGAL-AL FALAH, THE WAHABBI
[...] (C) SUMMARY: This is the second in a series of cables analyzing religion in Senegal. This cable concerns the Al Falah group who, along with Cemaat Ibadu-Rahman (reftel),is considered to be one of the country,s more conservative organizations. They are identified by many as being Wahabbi wit [...]
2008-12-01 10:43:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALKDEM KIRF KISL PGOV PINR PINS SOCI SG
08DAKAR1401SENEGAL: FORMER PRIME MINISTER MACKY SALL
[...] (C) Summary: On December 3 Political Counselor and PolOff met with the recently ousted president of the National Assembly, Macky Sall. The previous day Sall announced the creation of a new political party: the Alliance for the Republic Yakaar - APR Yakaar (Yakaar means hope in Wolof). Sall sa [...]
2008-12-08 10:47:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINS SOCI ECON PINR KDEM SG
08DAKAR1416GUINEA-BISSAU ENTERING PERIOD OF VOLATILITY
[...] (C) Summary: Many aspects of the November 23 attack on Guinea-Bissau's President, Joao Bernardo Vieira, remain unclear. According to the official account, the President narrowly escaped an attempted assassination as a prelude to a coup d'etat, which he survived due to the intervention of loy [...]
2008-12-10 19:11:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PU SNAR
08DAKAR1432SENEGAL MEETS DEADLINE BUT PROBLEMS REMAIN AHEAD
[...] (C) Summary: Senegal's Finance Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has been scrambling to meet the prior actions and find new financing to cover the country's internal debt in advance of the IMF Board's judgment on the country's Policy Support Instrument (PSI) second review, scheduled for December 19. [...]
2008-12-16 16:26:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALEFIN ECON EAID PGOV KCOR FR SG
08DAKAR1435RELIGION IN SENEGAL: THE CATHOLICS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: This is the third in a series of cables analyzing religion in Senegal. This cable concerns Catholics in Senegal. With a long established history, the Catholics are Senegal,s largest religious minority and continue to wield far greater influence in the country,s political, econom [...]
2008-12-17 11:52:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINS SOCI PINR KDEM KISL KIRF SCUL VT SG
08DAKAR1486SENEGAL'S FOREIGN MINISTER ON GUINEAN COUP
[...] (C) Summary: On December 30 following a meeting with Charge and Political Counselor, Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Tidiane Gadio publicly clarified Senegal's position regarding the recent coup d'etat in Guinea; Gadio stated that Senegal is not supporting a military regime" in G [...]
2008-12-31 14:33:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM PINR GV MR SG
08DAKAR1488SENEGAL'S FOREIGN MINISTER'S VISIT TO MAURITANIA
[...] (C) Summary: On December 30 Senegalese Minister of Foreign Affairs Cheikh Tidiane Gadio briefed Charge and Political Counselor on his December 17 visit to Mauritania and his meetings with ousted President Sidi Mohamed Ould Cheikh Abdallahi and coup leader Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Gadio said Pr [...]
2008-12-31 15:51:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM PINR MR SG
08DAKAR163GUINEA BISSAU:AL-QAIDA TERRORISTS NABBED
[...] (C) The Government of Guinea-Bissau cooperated with French authorities to apprehend and extradite five Mauritanians, at least two of whom admitted to being al-Qaida members wanted in the December 24, 2007 murder of French tourists in Mauritania. At least one of the men had previously lived in [...]
2008-02-08 12:30:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALASEC SNAR PGOV PREL TER MR FR PU
08DAKAR415GUINEA BISSAU: CHARGE MAKES COURTESY CALL
[...] (U) This is an action message. See para 16. 2. (U) Charge visited Guinea-Bissau March 31-April 1 for courtesy meetings with the GOGB, diplomatic corps, and members of civil society. The President and Prime Minister sought support for next fall's legislative elections and the President des [...]
2008-04-08 11:22:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SNAR PU
08DAKAR416GUINEA BISSAU:THE USG SHOULD RE-OPEN EMBASSY BISSAU
[...] This is an action request. See para 14. 2. (C) Summary. Prospects for achieving USG goals in Guinea-Bissau are problematic at best as long as the embassy in Bissau remains shuttered. Weak security, porous borders, poor governance, fragile democracy, and unchecked narcotics trafficking m [...]
2008-04-08 12:42:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALAMGT ABLD PGOV PREL PU
08DAKAR496SPECIAL ENVOY MEETS WITH OIC CHAIR, PRESIDENT WADE
[...] (C) Summary: On April 22 Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Sada Cumber, accompanied by Charge and political counselor, met with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade in his new capacity as the chairman of the 57-nation OIC following Senegal,s hosting of the OIC s [...]
2008-04-29 13:45:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALOIC KISL PGOV PREL AORC KV SR SG
08DAKAR500OIC SPECIAL ENVOY MEETS WITH SENEGALESE FOREIGN
[...] (C) Summary: On April 22 Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Sada Cumber, accompanied by Charge and political counselor, met with Senegalese Foreign Minister Cheikh Tidane Gadio to discuss his country,s new role as chair of the 57-nation OIC following Senegal,s h [...]
2008-04-30 10:02:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KISL OIC IS SY KV SG
08DAKAR501ISRAELIS DISTRESSED BY SENEGALESE PRESIDENT
[...] (C) Summary: On April 29, the Israeli Ambassador to Senegal (please protect) called on Charge to express his country,s concerns about President Abdoulaye Wade,s efforts to inject himself and his country into the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. He said President Wade is misrepresenting the [...]
2008-04-30 10:22:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV IS SY SG
08DAKAR539SENEGAL DISTURBED BY IRANIAN ARMING OF THE GAMBIA
[...] (C) On May 7, the Senegalese Foreign Ministry's director of the African and Asian Affairs Division, Momar Gueye, told Political Counselor his government is "disturbed" by Iran's efforts to build a security relationship with the Gambia. In particular, he said Senegal is concerned about Iran pr [...]
2008-05-09 11:01:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV GA SG
08DAKAR572SENEGAL AGREES WITH SOUTH AFRICA ON ZIMBABWE
[...] (C) Summary: Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade sent his Foreign Minister on May 1 to Harare to urge Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe to allow the electoral commission to release March 29 election results and to accept the outcome. According to Momar Gueye, the Foreign Ministry's director o [...]
2008-05-16 13:12:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL ZI SF SG UK
08DAKAR641GUINEA BISSAU:TENSIONS RISING - ELECTIONS IN
[...] (C) President Vieira signed a law granting an extended mandate to the National Popular Assembly (ANP) and the Government under pressure from the military. Such military involvement in politics is growing and raising alarms among neighboring countries. Elections scheduled for November are far [...]
2008-06-03 17:24:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SNAR KCRM PU
08DAKAR733SENEGAL: WADE CONTINUES TO INJECT HIMSELF INTO
[...] (C) Summary: Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade continues to insert himself into the Middle East peace process (reftel). He recently held the first of seven rounds of talks with representatives from Fatah and Hamas with the goal of bringing about Palestinian reunification. He claims that h [...]
2008-06-20 14:14:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KISL IS SG
08DAKAR830IMPLEMENTATION OF CHAD/SUDAN PEACE ACCORD
[...] (C) Summary: The fourth meeting of the Contact group for the implementation of the Dakar Accord between Chad and Sudan is scheduled to take place on June 17. The meeting follows the June 23-27 meeting military experts group, detailed below. The military experts adopted a basic draft operatio [...]
2008-07-16 19:29:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS CD SU SG GB CF ER LY
08DAKAR837CONTACT GROUP ADOPTS MILITARY PLAN FOR SUDAN AND
[...] (C) Summary: On July 17 at the fourth meeting of the Contact Group for the implementation of the Dakar Accord between Chad and Sudan, Foreign Ministers and representatives endorsed a draft military plan for the Peace and Security Force to monitor the border between Chad and Sudan. In additio [...]
2008-07-18 14:07:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPREL PBTS CD SU SG GB CF ER LY
08DAKAR943SENEGAL: MAURITANIA DEMARCHE DELIVERED
[...] (C) Following a brief discussion (ref A) regarding the coup in Mauritania with Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade, Ambassador Bernicat delivered the demarche contained in ref B on August 11. Wade strongly doubted the utility of Senegal issuing a public statement condemning the coup, claiming: [...]
2008-08-17 12:03:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SG
08DAKAR960GUINEA-BISSAU: INTERNATIONAL COCAINE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. A whirlwind of events in Guinea-Bissau in the past month have climaxed in an unsuccessful coup d'etat which, combined with a change in cabinet, holds out hope for movement towards legislative elections on 16 November, and may facilitate advances against the increasing dominance [...]
2008-08-20 15:45:00Embassy DakarCONFIDENTIALKCRM PGOV PREL PU SNAR
08DAMASCUS10SYRIANS PUBLICLY DENY ANY DEAL TO RELEASE
[...] (C) Summary. On January 1, the Syrian regime issued a strongly-worded statement categorically denying that President Asad discussed or made any assertion to Senator Specter and Representative Kennedy that the seven detained National Council members had been or would be released. While the SARG [...]
2008-01-02 14:04:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KDEM SY
08DAMASCUS130CI/KR RESPONSE FOR S/CT
[...] (C) In response to reftel, Post has determined there is no/no critical infrastructure or key resources in Syria that would have an immediate and deleterious effect on the United States if destroyed, disrupted or exploited. Due to the strained bilateral relationship, we do not engage the SARG o [...]
2008-02-24 13:41:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALASEC EFIN EIND EINV ETTC PGOV PTER SY
08DAMASCUS144UNHCR HIGH COMMISSIONER GUTERRES REVIEWS IRAQI
[...] (C) Summary: UNHCR High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres visited Damascus February 12 though February 15 for the second time in as many years. Guterres' visit included meetings with President al-Asad, UN Country Team members, heads of diplomatic missions, hundreds of Iraqi refugees [...]
2008-02-28 06:43:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREF PHUM PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS158DAMASCUS INTENT ON HOLDING ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT
[...] (C) Summary: A little more than three weeks from the appointed date, the SARG appears determined to proceed with an Arab summit, even if only seven Arab head's of state attend. Saudi and Egyptian pressure on other Arab countries to downgrade the level of representation in the absence of the [...]
2008-03-05 18:04:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS162SRYIA: 2007 TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REPORT
[...] (U) THe following is Post's submission of the annual trafficking in persons report. The Embassy's point of contact is Hilary C. Dauer. Office Telephone: (963) (11) 3391-3207. Fax: (963) (11) 3391-3999. Officer spent 30 hours in preparation of the report, which is structured to answer refte [...]
2008-03-06 16:07:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALASEC ELAB KCRM KFRD KWMN PHUM PREF SMIG
08DAMASCUS167HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE FOR IRAQI REFUGEES IN
[...] (SBU) Summary: The following is a trip report by PRM Jay Zimmerman. The international community's response to the needs of Iraqi refugees has expanded the numbers and scale of humanitarian agencies in Syria, however, humanitarian space remains confused and uncoordinated. Local UNHCR represen [...]
2008-03-11 08:48:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALHU PREF PREL
08DAMASCUS176SYRIA'S NATIONAL COUNCIL ATTEMPTS TO SURVIVE SARG
[...] (C) Summary. The Syrian regime,s severe crackdown on the Damascus Declaration National Council (DDNC) has put the movement under intense pressure. It,s most prominent leaders are in prison and are facing a number of SARG restrictions on access of family and ability to talk to their lawyers. [...]
2008-03-13 16:38:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS177REVERBERATIONS CONTINUE FROM MAKHLUF DESIGNATION
[...] (C) The continuing fallout from the designation of Rami Makhluf, President Asad's first cousin, has exposed nascent fissures in the Syrian business community. A senior Alawite told us he had already sold his own shares in Gulfsands and intends to completely divest from Cham Holding in order to [...]
2008-03-13 17:36:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON EINV EFIN KCOR PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS20DID ANNAPOLIS PRODUCE A SHIFT IN SYRIAN POLICY?
[...] (C) Summary: Many observers of Syrian foreign policy here assert the November 27-28 Annapolis Conference stimulated a favorable shift towards the West. While it is hard to ignore Syria's public declarations of interest in peace with Israel and its efforts to cultivate better relations with th [...]
2008-01-08 14:00:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS203SYRIAN SECURITY FORCE DEADLY CRACKDOWN ON KURDISH
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian security forces resorted to deadly force over the weekend while dispersing unarmed Kurds celebrating the Kurdish New Year in the northeastern Syrian town of Qamishli. This incident marks the second crackdown on Kurds in a little over five months, and Kurdish political fac [...]
2008-03-25 14:36:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS209SECOND GASOLINE PRICE HIKE IN FIVE MONTHS
[...] (SBU) At midnight on Friday, March 21, the SARG raised the price of gasoline from 36 SP/liter (USD 2.72/gal) to 40 SP/liter (USD 3.02/gal),an increase of 11 percent, throughout Syria. The last gasoline price increase occurred on November 1, 2007, when the SARG raised the price from 30 SP/lit [...]
2008-03-27 15:21:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALENRG EPET ETRD SY
08DAMASCUS210SARG PLAYS ARAB UNITY CARD ON EVE OF ARAB SUMMIT
[...] (C) Summary: With last minute changes still a possibility and Jordan's representation up in the air, the SARG claims it will receive up to 12 heads of state, despite evidence to the contrary. In response to Egypt and Saudi Arabia's decision to downgrade significantly their representation and [...]
2008-03-27 17:54:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS219ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT 2008: ALL HAT, NO CATTLE
[...] (C) Summary: Proclaiming the March 29-30 Arab League Summit an "historic event," the Syrian government trumpeted its ability to overcome alleged U.S. efforts to torpedo the proceedings while trying to avoid open controversy over the lack of any progress in Lebanon. Eleven heads of state prese [...]
2008-03-31 18:35:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS224SENIOR SYRIAN DISSIDENT EXPRESSES VIEWS ON THE
[...] (C) Summary: On March 30, opposition Damascus Declaration National Council (DDNC) leader Riad al-Turk updated us on the current state of the DDNC and its attempts to move forward after the arrest of many of its members. Key among these activities are establishing its abilities to meet inside [...]
2008-04-02 16:14:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS225IRAQI PALESTINIAN REFUGEES DEPART FOR CHILE - MANY
[...] (U) Summary: On April 2, UNHCR Syria representatives informed PolOff that 38 Iraqi Palestinian refugees will be departing Syria for Chile on April 5 for final resettlement. According to UNHCR representatives and Chilean Embassy contacts, all 116 Iraqi Palestinians chosen for resettlement from [...]
2008-04-03 15:18:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREF PHUM PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS226PRIVATE SECTOR EAGER TO ENGAGE VISITING
[...] (C) From March 25-27, Post hosted Mr. Chuck Mills, CEO of Salera Capital, as a visiting State Department speaker. Despite lacking official approval from the Ministry of Culture, audiences from all strata of the Syrian private sector turned out for Embassy-scheduled events. While younger audie [...]
2008-04-03 15:30:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EINV PPD SY KCOR
08DAMASCUS227SYRIAN KURDS VOICE THEIR THOUGHTS ON STATE
[...] (C) Summary: During the week starting March 27, Poloff met with a range of Kurdish contacts to discuss conditions in Qamishli after the deadly regime crackdown on Nohruz celebrations and their reactions to the State Department,s statement condemning the crackdown. All three contacts agreed on [...]
2008-04-06 14:15:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS233TWO NGOS WITHDRAW FROM SYRIA, CLAIM "NO REFUGEE
[...] (SBU) Summary: Save the Children UK (part of Save the Children worldwide Alliance) and the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) announced on April 2 that they would not be continuing negotiations with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) over an MOU to begin Iraqi refugee assistance programs and wo [...]
2008-04-08 14:20:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS234INFLATION ADDING TO SYRIA'S ECONOMIC PRESSURE
[...] (C) Driven in large part by sustained higher prices for fuel and food, inflation is contributing to domestic economic pressure in Syria. While the IMF estimated Syrian inflation to be 14.4 percent in 2007, internal Post surveys place the figure above 18 percent, with inflation of consumable go [...]
2008-04-08 14:41:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAGR EINF PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS240SARG PREPARES TO DISTRIBUTE DIESEL RATION CARDS
[...] (SBU) The SARG announced this week that diesel ration cards will be distributed to all Syrian households from April 12-27. The coupons will allow families to purchase 1000 liters of diesel at a substantial discount, although the discounted price is still expected to be 20-25 percent higher th [...]
2008-04-10 14:20:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALENRG EPET ETRD PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS261SARG ON TRAVEL WARNING, PREPARATIONS FOR KUWAIT
[...] No summary [...]
2008-04-22 04:51:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALASEC PREL CASC PTER SY
08DAMASCUS263SYRIAN POLICY AFTER ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT
[...] (C) Summary: Following in the footsteps of President al-Asad's relatively moderate rhetoric during the Arab League Summit, Syrian diplomacy over the last month appears to be in conflict avoidance mode, while hard-line policies on Lebanon continue. On April 19, Asad confirmed to a meeting of t [...]
2008-04-22 12:01:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS267FORMER PRESIDENT CARTER'S VISIT TO DAMASCUS
[...] (SBU) Summary: Though Embassy Damascus provided little more than security and logistical support for former President Carter's April 18-19 trip to Damascus, the SARG seized on the visit to underscore the point that peace in the Middle East cannot be reached without engaging Syria. From our b [...]
2008-04-22 13:39:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKPAL PGOV PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS270HAMAS LEADER KHALED MESHAL'S APRIL 21 PRESS
[...] (C) Summary: Khaled Meshal's April 21 press conference showed some moderation in its lack of criticism of Abu Mazen but gave almost nothing publicly on the Carter visit. Sources say Hamas may be discussing steps to follow up on the Carter visit. End Summary. 2. (C) During a 50-minute p [...]
2008-04-23 09:01:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKPAL PREL PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS271SYRIAN MILITARY COURT GIVES KAMAL LABWANI ANOTHER
[...] (C) Summary: The Syrian Military Court sentenced imprisoned political dissident Kamal Labwani to an additional three years in prison on top of a 12-year sentence related to 2005 meetings he had with U.S. government officals and the Syrian opposition in the U.S. and Europe. Diplomats from the [...]
2008-04-23 13:36:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KDEM SY
08DAMASCUS29STAFFDEL WAXMAN MEETS WITH SYRIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN
[...] No summary [...]
2008-01-13 16:52:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALIZ PHUM PINS PREL SY
08DAMASCUS292SYRIANS ACCUSE U.S. OF FABRICATING STORY OF
[...] (C) Summary: The current Syrian focus in press statements and government-owned publications is on refuting USG public revelations of Syrian-N.Korean nuclear cooperation. We sense a shift from the Syrian focus on the N. Korean angle to recognition that U.S. information could be negatively i [...]
2008-04-28 15:25:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS299CORRECTED COPY: SYRIANS ACCUSE U.S. OF FABRICATING
[...] (C) Summary: The current Syrian focus in press statements and government-owned publications is on refuting USG public revelations of Syrian-N.Korean nuclear cooperation. We sense a shift from the Syrian focus on the N. Korean angle to recognition that U.S. information could be negatively i [...]
2008-05-01 05:58:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS305FM MUALLEM ADVISOR VIEWS TURKISH CHANNEL AS "BABY
[...] (C) Summary: Samir al-Taqi, Orient Center Director and informal advisor to FM Muallem, told us April 30 that his mid-April trip to Ankara had helped to pave the way for a positive April 26 exchange between Turkish PM Erdogan and President Asad in Damascus on continuing indirect discussions b [...]
2008-05-01 15:07:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY IS TU
08DAMASCUS307LABOR DAY WEEKEND, SYRIAN STYLE: DIESEL UP 357
[...] (SBU) In keeping with regime tradition, the SARG chose a holiday weekend to announce major changes in economic policy. In the middle of the three-day Labor Day weekend, the SARG increased the price of diesel fuel and butane gas by 357 percent and 72 percent, respectively. On the same day, Pr [...]
2008-05-04 14:49:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG EPET ETRD PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS319UPDATE ON POST EFFORTS TO PROMOTE DEMOCRACY
[...] (SBU) This is an action response to ref A. 2. (C) Since Post's last update on our activities to promote democracy (Ref B),the Syrian regime cracked down severely on human rights and democracy advocates (Ref E, F, G, H, I, J, K). We have continued to meet with our democracy, human righ [...]
2008-05-08 14:57:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS320SYRIAN REACTIONS TO INCREASE IN DIESEL PRICES
[...] (C) The SARG's partial lifting of diesel subsidies and resulting price increases have produced a one-day strike by micro-bus drivers, a weeklong closure of private bakeries, breadlines at public bakeries, and a decision by many farmers to abandon their crops. In a continuing saga of government [...]
2008-05-08 16:13:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAGR ECON ENRG EPET PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS322SYIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL DETAINEES REFERRED TO
[...] (C) Summary: A Damascus judge referred founder Riad Seif and president Fida,a Hourani along with 10 other Damascus Declaration National Council (DDNC) detainees to Damascus Criminal Court for felony prosecution on April 16. On April 28, their defense lawyers appealed to the Cassation Court to [...]
2008-05-10 07:40:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS328SARG SAYS IT WILL ALLOW AMCITS TO ENTER FROM
[...] (SBU) Summary: Confirming a May 10 phone conversation (reported REF A),MFA Chief of Protocol told CDA in person May 11 that the SARG would, for humanitarian reasons, allow entry of U.S. citizens (both non-official and official) without the usual visa entry requirement (REF B). Dabbagh stat [...]
2008-05-12 11:57:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALLE PREF PREL SY CASC
08DAMASCUS330SYRIA VIEWS LEBANON'S "INTERNAL CRISIS," STRESSES
[...] (C) Summary: After public weekend consultations with Qatar, Bahrain, and Yemen (and private discussions with Turkey,) Syrian officials continue to frame the Lebanese crisis as a "domestic affair" that must be solved by internal dialog. Syria's low-level representation at the May 11 emergenc [...]
2008-05-12 12:27:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV SY LE
08DAMASCUS345SYRIAN REGIME CONTROL OF INTERNET MORE VARIED,
[...] No summary [...]
2008-05-15 12:13:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS348SARG PRESSURE POINTS IN CURRENT LEBANESE CRISIS
[...] (C) Summary: As Washington assesses options for pressuring Syria on its Lebanon policy, Post suggests six possible measures for consideration. We believe Syria is vulnerable to a PD focus on the Shia/Iran aspect of Syria's support for Hizballah. Immediate designations of additional Syrian [...]
2008-05-15 13:31:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV EFIN ETTC SY LE IZ
08DAMASCUS357INITIAL TAKE FROM DAMASCUS ON DOHA AGREEMENT ON
[...] (C) Summary: With President Asad in Aleppo and FM Muallem in Bahrain, SARG reactions in Damascus have been slow to emerge. FM Muallem expressed the SARG's support of "all that the brethren in Lebanon agree on," and we understand Bashar has been in close contact with the Qataris. Syria's po [...]
2008-05-21 13:18:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS359NEW ROUND OF TURKISH-BROKERED TALKS BETWEEN SYRIA
[...] (C) Summary: MFA Advisor Samir al-Taqi confirmed reports of a new round of indirect Syrian-Israeli expert talks on the Golan under Turkish auspices in Ankara. The Turks are pushing for face-to-face discussions to speed up the process and move from modalities to substance, and the SARG is giv [...]
2008-05-22 04:32:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS364SYRIA-CUBA: TITLE III OF THE LIBERTAD ACT, MAY 2008
[...] (U) In response to ref A: The SARG has taken no actions to promote the advancement of democracy or human rights in Cuba and as a matter of foreign policy has expressed a support for Cuban policies. 2. (U) The SARG has made no public statements or undertaken other governmental actions [...]
2008-05-22 14:57:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALETRD ETTC PREL CU SY
08DAMASCUS370IN A SIGN OF CHANGING TIMES U.S. NGO OPENS CLINIC
[...] (SBU) Summary: On May 25, PRM-funded U.S. NGO International Medical Corps (IMC),with the support of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC),inaugurated its first primary health care clinic in Syria. IMC is one of four PRM-funded NGOs to work in Syria and thus far the only U.S. NGO to sign a me [...]
2008-05-27 13:50:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS372UPDATE: SARG ACTIONS AGAINST SYRIAN DISSIDENTS
[...] (SBU) Summary: Despite well-founded suspicions that the SARG may have used the Hizballah insurrection in West Beirut from May 6-14 to snatch Syrian dissidents in Beirut, our sources have been unable to confirm that this occurred. Syrian human rights activists tell us that they have not heard a [...]
2008-05-27 14:22:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS373SENIOR SYRIAN DISSIDENT DISCUSSES NATIONAL COUNCIL
[...] (SBU) This is an Action Request. Please see Paragraph 6. 2. (C) Summary: The Damascus Declaration National Council (DDNC) is an increasingly difficult situation, according to senior member Riad Turk (strictly protect). The most direct result of the DDNC,s growing insolvency is that the fam [...]
2008-05-27 14:26:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS381ARAB LEAGUE SECGEN MOUSSA AND QATARI FM/PM HBJ
[...] (C) Summary: Arab League SecGen Amre Moussa and Qatari PM/FM Hamad bin-Jasim (HBJ) met separately with President Asad on May 26 to push for Syrian moves to establish diplomatic relations with Lebanon as the next step to the May 21 Doha agreement, according to a May 27 readout by the Egyptian [...]
2008-05-29 15:14:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS388SYRIA STAYS LIMBER TRYING TO BALANCE ISRAEL, IRAN,
[...] (C) Summary: President Asad departed June 1 on a three-day official trip to UAE and Kuwait more confident about his internal standing and upbeat after a productive round of negotiations with the Israelis in Istanbul that may have included lower-level, face-to-face meetings. Asad also receiv [...]
2008-06-01 15:02:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS404BASHAR'S USES ROAD TRIP FOR POSITIVE PR, MORE
[...] (C) Summary: President Asad used a three-day Gulf trip to attract regional and international press attention to Syria's desire for progress on the Golan track and better relations with Saudi Arabia. Our sources say Asad's upcoming swing through North Africa next week (starting with Rabat, Algi [...]
2008-06-05 16:43:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS420 SYRIA'S LACK OF ENGAGEMENT ON IRAQ: POSSIBLE
[...] (C) Summary: With Syria's recent effort to gain credit for the Doha Agreement and publicly announcing indirect negotiations with Israel, it hopes for engagement with the West and a loosening of its international isolation. Still, the SARG has yet to make any substantial concessions on the key [...]
2008-06-12 16:40:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS427FRENCH CONSIDER THEIR DAMASCUS VISIT A SUCCESS
[...] (C) Summary. The SARG worked to portray the June 15 visit by two French presidential envoys as a vindication of Syria's hard-line policy of "resistance." The French themselves say the visit was successful as it furthered the GOF's priority of ensuring President Asad participate in the Mediterra [...]
2008-06-16 16:25:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PTER SY
08DAMASCUS438THE IMPACT OF U.S. SANCTIONS ON CIVIL AVIATION IN
[...] (C) Syrian Arab Airlines' ability to sustain operations has degraded in recent years and is estimated to be currently operating just six of at least 15 aircraft in its fleet. The SARG amended its aviation laws in 2005 to allow private airlines to enter the market, but as is often the case in [...]
2008-06-18 15:04:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAIR ETRD PGOV PTER SY
08DAMASCUS451BASHAR'S INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT - A HOLLOW PR
[...] (C) Summary. A candid, usually frank business contact who accompanied Bashar Al-Asad to India gave an interesting readout which reflects Bashar's focus on his image and his ability to miss opportunities. The business contact expressed frustration over the lack of concrete results from the v [...]
2008-06-24 15:47:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL ETRD PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS452SARG REMAINS SILENT ON IAEA VISIT
[...] No summary [...]
2008-06-25 14:45:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALMNUC PARM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS453SARG BEMOANS INADEQUATE IRAQI REFUGEE ASSISTANCE,
[...] (C) Summary: During a 90-minute discussion, Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugee Issues James Foley briefed Syrian Deputy FM Faisal Mikdad on his mission to assess Iraqi refugee assistance needs and programs. Foley acknowledged that Syria had borne a large economic and social burden in host [...]
2008-06-25 16:11:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS469IRAQI EMBASSY OUTLINES REFUGEE RETURN INITIATIVE
[...] Summary: The June 23-26 visit of Ambassador Foley and his subsequent meeting with Iraqi diplomats highlighted the Iraqi government's ambitious plan to facilitate the return of significant numbers of Iraqi refugees residing in Syria. Iraqi diplomats here reported that the GOI is prepared to sp [...]
2008-07-02 15:27:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREF PHUM PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS471NORWEGIAN FM VISITS DAMASCUS, JUSTIFIES ENGAGING
[...] (C) Summary: During a week in which Italian FM Fratini called FM Muallim regarding a possible U/S - level trip in mid-July to Damascus and UN Middle East Envoy Robert Serry heard "positive messages" from Syrian MFA officials, Norwegian FM Store visited Damascus July 1 and reported positive exc [...]
2008-07-02 16:03:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM SY
08DAMASCUS477FOLEY MEETINGS WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS,
[...] (C) Summary: In June 23-26 meetings with UNHCR, IOM, WFP, UNICEF, donor country representatives, and other organizations workings on Iraqi refugee assistance and resettlement issues in Syria, Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugee Issues, Ambassador James Foley heard: (1) Iraqis in Syria continu [...]
2008-07-06 16:02:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM SY
08DAMASCUS478PROMINENT JOURNALIST GIVEN REDUCED SENTENCE, WHILE
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian journalist Mazen Darwich was sentenced on June 26 to ten days in prison for libel against the general State administration. He received a reduced sentence of five days in prison after having spent three days in custody after being arrested on January 12. (Prior to the rul [...]
2008-07-06 16:06:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL SY
08DAMASCUS48SARG PRESSES AHEAD WITH PALESTINIAN CONFERENCE
[...] (C) Summary: Notwithstanding Palestinian Authority (PA) opposition to the January 23-25 meeting of Palestinian groups in Damascus, preparations are in place for an event in Damascus that will likely (1) underscore the right of return of Palestinian refugees; (2) call for reconciliation betwee [...]
2008-01-22 16:02:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS484CORRECTED COPY: PROMINENT JOURNALIST GIVEN REDUCED
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian journalist Mazen Darwich was sentenced on June 26 to ten days in prison for libel against the general State administration. He received a reduced sentence of five days in prison after having spent three days in custody after being arrested on January 12. (Prior to the rul [...]
2008-07-08 08:20:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL SY
08DAMASCUS489SYRIAN DIPLOMACY FAILS: ABBAS SNUBS HAMAS IN
[...] (C) Summary: President Asad received Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) July 6 but failed to convince Abbas to meet Hamas Politburo chief Khaled Meshal. In addition to FM Muallem, Abu Mazen met leaders of several Palestinian groups on July 7. Abu Mazen apparently ag [...]
2008-07-09 15:17:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KPAL SY
08DAMASCUS490DAMASCUS REFUGEE SITREP 5
[...] This telegraph replaces canceled Damascus 470. 2.(SBU) This is the fifth in a series of Embassy Damascus's updates on refugee processing in Syria. 3. (SBU) SUMMARY: IOM reported its medical case load and out-processing projections for June through September 2008 and announced that all ca [...]
2008-07-10 08:31:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS491TIME FOR TALKING POINTS TO COUNTER SYRIA'S "CHARM
[...] (C) Summary: Eager to exploit growing European interest in engaging Syria, Damascus is taking credit for recent "stabilizing" regional developments, such as the Doha accord on Lebanon, peace talks with Israel, the Hamas-Israeli "calming," and even Israeli-Hizballah prisoner exchanges. Some [...]
2008-07-10 09:50:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KPAL SY IS LE IZ
08DAMASCUS496SYRIAN MFA RESPONDS POSITIVELY ON EXPANDING IRAQI
[...] (C) Summary: Following up on Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugee Issues James Foley's June 24-26 visit (reftel),Husam Alaa, MFA Chief of Staff for D/FM Faisal Mikdaad, told Charge July 16 the SARG had decided to respond favorably on increased resettlement for Iraqi refugees. He reported th [...]
2008-07-10 14:56:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS497FRENCH-SYRIAN ECONOMIC INITIATIVES STRUGGLE TO
[...] (C) As Bashar prepares to visit Paris on July 12-14, French and Syrian officials are discussing potential economic initiatives to flesh out the political agenda of a new phase in bilateral relations. The French Embassy confirmed that the GOF has invited a Syrian business delegation to Paris l [...]
2008-07-10 15:37:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAIR ETRD PGOV PTER SY FR
08DAMASCUS517 SEIDNAYA CONTINUES TO STIR FEARS AND CONSPIRACY
[...] (C) Summary: Amid a wide range of sometimes contradictory reports, a growing number of Embassy sources have indicated the Seidnaya prison riots continue, despite the official government statement to the contrary. Human rights activists have conveyed deep concerns about reports of the alleged [...]
2008-07-17 15:22:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS524FOREIGN TOURISM TO SYRIA UP 40 PERCENT IN 2008
[...] (C) At the mid-point of 2008, the Syrian economy is enjoying its best tourism season since 2002, and a 40 percent increase in foreign tourism over 2007. A local expert attributes the increase to a year of political stability in the region and a greater SARG investment in marketing Syria in Eu [...]
2008-07-22 06:27:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON ETRD PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS526BASHAR WAITING ON SLEIMAN'S VISIT, FOCUSED ON
[...] (C) Summary: From the SARG's perspective, FM Muallim's July 21 trip to Beirut provided another step toward expanding its new relationship with France, and it paved the way for the next Syrian "deliverable," namely -- Lebanese President Sleiman's upcoming visit to Damascus. Though some with [...]
2008-07-24 17:57:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS538SARG BEGINS TRIAL OF 12 DAMASCUS DECLARATION
[...] No summary [...]
2008-08-02 08:37:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS539SARG BEGINS TRIAL OF 12 DAMASCUS DECLARATION
[...] (U) This is an action request. See para 15-16. 2. (C) Summary: The trial of twelve members of the Damascus Declaration National Council (DDNC) Secretariat began July 30 in front of courtroom packed with diplomats, press, family members, and civil society activists. The presiding judge [...]
2008-08-02 08:37:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS559SUPPORTING SYRIA'S EMERGING PRIVATE SECTOR
[...] (C) After 45 years of Baathist socialism, private enterprise is gaining momentum in Syria. Over the past 18 months, the SARG has enacted six major economic reforms that were long advocated by international consultants but bitterly resisted by Baath Party apparatchiks. Encouraged by the refor [...]
2008-08-07 16:16:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN ETRD ETTC KCOR PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS560AMMAR AL-HAKIM VISIT SIGNALS NEW SARG EMPHASIS ON
[...] (C) Summary: On July 30-31, President Asad and other senior officials provided a lavish reception for Deputy Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq (ISCI) Chair Ammar al-Hakim. Embassy sources suggest Al-Hakim responded favorably to Syrian lobbying to oppose a a long-term security agreement between [...]
2008-08-07 16:38:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY LE
08DAMASCUS59SYRIAN GOVERNMENT PREVENTS U.S. CITIZEN FROM
[...] (C) Summary. The SARG has placed a travel ban on naturalized U.S. citizen and political reformer Bassam Ishak. Ishak, a long-time Embassy contact, is currently weighing his options but may ask the Embassy to intervene on his behalf with the MFA. End Summary. 2. (C) The Syrian government [...]
2008-01-28 15:09:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS599MAKHLOUF AIRLINE TO PURCHASE BOMBARDIER AIRCRAFT
[...] (C) Reliable media sources are reporting that the first private Syrian airline is in negotiations to purchase Bombardier passenger aircraft from the Canadian manufacturer. The airline, known as Cham Pearl, is principally backed by President Asad's cousin (and Specially Designated National) Ra [...]
2008-08-20 14:53:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAIR EFIN ETRD PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS609FM KOUCHNER VISIT SETS AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 3-4
[...] (C) Summary: According to a French Embassy readout, French FM Kouchner's August 22-23 discussions with President Asad and FM Muallim focused on Lebanon, Russia/Georgia, human rights, Syria's indirect talks with Israel, and Iran in advance of President Sarkozy's September 3-4 visit to Damasc [...]
2008-08-27 10:04:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPBTS PGOV PHUM PREL SY FR
08DAMASCUS61SYRIAN NATIONAL COUNCIL DETAINEES MAKE FIRST COURT
[...] (SBU) Summary. All ten National Council detainees appeared in Criminal Court on January 28 in the first of what will likely be many court appearances over the next several months. National Council President Fidaa Hourani was formally accused of three politically motivated charges, while the [...]
2008-01-28 15:44:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY IS
08DAMASCUS610FM KOUCHNER VISIT SETS AGENDA FOR SEPTEMBER 3-4
[...] (C) Summary: According to a French Embassy readout, French FM Kouchner's August 22-23 discussions with President Asad and FM Muallim focused on Lebanon, Russia/Georgia, human rights, Syria's indirect talks with Israel, and Iran in advance of President Sarkozy's September 3-4 visit to Damasc [...]
2008-08-27 12:33:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPBTS PGOV PHUM PREL SY FR
08DAMASCUS63PALESTINIAN CONFERENCE PRODUCES HARD RHETORIC AND
[...] (C) Summary: SARG efforts to spin the three-day Palestinian conference as an event for "domestic consumption" and a call for Palestinian solidarity conveniently overlook the harsh anti-U.S., Israeli, and Palestinian Authority rhetoric during the conference and in a seven-page communique (tra [...]
2008-01-28 16:51:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS630IOM BAGHDAD'S UNCLEARED VISIT JEOPARDIZES EXPANDED
[...] (U) This is an action request, see para 8. 2. (C) Summary: During a discussion on the possibility of allowing IOM Damascus to host a trainer from outside Syria, Husam Alaa, Syrian MFA Chief of Staff for D/FM Faisal Miqdad, informed Charge September 3 that two IOM officials had entered [...]
2008-09-04 14:34:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS636HOST GOVERNMENT PRACTICES - INFORMATION
[...] (U) Summary: The following is submitted in response to the Department's request (ref B). Due to the difficult bilateral relationship between the U.S. and the SARG, Post does not have the full access necessary to give a complete picture of Syria's information collection, screening and sharin [...]
2008-09-10 14:24:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL PGOV PINR KVPR ASEC KHLS SY
08DAMASCUS64STAFFDEL WAXMAN MEETS WITH SYRIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN
[...] (U) This cable replaces Syria 00029. 2. (C) Summary: In a January 9 meeting with Senate staffers Sharon Waxman and Perry Cammack, D/FM Miqdad outlined the significant challenges to Syria posed by Iraqi refugees and conveyed the SARG's unhappiness with recent U.S. statements criticizing Syr [...]
2008-01-29 13:14:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALIZ PHUM PINS PREL SY
08DAMASCUS646SARKOZY'S VISIT YIELDS VICTORY FOR FRENCH OIL
[...] (C) The most significant economic development resulting from French President Nicholas Sarkozy's visit to Damascus was the signing of an MOU with the SARG that would position the French petroleum company Total to take the lead on any potential projects linking Syria's petroleum infrastructure [...]
2008-09-15 15:12:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEINV ENRG EPET ETRD PGOV FR SY
08DAMASCUS650"LENIENT" SENTENCE FOR KURDISH PROTESTERS AS SARG
[...] (C) Summary: Fifty Kurds who had been arrested in 2005 for participating in a demonstration following the mysterious death of Kurdish leader Sheikh Mashook Khaznawi received six-month sentences, the minimum sentence allowed by Syrian law, on September 14. But a recent spate of arrests of an [...]
2008-09-16 13:12:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV PREL SY
08DAMASCUS657RARE SYRIAN PROMISE FULFILLED BY NAMING AMBASSADOR
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian President Bashar Asad swore in Nawaf al-Fares as the new Syrian Ambassador to Iraq on September 16, the first such appointment in over 24 years. This move was expected but did not occur as part of a visit by Iraqi FM Zebari to Damascus, as SARG officials had hoped. Iraq [...]
2008-09-17 17:14:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS658RARE SYRIAN PROMISE FULFILLED BY NAMING AMBASSADOR
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian President Bashar Asad swore in Nawaf al-Fares as the new Syrian Ambassador to Iraq on September 16, the first such appointment in over 24 years. This move was expected but did not occur as part of a visit by Iraqi FM Zebari to Damascus, as SARG officials had hoped. Iraq [...]
2008-09-18 04:24:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS66SYRIAN GOVERNMENT DETAINEES OPPOSITION LEADER RIAD
[...] (C) Summary: On the evening of January 28, Syrian authorities detained Riad Seif, Damascus Declaration National Council head and former imprisoned MP. He was arraigned January 29 and is currently in Adraa Prison along with the other 10 National Council detainees. End Summary. 2. (C) At [...]
2008-01-29 14:38:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKDEM PHUM PGOV SY PREL
08DAMASCUS660JAPANESE AMBASSADOR CLAIMS INFLUENCE OVER SARG
[...] (C) Japanese Ambassador Matsaki Kunieda told Charge during her September 17 courtesy call that he believed that he had twice been able to influence SARG decision-making on issues of concern to the West. Kunieda said he had suggested to MFA Vice Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad in early 2007 th [...]
2008-09-18 14:06:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL SY JA
08DAMASCUS661SYRIAN AIR TO SELL ALL BOEING AIRCRAFT
[...] (C) Syrian Air executives report that the airline's management intends to sell its two Boeing 747s and six Boeing 727s rather than attempt to overhaul them. They reported that the one remaining operational Boeing aircraft in the Syrian Air fleet, a 747, will be grounded on October 1, 2008, an [...]
2008-09-18 15:05:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAIR ECON ETRD PGOV FR SY
08DAMASCUS666SPANISH FOREIGN MINISTER "GETS TOUGH" WITH SARG
[...] (C) Summary: The September 17 visit to Damascus of Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Moratinos, portrayed by the Spanish Embassy as an opportunity for Spain to "get tough" with the SARG, lasted less then a day. Moratinos held short meetings with President Asad and Foreign Minister Muallem and [...]
2008-09-22 14:56:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPROG PREF PREL SY
08DAMASCUS669SARG OPPOSITIONIST RIAD TURK SPEAKS OF LONG-TERM
[...] (C) Summary: Damascus Declaration National Council Leader Riad Turk believes Syria's expanding relations with European countries will ultimately work to the benefit of civil society and political opposition groups. In the short-term, however, the SARG is cracking down on Kurds and is likely t [...]
2008-09-24 04:54:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY KDEM
08DAMASCUS670SARG OPPOSITIONIST RIAD TURK SPEAKS OF LONG-TERM
[...] (C) Summary: Damascus Declaration National Council Leader Riad Turk believes Syria's expanding relations with European countries will ultimately work to the benefit of civil society and political opposition groups. In the short-term, however, the SARG is cracking down on Kurds and is likely t [...]
2008-09-24 04:54:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY KDEM
08DAMASCUS671SARG OPPOSITIONIST RIAD TURK SPEAKS OF LONG-TERM
[...] (C) Summary: Damascus Declaration National Council Leader Riad Turk believes Syria's expanding relations with European countries will ultimately work to the benefit of civil society and political opposition groups. In the short-term, however, the SARG is cracking down on Kurds and is likely t [...]
2008-09-24 04:54:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY KDEM
08DAMASCUS675IOM CONCERNED ABOUT REFUGEE REPATRIATION AND LOCAL
[...] (C) Summary: During an introductory call on IOM Chief of Mission Maria Rumman, Rumman relayed to Charge recent conversations between IOM staff and representatives of the Iraqi government which principally focused on how the GOI could best repatriate its citizens that have sought refuge in Syri [...]
2008-09-26 19:46:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREF IO SY
08DAMASCUS676SYRIAN TALKING HEADS EXPRESS ANGER OVER PRESIDENT
[...] (C) President Bush's two-sentence critique of Syria during his farewell speech to the UN General Assembly was rebuffed by a barrage of negative remarks from the government-owned daily Al-Thawra. Print media aside from Al-Thawra was generally muted on the subject but several independent journa [...]
2008-09-26 19:49:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPROG PREF PREL SY
08DAMASCUS677CAR BOMB EXPLODES IN GREATER DAMASCUS AREA -
[...] (C) On September 27 at roughly 0745 Damascus time (0045 EST) a car bomb exploded on the main road connecting Damascus to surrounding suburbs and the Damascus International Airport, located approximately 5kms (3 miles) from the Embassy. Syrian and Western press have reported 17 deaths and 14 i [...]
2008-09-27 11:03:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL ASEC SY
08DAMASCUS679CAR BOMB EXPLODES IN GREATER DAMASCUS AREA -
[...] (C) On September 27 at roughly 0745 Damascus time (0045 EST) a car bomb exploded on the main road connecting Damascus to surrounding suburbs and the Damascus International Airport, located approximately 5kms (3 miles) from the Embassy. Syrian and Western press have reported 17 deaths and 14 i [...]
2008-09-27 11:47:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPTER PREL ASEC SY
08DAMASCUS698SYRIAN AL-RA,Y TV SHOWCASING COALITION AND IRAQI
[...] (C) Summary: Former Al-Ra'y TV correspondent Ibrahim Al-Jabeen (protect) told us on September 28 that Syria-based Al-Ra,y TV had assumed the Iraq-based Al-Zawraa TV,s former role of showcasing Iraqi militant attacks on Coalition and Iraqi forces. Although Mish,an Al-Jaburi,s wife, Al-Usta, [...]
2008-10-07 14:04:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PTER PREL SY KPAO
08DAMASCUS7CODEL SPECTER MEETS WITH SYRIAN FOREIGN MINISTER
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Muallem pleaded for the United States not to hold Syria "hostage" to events in Lebanon or to resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, while insisting to Senator Arlen Specter and Representative Patrick Kennedy that Syria itself was ready for p [...]
2008-01-02 05:48:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KPAL KDEM PHUM SY IS IZ LEB
08DAMASCUS714SARG RAIDS SUSPECTED TERRORIST CELL
[...] (C) Embassy contacts reported that Syrian security and police services raided a suspected "terrorist" cell on Octobter 9, killing three suspected terrorists and wounding one while suffering one police fatality. The incident took place in the unofficial Yarmouk Palestinian camp, located approx [...]
2008-10-10 12:49:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPTER PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS72CHILEANS TO RESETTLE IRAQI PALESTINIAN REFUGEES
[...] (C) On January 22, PolOff met with Deputy Head of the Chilean Mission to Syria, Arturo Giadala, who confirmed reports that his country would be resettling over 100 Iraqi Palestinian refugees currently residing in the Al-Tanf refugee camp. (Note: There three camps near the Iraqi border where Ir [...]
2008-01-31 15:41:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREF PHUM PREL SY IZ
08DAMASCUS727PART I OF A SERIES: IRANIAN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN
[...] (SBU) This is the first cable in a three-part series examining Iranian economic activity in Syria. Iranian-Syrian economic cooperation is overstated by both the SARG and Iranian government in an attempt to create the public perception that a mutually beneficial economic relationship has resu [...]
2008-10-16 16:19:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY
08DAMASCUS73SARG STUMBLING THROUGH FUEL CRISIS
[...] (C) Unseasonably cold weather, perhaps the coldest January in the last decade, has increased Syrian demand for heating fuels. Anecdotal information from Syrians, and our own observations, convey a situation in which increased demand, particularly for diesel (mazout),has exhausted supplies and [...]
2008-01-31 17:18:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON ENRG EPET PGOV SY KCOR
08DAMASCUS741SARG ALLEGES U.S. MILITARY RAID KILLS 8 CIVILIANS
[...] (U) This is an action request. See para 10. 2. (C) Summary: Roughly two hours after local internet and Syrian TV reported an alleged U.S. military attack in eastern Syria, Syrian Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Faisal Mekdad convoked Charge and Pol/Econ Chief on October 26 (2200 local) [...]
2008-10-27 05:39:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL MOPS PGOV PTER SY IZ
08DAMASCUS756UPDATE FROM DAMASCUS: SARG BRIEFS DIPLOMATIC
[...] (C) Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Faisal Miqdad briefed local diplomatic missions October 29 on the SARG's decision to order the closure of the American Cultural Center (ACC) and American School (DCS). He received push-back from a number of missions, especially regarding closure of the latte [...]
2008-10-29 14:16:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV MOPS SY IZ
08DAMASCUS758OPTIONS FOR RESPONDING TO SARG ORDER TO CLOSE
[...] (SBU) This is an action request, see para 11. 2. (C) Begin Summary: At 1500 local today, Post received official verbal notification from MFA Chief of Protocol Abdul Latif Dabbagh of the SARG's order to close the American Cultural Center (ACC) immediately and to close the American School [...]
2008-10-29 20:16:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL ASEC APER AFIN PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS764RESPONDING TO SARG'S ORDERS OF OCTOBER 29 -- REQUEST FOR DEPARTMENT GUIDANCE
[...] (U) This cable contains two action requests ) see para 9. 2. (C) Summary: Reopening for normal business November 2, Embassy Damascus will be faced with the question whether to comply with the SARG's verbal order of October 29 to immediately close the American Cultural Center, including t [...]
2008-10-31 12:18:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL ASEC AMGT SY
08DAMASCUS775DIPLOMATIC EFFORT ON DAMASCUS COMMUNITY SCHOOL
[...] (C) Canadian Ambassador Glenn Davidson briefed Charge on a November 4 meeting between SARG MFA Vice FM Faisal Miqdad and a group of local diplomats, led by the Dean of the Consular Corps, Argentinian Ambassador Herman Roberto Plorutti. The diplomatic group also included the Ambassadors of t [...]
2008-11-03 11:09:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL AMGT ASEC SY
08DAMASCUS788NEW SYRIAN BORDER LAW TARGETS KURDS, KURDS REACT
[...] (SBU) Summary: The SARG issued a legislative decree in September that restricted property ownership, acquisition, and other land-use rights along Syria's borders. While the SARG claims the law applies to all Syrian borders, there is mounting evidence of selective enforcement targeting Kurdish [...]
2008-11-06 14:26:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KDEM SY
08DAMASCUS792SARG PREVENTING DISTRIBUTION OF WFP RICE;
[...] (C) SUMMARY: SARG officials at the Syrian port of Lattakiya are holding a portion of a World Food Program (WFP) shipment of Indian rice, purchased with PRM funds and intended for distribution to Iraqi refugees in Syria. The Syrian government claims the rice is contaminated with small rocks a [...]
2008-11-10 15:16:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PGOV IZ SY
08DAMASCUS793BASHAR'S 11/9 SPEECH TO ARAB PARLIAMENTARIANS
[...] (C) Summary: Syrian President Asad delivered a November 9 keynote address to the Arab Transitional Parliament gathered in Damascus for a bi-annual meeting of legislators from Arab League states. True to Bashar's year-long efforts to make Damascus the capital of Arab culture and resistance, [...]
2008-11-10 15:59:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV SY IZ IS
08DAMASCUS800ZEBARI CONDEMNS 10/26 ATTACK, SEEKS TO RE-ASSURE
[...] (C) Summary: In a hastily arranged November 11-12 visit to Damascus, Iraqi FM Hoshyar Zebari delivered a letter to a skeptical President Asad from PM Maliki reassuring Syrian leaders the SOFA would not allow U.S. troops to launch attacks on Iraq's neighbors. Zebari publicly "rejected" the [...]
2008-11-13 14:05:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL MOPS PTER SY IZ
08DAMASCUS803SAVING THE AMERICAN LANGUAGE CENTER
[...] (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 6. 2.(C) SUMMARY: On October 28, the SARG directed the Charge d,Affaires to close the American Cultural Center (ACC) and the American Language Center (ALC). The ALC is the English teaching program overseen by the ACC. In response to the SARG,s di [...]
2008-11-13 14:33:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALKPAO PREL SCUL SY
08DAMASCUS820SARG NOT BUDGING ON EMBARGOED WFP RICE FOR IRAQI
[...] (C) Summary: World Food Program (WFP) Regional Director Daly Belgasmi briefed us on the latest developments surrounding two separate rice donations embargoed by the SARG. Finding no other solution, Belgasmi reported the remaining PRM-funded rice would be re-exported. A visibly upset Belgasm [...]
2008-11-19 15:32:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PGOV IZ SY
08DAMASCUS829THE SARG CAN'T KEEP US DOWN: PERSEVERING WITH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The SARG requested the closure of the American Cultural Center (ACC) and American Language Center (ALC) in Damascus on October 28. While these closures have led to a significant reduction in public programming, public diplomacy (PD) activity continues here on many levels. We ar [...]
2008-11-20 14:37:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL KPAO SCUL SY
08DAMASCUS839IRAQI D/FM ABBAWI SEES SUPPORTING ABBAS AS KEY
[...] (C) At Embassy Baghdad's request, we delivered reftel demarche November 22 to Iraqi D/FM Abbawi, who was in Damascus attending the November 21 Iraqi Neighbors Border Security Working Group (BSWG) and would be heading the Iraqi delegation at the November 26 Arab League Ministerial. Abbawi exp [...]
2008-11-25 11:17:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL KWBG AL IZ
08DAMASCUS841UNSCO SERRY: SARG VIEWS ON SYRIAN AND PALESTINIAN
[...] (C) Summary: UN Special Coordinator Robert Serry concluded a two-day visit to Damascus by briefing diplomats on his discussions with FM Muallim and VFM Miqdad. According to Serry, Muallim signaled continuing SARG interest in the Syrian-Israeli track but conditioned the holding of a fifth ro [...]
2008-11-25 14:34:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL KWBG PBTS TU IS UN SY
08DAMASCUS842SYRIAN DISSIDENT TAKES DIM VIEW OF ORGANIZED
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Civil society activist and economist XXXXXXXXXXXX, released from prison on XXXXXXXXXXXX, met with us recently to share his bleak assessment of pro-democracy and human rights movements in Syria. His appraisals differ from other civil society leaders (refs A-C),especially regarding [...]
2008-11-25 15:01:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV KPAO KDEM SY
08DAMASCUS843SYRIAN DISSIDENTS INDICATE GAP EXISTS BETWEEN
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Syrian dissidents Aref Dalila, Muhanad al-Hasani, and Fawaz Tello (all strictly protect) met with Poloff on November 19 for a wide-ranging discussion on the current state of civil society activism in Syria (ref A). During the meeting, the three men spoke briefly about a recent Kur [...]
2008-11-26 08:29:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KDEM KPAO SY
08DAMASCUS8472008 UN DROUGHT APPEAL FOR SYRIA
[...] (SBU) This is an action request cable, see paragraph 7. 2. (SBU) SUMMARY: UNFAO (Food and Agriculture) Syria Representative Abdullah Bin Yehia is seeking USG commitment to the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs 2008 Drought Appeal. Yehia proposes to use money from the appe [...]
2008-11-26 14:12:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAGR EAID ECON FAO PGOV PHUM PREF SY
08DAMASCUS848SARG DRAFT LEGISLATION ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: A G/TiP funded grant to the International Office for Migration (IOM) for training Syrian police in trafficking in persons issues remains unspent. The proposed program depended upon the SARG first passing legislation on human trafficking. The draft legislation is currently under re [...]
2008-11-26 14:15:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KDEM SY
08DAMASCUS849SARG FAST-TRACKING EU ASSOCIATION AGREEMENT
[...] (C) An EU diplomat in Damascus confirmed that a delegation would travel to Damascus to publicly "initial" the EU Association Agreement with Syria on December 14, following the successful conclusion of negotiations to update the agreement text on November 24 in Brussels. In her view, President [...]
2008-11-26 14:36:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALETRD PGOV EU SY
08DAMASCUS850SYRIAN AIR DEDICATES LAST FOUR PLANES TO HAJJ
[...] (C) A Syrian Air ticketing agent told Embassy staff that the airline is currently operating just four of its fleet of 16 aircraft, due to its inability to obtain essential spare parts. From November 22 to December 9, Syrian Air is dedicating its four remaining operational Airbus A320s to flyi [...]
2008-11-26 14:45:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEAIR ECON ETRD PGOV PREL SA SY
08DAMASCUS857WFP COUNTRY DIRECTOR DISMISSED, STATUS OF
[...] (C) WFP Country Representative Pippa Bradford informed Post on November 26 that she had been placed on administrative leave effective immediately. Bradford also informed us that she had been barred from her office and from communicating with her staff in Syria, adding she had only come to lea [...]
2008-12-01 13:47:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PGOV IZ SY
08DAMASCUS860CYBER-DISSIDENT TRIAL WILL CONTINUE; EUROPEANS
[...] (C) Web journalist Habib Saleh, arrested on May 6, faced the Second Criminal Court in Damascus on December 1 to answer for articles posted on the internet deemed threateningly critical of the state. The judge in the case prevented the public from attending what was supposed to be an open trial [...]
2008-12-02 10:14:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL SY
08DAMASCUS862BAILING OUT THE SHAM: SARG CONTRACT RESCUES
[...] (C) A reputable Syrian website reported that the SARG will supply Syrian public sector entities with "Sham"-model automobiles. The "Sham" (colloquial Arabic for Syria) is a Peugot-based sedan produced by a joint Syrian-Iranian assembly plant (SIAMCO) in rural Damascus that opened in 2007. B [...]
2008-12-02 12:56:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV IR SY
08DAMASCUS863GUEANT AND LEVITTE TO SARG: GOOD JOB, BUT WORK
[...] (C) Summary: French Embassy DCM Nicholas Suran briefed us December 1 on Claude Gueant and Jean-David Levitte's November 30 visit to Damascus. After stops in Doha and Jeddah, the two Elysee advisors delivered an oral message to President Asad from President Sarkozy, urged Syria to make good [...]
2008-12-02 15:35:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV LE IR FR IZ SY
08DAMASCUS868SARG REPORTEDLY RECONSIDERING EXCHANGE OF
[...] (C) In the wake of the visit of French President Sarkozy's advisors (reftel),diplomats in Damascus are sensing that the SARG may be preparing to renege on its commitment to exchange ambassadors with Lebanon and to open embassies in each other's capital by year's end. According to Spanish Am [...]
2008-12-03 14:28:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL FR LE SY
08DAMASCUS874MORE WFP RICE TO BE RE-EXPORTED: SARG PROXIES
[...] Summary: The World Food Program (WFP) reported to us its plans to re-export the Vietnamese rice, destined for the Iraqi refugee population, in accordance with Syrian demands. This comes after several weeks of WFP working to find a solution to a SARG decision to refuse import. A close associa [...]
2008-12-04 17:16:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PGOV IZ SY
08DAMASCUS876KEEPING UP THE EFFORT ON PUBLIC DIPLOMACY IN SYRIA
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In spite of the Syrian government's decision to close the American Cultural Center, Embassy Damascus is pursuing all available programming tools to advance mission goals of promoting freedom of expression, the exchange and development of ideas on political and economic reform, [...]
2008-12-07 08:21:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KPAO OEXC OIIP SCUL SY XF
08DAMASCUS883SARG DISMISSES SHEIKHS FROM LEADERSHIP POSITIONS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The SARG quietly ordered religious sheikhs who sit on the boards of non-governmental, charitable, Islamic "foundations" to resign their positions during the month of November. One civil society activist, who first broke the news to us, claimed the SARG feared these organizations [...]
2008-12-15 13:58:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPGOV KISC PTER SY
08DAMASCUS895DAMASCUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: THE CHANGE WE NEED?
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The retirement of the Damascus Chamber of Commerce's long-serving chairman shook up the Chamber's November 2008 elections. SARG attempts to pressure the former chairman's son-in-law to step in as Chairman failed, as the remaining ten board members scrambled to re-form their cand [...]
2008-12-18 15:08:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALECON ELAB PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS912OBO VISIT
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-29 14:26:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALABLD AMGT ASEC
08DAMASCUS913AMIDST CALLS FOR THIRD INTIFADA, SYRIANS
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Syrian President Bashar al-Asad has worked the phone in an effort to orchestrate a January 2 Arab League Emergency Summit in Doha. According to media reports citing anonymous Syrian officials, Syria has suspended its participation in indirect peace talks with Israel. Syrian dem [...]
2008-12-29 15:08:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL KPAL PHUM SY
08DAMASCUS919GAZA: MUALLIM PUSHING HUMANITARIAN TRUCE, CLAIMS
[...] (C) Summary: FM Walid al-Muallim told Senator Specter December 30 that Syria wants to help broker a humanitarian truce in Gaza. After a series of contacts with his European counterparts, Muallim met with Hamas leader Khalid Mesha,al and other Palestinian faction heads to ask if they would ag [...]
2008-12-31 08:51:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPREL KPAL PGOV IS SY
08DAMASCUS93SARG ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE WITH UK/US-BASED
[...] (C) On February 5, the UK-licensed, majority US-owned company Gulfsands Petroleum received official SARG permission to establish a joint venture with Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) to develop the Khurbet East (KHE) oil field in northeastern Syria (Block 26). The same day, Pol/Econ Counselor a [...]
2008-02-07 16:35:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALEINV ENRG EPET PGOV SY
08DAMASCUS94DOUBTS ABOUT NUMBER OF IRAQI REFUGEES IN SYRIA
[...] (C) Summary: In a move we are concerned will negatively affect USG efforts to gain support for Iraqi refugees in Syria, some European embassies, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),and other NGOs are quietly challenging SARG and UNHCR estimates of 1.5 million Iraqi refugees i [...]
2008-02-07 17:31:00Embassy DamascusCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREF PREL SY IZ
08DARESSALAAM114TANZANIA: KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE DEMARCHE
[...] (SBU) Foreign Service Officer Hemed Mngaza of the Europe and Americas Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation told PolCouns that the demarche requesting the Government of Tanzania (GOT) to recognize Kosovo immediately after declaring its independence was forwa [...]
2008-02-14 15:39:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL UNTZ UNMIK PGOV TZ
08DARESSALAAM117KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE: TANZANIA VOICES NO MAJOR
[...] (C) As reported Ref A, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe, forwarded the U.S. request for the Government of Tanzania (GOT) to recognize the independence of Kosovo to President Jakaya Kikwete in advance of the POTUS' (February 16 to 19) visit to Tanzania [...]
2008-02-21 10:28:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL UN UNMIK PGOV YI EU KV TZ
08DARESSALAAM142TANZANIA SENDING MORE TROOPS TO COMOROS; NO DATE
[...] (C) This message is based in part on reporting from the Defense Attache Office - DAO (Ref IIR). 2. (C) PolCouns conveyed Ref A demarche to the acting Deputy Director of Africa Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFA),Ali Mwadini, who promised to repor [...]
2008-02-29 03:20:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALMASS PREL MARR PGOV CN TZ
08DARESSALAAM206TANZANIA: MINISTER MEMBE BRIEFS AMBASSADOR GREEN
[...] (C) The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe, confirmed to Ambassador Green that the Tanzanian forces that assisted with the invasion of Anjouan will stay in Comoros through the elections and likely longer to maintain peace and train Anjouan gendarmes to pr [...]
2008-04-01 19:28:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALKDEM MOPS PREL PHUM ZI TZ
08DARESSALAAM224TANZANIA: MINISTER MEMBE DEFENDS TO DIPLOMATS
[...] (C) The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe, defended to Dar es Salaam-based diplomats on April 4 the decision of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party to insist on a referendum among Zanzibari voters on a powersharing agreement within the Government of Zanzib [...]
2008-04-08 18:01:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALKDEM PHUM PREL PGOV TZ
08DARESSALAAM261ZANZIBAR POLITICAL STANDOFF: CUF LEADERS OFFER A
[...] (SBU) The Civic United Front Chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Lipumba, told Western diplomats in a private meeting that his party has lost trust in President Kikwete who went back on his word by his April 2 public endorsement to hold a referendum in Zanzibar on the agreement negotiated by the Chama Cha M [...]
2008-04-21 11:15:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV KDEM TZ
08DARESSALAAM282ICTR: CLOSURE, LEGACY AND BRINGING FUGITIVES TO
[...] (SBU) Ambassador Clint Williamson from the Office of War Crimes Issues (S/WCI) visited the United Nations International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) in Arusha, Tanzania from April 5 to 8. He discussed the Tribunal's completion strategy and urged all concerned to remain efficient and fo [...]
2008-05-05 03:23:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREF PREL TZ
08DARESSALAAM325ZANZIBAR: RIFT BETWEEN CCM AND CUF WIDENS;
[...] (C) Two months have passed since the inter-party discussions on a powersharing agreement in Zanzibar broke down on March 29. The talks were disrupted when the Central Committee of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party made a surprise call for a referendum on the agreement. Tensions on P [...]
2008-05-29 03:39:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM PGOV KDEM TZ
08DARESSALAAM368ASSISTANT SECRETARY FRAZER DISCUSSES ANJOUAN AND
[...] (C) On June 3, Tanzania's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Bernard Membe, discussed with Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, next steps to hold accountable Comoran rebel Mohamed Bacar and strategies to prepare for the June 27 runoff election in Zi [...]
2008-06-17 16:15:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL KDEM AU ZI TZ
08DARESSALAAM370A/S FRAZER'S MEETING WITH PRESIDENT ARMANDO
[...] (SBU) During the Leon H. Sullivan Summit in Arusha, Tanzania, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, met with President Armando Guebuza on June 3 to discuss the MCC compact, the effect of rising oil and food prices on Mozambique's economy, and how the Government of Mozambique [...]
2008-06-17 20:20:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL KDEM ECON PGOV MZ TZ
08DARESSALAAM389TANZANIA: FOREIGN MINISTER MEMBE CONFIRMS
[...] (C) Bernard Membe, Tanzanian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, told Ambassador Green in a June 24 phone call that an emergency meeting of the leaders of the Troika (Angola, Swaziland and Tanzania) of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defense and Security (OPDS) will be held [...]
2008-06-24 14:36:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL TZ ZI
08DARESSALAAM471A/S FRAZER DISCUSSES ZIMBABWE, SUDAN, AU ISSUES
[...] (C) On the margins of the Leon H. Sullivan Foundation conference in Arusha, Tanzania on June 3, Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, discussed with Tanzania's President Jakaya Kikwete about preparations for the June 27 runoff elections in Zimbabwe, the LRA in Uganda, the si [...]
2008-07-29 16:27:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM ZI AU TZ
08DARESSALAAM49AMBASSADOR GREEN AND PRESIDENT KIKWETE DISCUSS THE
[...] (C) President Jakaya Kikwete told Ambassador Green January 16 that he is closely involved in the final stages of the discussions between the ruling CCM and the Civic United Front (CUF) parties to fine-tune the details of a power-sharing arrangement for the Government of Zanzibar that would go i [...]
2008-01-18 13:08:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KDEM PREL ECON KE TZ
08DARESSALAAM493TANZANIA: GRAND CORRUPTION CASES' SLOW, NOT SO
[...] (C) The Director of Tanzania's Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB),Edward Hoseah, told our Millennium Challenge Threshold Account coordinator that the PCCB has been give the go-ahead to indict several GOT officials in the Alex Stewart Assayers case, one of six grand corruption [...]
2008-08-08 09:13:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM PHUM EFIN ECON TZ
08DARESSALAAM564ZANZIBAR: HARDLINE ISLAMISTS BLAST KIKWETE ON
[...] (SBU) On September 1 Embassy Zanzibar Affairs Officer obtained an open letter (faxed to AF/E) to President Kikwete from Zanzibari Islamic activist group "The Association for Islamic Mobilization and Propagation," known locally as &UAMSHO.8 The first part of the letter purports to trace the his [...]
2008-09-03 13:58:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALKISL PBTS PINR KDEM PNAT TZ
08DARESSALAAM566ZANZIBAR: OPPOSITION CUF CALLS GOVT DIALOGUE "DEAD"
[...] (C) SUMMARY: On August 30, a Zanzibar-based opposition party (CUF) Senior Political Strategist Dr. Juma Ameri Muchi told Emboff that &Muafaka,8 the power-sharing talks between the ruling CCM party and CUF, &was dead.8 CUF would now focus on consolidating its base and organizing the party in th [...]
2008-09-04 02:54:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PINR PBTS TZ
08DARESSALAAM588UNGA/THIRD COMMITTEE: TANZANIA'S REPONSE TO 2008
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Poloffs met with MFA Director of Multilateral Cooperation Ambassador Begum Taj to deliver reftel points on September 9. Taj said the GOT would support the resolution on Burma, but faced more difficulty on DPRK and especially Iran. On Zimbabwe, she cautioned that the UN should re [...]
2008-09-12 04:56:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA TZ
08DARESSALAAM737TROUBLES AT HOME FOR KIKWETE? SIGNS OF A WEAKENING
[...] (C) Summary. A number of recent events indicate that President Kikwete faces increased domestic pressure, especially from within his ruling CCM but also from the public. Several times over the past months, the GOT - and CCM - have made missteps or miscalculations that seem to betray a loss of [...]
2008-10-27 11:23:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL TZ
08DARESSALAAM740ZANZIBAR TOURIST SHOOTING REVEALS ISLAND RIFTS
[...] (C) Summary: After a vacationing French national was shot and critically wounded at a Zanzibar resort on September 17th, extensive follow up inquiries yielded insight into the inner workings of Zanzibar and its police. The lack of initial police response and severe deficiencies in the Zanzib [...]
2008-10-28 09:56:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALASEC PGOV PINR SOCI TZ
08DARESSALAAM777THIRD COMMITTEE/IRAN: TANZANIA TO ABSTAIN ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-18 06:02:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA TZ
08DARESSALAAM779THIRD COMMITTEE/IRAN: TANZANIA TO ABSTAIN ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-18 06:02:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA TZ
08DARESSALAAM783THIRD COMMITTEE/IRAN: TANZANIA TO ABSTAIN ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-18 06:02:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA TZ
08DARESSALAAM784THIRD COMMITTEE/IRAN: TANZANIA TO ABSTAIN ON
[...] No summary [...]
2008-11-18 06:02:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL UNGA TZ
08DARESSALAAM809ANTI-CORRUPTION SHOCK AND AWE: EX-MINISTERS
[...] (C) Summary. Two former cabinet ministers, one of whom is a sitting MP, were brought to court November 25 to face charges in the second of a series of grand corruption cases. The arrest of the two ministers was an encouraging surprise for the public and the donor community, both of which had b [...]
2008-12-01 02:19:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM EFIN ECON TZ
08DARESSALAAM839ZANZIBAR POWER: ELECTRICAL AND POLITICAL SHORTAGES
[...] (U) SUMMARY: A two-week power outage on the number two Zanzibari island of Pemba has resulted in suspension of Zanzibar Energy Company (ZECO) Manager Juma Ishak Bakari. December 8 delivery of diesel restored electricity generation, if not CCM's credibility, on the island that has been a long-h [...]
2008-12-15 13:57:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPGOV ECON ENRG PINR TZ
08DARESSALAAM850TANZANIA CAUTIOUS ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-18 12:26:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL TZ KV
08DARESSALAAM851UNGA IRAN VOTE: TANZANIA RESPONSE
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-18 12:30:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALPREL PHUM TZ UNGA
08DARESSALAAM852TANZANIA A STAKEHOLDER IN UNSC SOMALIA PIRACY
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-18 12:32:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALKCRM PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT TZ SO
08DARESSALAAM98PRESIDENT KIKWETE NAMES HON. MIZENGO PETER PINDA
[...] (SBU) On February 8 President Jakaya Kikwete named Hon. Mizengo Peter Pinda, a Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office and member of Kikwete's former cabinet, as the new Prime Minister of Tanzania. Pinda's nomination was approved by the Parliament a few hours later, with the full sup [...]
2008-02-09 05:46:00Embassy Dar Es SalaamCONFIDENTIALEAID ECON KDEM PHUM PREL TZ
08DHAKA1001LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADVISOR SEES THE POLITICAL CLOUDS
[...] (C) During a September 18 meeting with the Ambassador, Local Government Advisor Anwarul Iqbal was upbeat about the local government strengthening reform process and outlined the upcoming scenarios for dialogues with the parties and potential election schedules. Advisor Iqbal, who also overse [...]
2008-09-23 02:22:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR ELAB ETRD KDEM BG
08DHAKA1002BANGLADESH AND THE MESA GROUP SEAT ON THE IAEA
[...] (C) Pol/Econ Counselor September 21 presented reftel demarche to Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). A/DCM followed up September 22 with Shabbir Ahmed Chowdhury, Director General of the Americas Wing of the MFA. Chowdhury said he had briefed Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed and For [...]
2008-09-23 04:58:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALIAEA PARM MNUC BG
08DHAKA1025HOME ADVISER DISCUSSES RAB ENGAGEMENT,
[...] (C) Home Affairs Adviser M.A. Matin welcomed prospects for engagement between the USG and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in a September 23 meeting with the Ambassador. He also welcomed a USG inter-agency assessment of Bangladesh's border controls. Matin was pre-occupied, however, with the a [...]
2008-09-29 05:45:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PREL PGOV PTER PINR KCOR MARR MASS KCRM
08DHAKA1040WOMEN,S DEVELOPMENT POLICY BEING IMPLEMENTED
[...] (C) The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) plans to implement its Women's Development Policy quietly, according to the Adviser for the Ministries of Primary and Mass Education, Women and Children Affairs, and Cultural Affairs. Adviser Rasheda K. Chowdhury told the Ambassador on September 30 that [...]
2008-10-06 09:53:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KWMN SOCI KPAO EAID UN BG
08DHAKA1041ENERGY SPECIAL ASSISTANT WELCOMES US COMPANIES'
[...] (C) According to the Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for Energy, a Malaysian firm's bid for the Bibiyana power plant in northeastern Bangladesh is nearly final. The door remains open for GE, which was interested in the Bibiyana project, to bid on other projects, however, including a pr [...]
2008-10-06 10:15:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALENRG PREL PGOV ECON PINR EINV BG
08DHAKA105DHAKA UNIVERSITY TENSE AFTER PROFESSORS CONVICTED
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Hundreds of students protested at Dhaka University on January 22 after three professors were convicted of charges relating to violent unrest on the campus last August. As of 1600 local time the demonstrations involving several hundred people were peaceful but the situation was exp [...]
2008-01-22 11:13:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALASEC CASC KDEM PGOV PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA1056UNCERTAINTY ABOUT BANGLADESH'S POLITICAL
[...] No summary [...]
2008-10-08 07:23:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDEM BG
08DHAKA1059UNCERTAINTY ABOUT BANGLADESH'S POLITICAL
[...] (C) Nearly three weeks after Chief Adviser Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed announced a date for national elections, fears about Bangladesh's return to democracy appear to be spiking again. Hardliners within the Bangladesh Nationalist Party are trying to convince party Chairperson Khaleda Zia to boycott [...]
2008-10-08 12:58:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDEM BG
08DHAKA1069KHALEDA ZIA RETURNS TO POLITICS AND APPEARS
[...] (C) In her first meeting with Ambassador Moriarty, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia adamantly insisted the State of Emergency be lifted but indicated she was committed to participating in Parliamentary elections in December. In a wideranging discussion, she expressed [...]
2008-10-14 10:54:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PTER PREL BG
08DHAKA1075CRUNCH TIME FOR NEGOTIATING THE RETURN TO DEMOCRACY
[...] (C) The two Caretaker Government Advisers leading negotiations with political parties on terms to ensure a smooth return to democracy explained to Ambassador Moriarty on 10/14 their end-game strategy. The key elements of their plan were to convince the two major parties to refrain from nominat [...]
2008-10-16 00:30:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PREL BG
08DHAKA1101RAPID ACTION BATTALION PROVIDES INFORMATION NEEDED
[...] (U) Action Request: Embassy Dhaka requests the Department confirm Post's finding that the Rapid Action Battalion provided a credible list of sub-units involved in cross-fires, thereby meeting the pre-condition set by the Department to receive human rights training. -------------------------- [...]
2008-10-21 10:30:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PTER PREL PGOV ASEC BG
08DHAKA1120 KHALEDA ZIA CONSOLIDATES LEADERSHIP AND BNP
[...] (C) Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia has moved steadily to consolidate control over the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) since her release from prison on September 11. At her direction, the BNP registered with the Election Commission prior to the October 20 deadline and subsequently met wit [...]
2008-10-27 10:40:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PINR PHUM KDEM BG
08DHAKA1121BANGLADESH AWAMI LEAGUE: COMMITTED TO ELECTIONS,
[...] (C) Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina appears in firm control of the Awami League as she prepares to return to Bangladesh to lead the party into Parliamentary elections. Efforts by the military-backed Caretaker Government and her Awami League rivals to topple her have failed, and for now the [...]
2008-10-27 10:47:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS PHUM KDEM BG
08DHAKA1137CIVIL SOCIETY CASTS WARY EYE TOWARDS POST-ELECTION
[...] (C) As the likelihood of parliamentary elections taking place as scheduled on December 18 has increased, prominent members of civil society have become increasingly vocal in expressing their concerns about what happens after the political parties return to power. In general, civil society we [...]
2008-10-30 10:08:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDEM PHUM BG
08DHAKA114WITH SHEIKH HASINA'S TRIAL SET TO START, KHALEDA
[...] (U) SUMMARY. The extortion trial against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of the Awami League has again been given the green light, despite delaying tactics on the part of her lawyers. Meanwhile, Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) prosecutors are putting the finishing touches on charges agai [...]
2008-01-24 11:13:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KCOR KDEM BG
08DHAKA1143VISAS DONKEY CORRUPTION 212(F) (RAHMAN, TARIQUE)
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The Embassy is seeking a security advisory opinion under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, Presidential Proclamation 7750, suspending the entry into the United States of Tarique Rahman (aka Tarique),born on November 20, 1967 in Bangladesh. The Embassy belie [...]
2008-11-03 10:08:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALASEC CVIS ECON KCOR KCRM KFRD PGOV PREL
08DHAKA1146INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC RELIEF ORGANIZATION (IIRO)
[...] (C) Recent press accounts suggested that Islami Bank of Bangladesh had recently released money frozen for two years belonging to the International Islamic Relief Organization (IIRO). Sister organizations of the IIRO have ties to al- Qaida and have been listed as terrorist-affiliated by the Un [...]
2008-11-03 11:06:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEFIN PINR PREL PTER KTFN BG UN
08DHAKA115EMBASSY CAUTIONS GOB AGAINST CASTING TOO WIDE A
[...] (C) SUMMARY: In the wake of worker unrest in the vicinity of Dhaka in early January, the USG-funded American Center for International Labor Solidarity (ACILS) and partner NGOs report being harassed by Bangladesh,s security forces. We have been told that an ACILS employee was arrested on Janua [...]
2008-01-24 13:08:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALELAB EAID PREL SOCI KTEX BG
08DHAKA1153STATE OF EMERGENCY IN BANGLADESH RELAXED: NGOS AND
[...] (U) The Government of Bangladesh (GOB) on November 3 announced a partial relaxation of the state of emergency in place since January 2007, removing restrictions on news media and political gatherings. The GOB also announced it would withdraw armed forces deployed throughout the country, incr [...]
2008-11-05 10:53:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PHUM PREL BG
08DHAKA1155A TALE OF TWO BEGUMS: SHEIKH HASINA RETURNS IN
[...] (C) Former Prime Minister and Awami League Leader Sheikh Hasina returned to Bangladesh November 6 in triumph, nearly five months after authorities released her from prison in the middle of the night and whisked her out of the country on parole for medical treatment. In remarks to the press up [...]
2008-11-06 11:52:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDEM PHUM BG
08DHAKA1157MARITIME TENSIONS BETWEEN BANGLADESH AND BURMA
[...] (C) Diplomatic talks between Bangladesh and Burma ended inconclusively November 8, with no negotiated settlement over the current maritime border dispute. Tensions between the two states continued to escalate, with both nations placing border forces on alert. Bangladesh-based South Korean di [...]
2008-11-09 14:13:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALBG BM ECON PBTS PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI TRGY
08DHAKA1158CONFIDENT AND RELAXED, SHEIKH HASINA LOOKS TO
[...] (C) Former Awami League Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has wasted little time in reasserting control over her party after her return to Bangladesh following a five month absence. Hasina appeared confident that her party would win the December 18 elections and seemed to have begun preparing for [...]
2008-11-10 00:52:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR PREL PHUM KDEM BG
08DHAKA116BANGLADESH SCENESETTER FOR PDAS CAMP
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes just after a major reshuffling of the Caretaker Government (CTG) that coincided with its one-year anniversary. The reshuffle in mid-January was designed to inject new life into a Government struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Si [...]
2008-01-27 01:33:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID ECON PGOV PREL BG
08DHAKA1165HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER EXPRESSES DISMAY WITH POLITICAL SITUATION
[...] (C) Home Affairs Adviser Gen. M.A. Matin in a meeting with the Ambassador on November 6 expressed dismay with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for making continuous new demands for participating in Parliamentary elections scheduled for next month. They discussed strategies for enticing t [...]
2008-11-12 01:03:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR KDEM BG PTER
08DHAKA1172BANGLADESH POSITION ON THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN
[...] (C) On November 9, PolOff met with the Senior Assistant Secretary for the UN and Human Rights Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to encourage the Government of Bangladesh's (GOB) support on human rights resolutions pending before the Third Committee of the 63rd session of the UN General [...]
2008-11-12 11:30:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALBG BM IR JA KN PGOV PHUM PREL
08DHAKA1182SHEIKH HASINA COMMITTED TO ELECTIONS ON DECEMBER
[...] (C) Awami League President Sheikh Hasina insists Bangladesh's parliamentary elections must take place on December 18, with or without the BNP's participation. For Hasina, violent extremist groups represent the greatest threat to the restoration of democracy; she fears terrorist attacks within [...]
2008-11-17 10:01:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDET PTER BG
08DHAKA1194BANGLADESH NATIONALIST PARTY ASKS FOR DELAY IN
[...] (C) The Bangladesh Nationalist Party's (BNP) demand on November 18 for a delay in December 18 Parliamentary elections intensified the nation's already super-heated political brinkmanship. The party demanded that within 48 hours the government lift the State of Emergency, reign in Election Comm [...]
2008-11-18 10:54:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR PINS PREL PHUM BG
08DHAKA1199NO ELECTION DEAL YET, BUT DOOR STILL OPEN
[...] (C) The deadline set by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) for the Caretaker Government to meet its election demands passed late November 19 with no agreement. As a result, the Caretaker Government reaffirmed its intention to hold elections as originally scheduled on December 18. Still, th [...]
2008-11-20 10:25:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR PINS PREL PHUM BG
08DHAKA1200JATIYA PARTY SUPPORTS AWAMI LEAGUE BUT STRIKES A
[...] (C) As Bangladesh,s third largest party, former President Ershad,s Jatiya Party (JP) is well positioned to play the role of kingmaker in the country,s upcoming parliamentary elections. Ershad seeks to maximize the number of JP candidates nominated by the Awami League-led &Grand Alliance8 eve [...]
2008-11-20 11:17:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR PINS PREL PHUM BG
08DHAKA1218GOVERNMENT SETS NEW ELECTION DATE AND PARTIES
[...] (C) The Caretaker Government acceded to the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) demand to delay Parliamentary elections and moved the date from December 18 to December 29. Initial BNP reaction was positive, even though the Government did not fully meet three other party preconditions for partic [...]
2008-11-24 11:41:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINR PINS PREL PHUM BG
08DHAKA1243POLITICAL PARTIES DROP KEY REFORMERS, INCLUDE
[...] (C) The two major political parties dropped key reformers and embraced several graft-tainted politicians in their slates of Parliamentary candidates. The lists clearly indicated Bangladesh Nationalist Party Chairwoman Khaleda Zia and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina remained vindictive tow [...]
2008-12-02 11:37:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM PINS PINR BG
08DHAKA1255ZFR - CODEL MCCAIN DISCUSSES ELECTIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE,
[...] No summary [...]
2008-12-07 10:11:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ECON ETRD PTER SENV EAID OREP OVIP
08DHAKA1256CODEL MCCAIN DISCUSSES ELECTIONS, CLIMATE CHANGE,
[...] (SBU) A Congressional delegation led by Senator John McCain emphasized the need for Bangladesh to remain on the path to free, free and credible elections. During a brief December 2-3 visit, the bipartisan delegation also highlighted the importance of political parties working together after [...]
2008-12-07 10:11:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV ECON ETRD PTER SENV EAID OREP OVIP
08DHAKA1268ANTI-CORRUPTION CHIEF LOOKS PAST ELECTION TO
[...] (C) Hasan Mashud Chowdhury, Chairman Bangladesh,s Anti- Corruption Commission, has attempted to keep the ACC out of political deal making preceding the national parliamentary elections slated for later this month. Chowdhury interprets the recent increase in judicially granted bails and their [...]
2008-12-08 11:54:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALELAB KCRM KDEM PGOV PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA1284GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES BANGLADESH'S STATE OF
[...] (C) In a hastily arranged press conference late December 10, Bangladesh's Caretaker Government announced that it would lift the country's State of Emergency on December 17. The CTG also announced plans to remove restrictions on political campaigning December 12 in preparation for parliamentar [...]
2008-12-11 11:49:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PHUM KDEM BG
08DHAKA1286BANGLADESH BEFORE THE ELECTIONS: ALL QUIET ON THE
[...] (C) Preparations for December 29 parliamentary elections are just beginning to get underway in Barisal, Gazipur, and the northern portions of the Chittagong division in Bangladesh. Though formal campaigning has yet to begin, journalists, NGOs, local political leaders and international observer [...]
2008-12-11 13:46:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALBG ECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI
08DHAKA1298REFORM-MINDED GRANDEE OF FARIDPUR FACES TOUGH RACE
[...] (C) The race for the Parliament seat representing the Faridpur district capital is a showdown between three high-profile candidates in which party allegiance is being sorely tested. It pits a close in-law of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the Awami League candidate versus the Jamaat-e- [...]
2008-12-14 08:34:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM BG
08DHAKA1310BANGLADESH QUIETLY PREPARES FOR COUNTY LEVEL POLLS
[...] (C) Virtually ignored as the campaign for Bangladesh,s December 29 national parliamentary elections kicks off, preparations for the upazila (county) elections appear to be moving forward. Nearly 10,000 candidates have filed nomination papers with the Election Commission (EC) to run for upazil [...]
2008-12-17 10:55:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALBG ECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL SOCI
08DHAKA1319FOREIGN ADVISER OUTLINES CARETAKER GOVERNMENT'S
[...] (C) As it approaches the end of its tenure, Bangladesh's Caretaker Government is focused on holding free, fair and credible elections and a smooth transfer of power to an elected successor, according to Foreign Adviser Iftekhar Chowdhury. The CTG would like to ensure continuity of the refo [...]
2008-12-18 11:33:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM PINR KDEM BG
08DHAKA1321IN RUN-UP TO ELECTIONS NORTH BENGAL IS EAGER FOR
[...] (SBU) Voters in North Bengal are eager for change, but are not united on the type of change they want. In the run-up to Bangladesh's parliamentary elections December 29, parliamentary candidates, businessmen, educators and civil society leaders in three districts of Rajshahi Division reveal [...]
2008-12-21 04:10:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALECON KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL PREF BG
08DHAKA1325KHALEDA ZIA DRAWS BIG CROWDS ON THE CAMPAIGN
[...] (SBU) Amid heavy security, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairwoman Khaleda Zia drew large but less-than-rapturous crowds during a one-day swing through Bogra District on 12/17. Many thousands of people attended each of three major rallies in the district, a stronghold of BNP support. The [...]
2008-12-21 11:49:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM BG
08DHAKA1326BANGLADESH PARLIAMENT CAMPAIGN: IN KHALEDA ZIA
[...] (C) Bogra District in northern Bangladesh is Ex-Prime Minister Khaleda Zia's most formidable stronghold, but her Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) faces rumblings of discontent. Although BNP candidates won all seven Bogra constituencies in the 2001 Parliamentary elections, Zia refused to reno [...]
2008-12-21 11:57:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM BG
08DHAKA1327ALL IN THE FAMILY: PARTY NOMINATES SPOUSES OF
[...] (C) The spouse of a notorious Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) politician convicted for arson and looting told PolOff on 12/16 she was running for Parliament to hold the seat for her jailed husband. The wife of former Deputy Minister for Land Ruhul Kuddus Talukdar Dulu said once her husband l [...]
2008-12-21 12:02:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM BG
08DHAKA1334CHITTAGONG CANDIDATES WITH CHECKERED PASTS SEEK
[...] (C) A recent trip to six constituencies in Bangladesh's Chittagong Division revealed cautious optimism that security forces would be able to contain election related violence. Given the checkered past of some candidates, there are concerns about possible vote-rigging and minority voter intimid [...]
2008-12-23 06:51:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV KDEM PHUM PINR BG
08DHAKA1336CAMPAIGNS IN FULL SWING: OPTIMISM PREVAILS IN
[...] (C) Voters and observers in traditional BNP strongholds of Dhaka, Tangail, and Jessore Districts told visiting Embassy officers they thought elections would be free, fair, and credible. While there has been little change in party platforms, candidates have largely observed the electoral code [...]
2008-12-23 09:31:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL BG
08DHAKA1337ELECTION IN NORTHEASTERN BANGLADESH: REFORMERS,
[...] (C) As Bangladesh's parliamentary election campaigns swing into high gear, the contests in Sylhet Division in northeastern Bangladesh reflect national-level issues, including debates within the political parties and alliances. Heavyweights from the two leading parties, the Awami League (AL) [...]
2008-12-23 10:32:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV KDEM ECON PREL BG
08DHAKA1344CHITTAGONG GODFATHER FACES TOUGH RE-ELECTION
[...] (C) One of the earliest and biggest targets of the Caretaker Government's drive to clean up government is back on the campaign travel in a tough fight to hold onto his Parliament seat in Chittagong District. Salauddin Quader (SQ) Chowdhury, the parliamentary affairs adviser to former Prime Min [...]
2008-12-24 09:38:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL KDEM BG
08DHAKA1346BNP ATTEMPTS TO DIVERT ATTENTION FROM CORRUPTION
[...] (C) As the parliamentary election campaign enters its final days, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party is attempting to divert attention away from a corruption scandal involving Chairperson Khaleda Zia's younger son by decrying an alleged plot against the party's leader. Hours after Zia had add [...]
2008-12-24 10:35:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALASEC BG CASC KDEM PGOV PHUM PINR PINS PREL
08DHAKA1348HUMAN RIGHTS TRAINING FOR BANGLADESH'S RAPID
[...] (C) On December 14 and 15, an interagency team of instructors from the Departments of State and Defense launched the first human rights training module for Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). The training objective was to help the RAB establish a centralized complaint reporting mechani [...]
2008-12-28 08:15:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL MARR MASS BG
08DHAKA1349CARETAKER GOVERNMENT PREPARES FOR ELECTIONS AND
[...] (C) With the campaign period over and Bangladesh's 81 million voters prepared to cast their ballots December 29, the Caretaker Government (CTG) has its sights set on a peaceful transfer of power to its elected successor. The CTG expects to transfer power to the Awami League and its leader Sh [...]
2008-12-28 09:29:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PINS KDEM PTER EAID BG
08DHAKA1356AMBASSADOR BRIEFS BNP CHAIRPERSON KHALEDA ZIA ON
[...] (C) On the eve of Bangladesh's December 29 parliamentary election, the Ambassador met with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to highlight the USG's efforts to promote free, fair and credible polls leading to a return of democracy in the world [...]
2008-12-29 11:03:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PTER KDEM EAID BG
08DHAKA1361BANGLADESH ELECTION: A WATERSHED?
[...] (C) The Awami League's landslide victory in Parliamentary elections on 12/29 represented a stunning rejection of its rival, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP),which faced widespread accusations of corruption and misrule during its 2001-2006 government. Should Awami League President Sheikh [...]
2008-12-30 09:39:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PTER KDEM EAID BG
08DHAKA15SCENESETTER FOR USAID WARD'S VISIT TO BANGLADESH
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes at the one-year anniversary of the Caretaker Government, which is struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Sidr and to address food security issues while preparing for nationwide elections by the end of 2008. Bangladesh largely met t [...]
2008-01-06 11:22:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID ECON PGOV PREL MPOS BG
08DHAKA16SCENESCETTER FOR STAFFDEL GROVE'S VISIT TO
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Your visit comes at the one-year anniversary of the Caretaker Government, which is struggling to rehabilitate areas of the country devastated by Cyclone Sidr and to address food security issues while preparing for nationwide elections by the end of 2008. Bangladesh largely met t [...]
2008-01-06 11:23:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID ECON PGOV PREL BG
08DHAKA200CYCLONE SIDR: THE TIME TO REBUILD IS NOW
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The transition from emergency relief to reconstruction assistance is going poorly three months after Cyclone Sidr tore through southern Bangladesh. While the Caretaker Government and its local and international partners deserve strong marks for providing the food, clothing and pot [...]
2008-02-13 10:55:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA201CYCLONE SIDR: THE TIME TO REBUILD IS NOW
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The transition from emergency relief to reconstruction assistance is going poorly three months after Cyclone Sidr tore through southern Bangladesh. While the Caretaker Government and its local and international partners deserve strong marks for providing the food, clothing and pot [...]
2008-02-13 11:38:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA202CYCLONE SIDR: THE TIME TO REBUILD IS NOW
[...] (C) SUMMARY: The transition from emergency relief to reconstruction assistance is going poorly three months after Cyclone Sidr tore through southern Bangladesh. While the Caretaker Government and its local and international partners deserve strong marks for providing the food, clothing and pot [...]
2008-02-13 11:49:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA209ISLAMIC NGOS, NATIONS MAJOR PLAYERS IN CYCLONE
[...] (C) Summary: Three months after Cyclone Sidr barreled through southern Bangladesh, Islamic organizations and nations are thick on the ground offering assistance to the worst-hit areas. They are filling the gaps in government relief efforts, often focusing on sanitation, shelter and other recon [...]
2008-02-14 10:58:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALEAID PINR PREL SOCI BG
08DHAKA211ISLAMIST GROUP OVERACHIEVER AMONG POLITICAL
[...] (C) Summary: A recent USG interagency visit to southern Bangladesh to assess Cyclone Sidr damage found the Islamist political party Jamaat-e-Islami as active in providing relief as the two main secular parties of Bangladesh, if not more so. Jamaat has a multifaceted relief program that involves [...]
2008-02-14 11:15:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA213SCA PDAS CAMP HIGHLIGHTS ROADMAP DURING BANGLADESH
[...] (C) Summary: During a February 3 - 4 visit to Dhaka, SCA Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Don Camp emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.-Bangladesh relationship and reiterated the importance of the Caretaker Government's adherence to the Electoral Roadmap. In meetings with the Ch [...]
2008-02-14 12:20:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM ETRD ECON ELAB EFIN BG
08DHAKA224LABOR UPDATE AND INTERIM GSP DEMARCHE DELIVERY
[...] (U) On February 5, CDA a.i. Geeta Pasi delivered a speech at an award event organized by the US Cotton Council. In the speech, CDA emphasized key labor rights themes. (NOTE: full text of the speech is available on Post,s public website: http://dhaka.usembassy.gov END NOTE) Acknowledging the [...]
2008-02-19 10:37:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALELAB ECON ETRD PHUM PREL EFIS EIND EAID SOCI
08DHAKA240HIGH-LEVEL UNHCR OFFICIAL VISITS TO VIEW PROGRESS
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The Dhaka office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is continuing to seek a long-term solution for Rohingya refugees living in camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Janet Lim, UNHCR's Asia and Pacific Director, visited Dhaka to discuss long-term options for resolving the [...]
2008-02-24 09:48:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM PREL PREF BG
08DHAKA242BANGLADESH--NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART
[...] (C) Summary: The goal of free, fair, and fully participatory elections in Bangladesh by the end of 2008 remains achievable, but numerous potential obstacles stand in the way of realizing that objective, with some key observers starting to hedge their bets. With less than a year remaining be [...]
2008-02-24 11:57:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR ASEC PTER ECON BG
08DHAKA250TWO U.S. ANTI-TRAFFICKING ADVOCATES VISIT
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Two representatives from the Coalition Against Trafficking in Women (CATW),a U.S.-based anti-trafficking organization, visited Bangladesh February 7-10 to discuss the case of Sigma Huda, the former UN Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons who is currently serving a prison sentence [...]
2008-02-26 04:00:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KGOV KDEM BG
08DHAKA251LARGEST ISLAMIC PARTY FACES RENEWED ALLEGATIONS OF
[...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Bangladesh,s largest Islamic party, Jamaat-e-Islami, has come under scrutiny in recent months for alleged war crimes committed by its members during the 1971 Liberation War. With the Awami League leading the charge, there have been demands for the Election Commission to ban Jam [...]
2008-02-26 07:49:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KGOV KDEM BG
08DHAKA258PROMINENT HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE DISCUSSES CURRENT
[...] (C) SUMMARY. Elena Khan, a barrister and current head of the Bangladesh Society for the Enforcement of Human Rights (BSEHR),discussed the current state of affairs in Bangladesh and her own personal legal concerns. She expressed concern for the health of BSEHR's incarcerated former secretary [...]
2008-02-28 04:24:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KGOV KDEM BG
08DHAKA29LONG-AWAITED BANGLADESHI GOVERNMENT RESHUFFLE
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Nearly half of the Council of Advisers submitted resignations on January 8 in a dramatic move to revive the flagging fortunes of the Caretaker Government (CTG). There had been mounting speculation that such a move was imminent as the CTG approached its first anniversary amid growi [...]
2008-01-09 01:10:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALKDEM PGOV PREL BG
08DHAKA292CHITTAGONG HILL TRACTS REMAIN A TENSE AND TROUBLED
[...] (C) SUMMARY. The political situation in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) remains tense, and in spite of positive statements by the government, the peace accord continues to languish. POLOFF and AIDOFFs recently visited the CHT under the auspices of the UN Development Program to assess the hu [...]
2008-03-05 07:53:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PHUM KCOR KDEM BG
08DHAKA311ITS FOUNDER JAILED IN BOMBING CAMPAIGN, A
[...] (C) Summary: In a country proud of its moderate Muslim-majority heritage, a madrassa in Rajshahi is something of an outlier -- its founder is in jail on allegations of violent extremism while its students study a puritanical version of Islam foreign to most Bangladeshis. An Embassy Dhaka team [...]
2008-03-11 10:59:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPINR PREL EAID KPAO BG
08DHAKA327INSPECTOR GENERAL OF PRISONS DISCUSSES THE
[...] (C) SUMMARY. In a recent meeting, the Inspector General of Prisons discussed with POLOFF the health conditions of the two jailed former prime ministers. He also said he was trying to arrange for Sigma Huda, a prominent human rights activist, to be transferred back to the hospital for further [...]
2008-03-13 10:12:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPHUM PGOV KGOV KDEM BG
08DHAKA341BANGLADESH'S RAPID ACTION BATTALION RESPONDS
[...] (C) Summary: Senior members of Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) said they highly valued a just-concluded human rights course and were eager for more such training. The United Kingdom-administered training has the potential to quickly improve the paramilitary forces' human rights perfo [...]
2008-03-18 09:53:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALMASS PHUM PINR PINS PREL BG
08DHAKA345EVERYONE IS TALKING, BUT IS ANYONE LISTENING?
[...] (C) Summary: The long-awaited dialogue between Bangladesh,s Caretaker Government (CTG) and the political parties is set to kick off at the end of March. For the CTG and its backers in the Bangladesh Army, the goal of the dialogue is to convince the political parties to sign on to a &nation [...]
2008-03-18 14:18:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PREL PINR PHUM BG
08DHAKA348IN RURAL BANGLADESH, WHERE HAVE THE TERRORISTS
[...] (C) Summary: Islamic terrorists are visible no longer in a corner of western Bangladesh, where they initially were embraced as effective vigilantes against violent leftist gangs that preyed upon rural communities. The vehemence with which local people now denounce the Islamic extremists sugges [...]
2008-03-19 10:38:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALCT PINR PTER BG
08DHAKA357ISLAMIC EXTREMIST GROUP CALLING FOR JIHAD SURFACES
[...] (C) Summary: A district police superintendent in southern Bangladesh says he has barred activities of a legal Islamic extremist group that advocates the primacy of jihad, which it describes as armed struggle that is required of all true Muslims. Although the police chief said the group's presen [...]
2008-03-23 09:59:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPGOV PINR PREL BG
08DHAKA360BANGLADESH'S NEW ADVISERS HAVE STRONG CREDENTIALS
[...] (C) SUMMARY: Bangladesh's Caretaker Government (CTG) recently reshuffled its top leadership; it forced the resignation of five of eleven Advisers, named five new Advisers, and brought on board five Special Assistants to help the over-extended Council of Advisers. In the last several weeks the [...]
2008-03-24 07:28:00Embassy DhakaCONFIDENTIALPREL PGOV PHUM ECON PINR ENRG ELAB EAID BG
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