VZCZCXYZ0000
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKH #0057 0141617
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 141617Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5791

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000057 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV ABLD AMGT US SU
SUBJECT: KHARTOUM OBJECTS TO SENIOR USG PARTICIPATION IN OPENING OF 
GOSS MISSION 
 
¶1. (SBU) On the instructions of Minister of Foreign Affairs Lam 
Akol, MFA Director of Americas Amb. Badawi al-Sanosi summoned the 
Charge d'Affaires on January 14.  Al-Sanosi handed Charge Hume a 
copy of a press release by the GoSS regarding a ceremonial event 
announcing the launching of a Government of Southern Sudan mission 
in Washington to take place on January 16.   Director al-Sanosi 
asked the position of the U.S. Government on the invitation, and 
stated that, if senior officials such as AF A/S Frazer and SE 
Natsios attended the event, it would send "wrong signals."  He 
requested that the USG take the position of the Government of Sudan 
into account, particularly in consideration of efforts Khartoum was 
making to respond positively to USG positions. 
 
¶2. (SBU) Hume noted that the Executive branch did not control the 
activities of Members of Congress, and that he would call the matter 
to the Department's attention. 
Al-Sanosi asked that USG officials not participate in the ceremony, 
a request that he said came directly from Minister of Foreign 
Affairs Lam Akol.  In support of his entreaty, he mentioned efforts 
to improve bilateral relations, including support for recent visits 
by Special Envoy Natsios and Governor Richardson.  He further said 
that the Government had just issued a visa to incoming Defense 
Liaison Officer Lt. Col. Bovy and noted that State Minister for 
Foreign Affairs Ali Karti is following up on the detained containers 
conveying New Embassy Compound building materials with the Minister 
of Finance. 
 
¶3. (SBU) Comment:  I am particularly concerned that the announced 
participation by senior officials will prompt further delay in 
release of containers with materials for the NEC project. End 
comment. 
 
¶4. (SBU) The press release by the GoSS reads as follows: 
 
(Begin text) 
 
It is my great pleasure to announce the launching of the Government 
of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States of America on 
Tuesday, January 16, 2007.  The ceremonial event will take place at 
1233 20th Street, NW, Suite 602 (6th Floor) Washington, DC 20036 
from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. 
 
The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) will send a delegation 
comprised of H.E. Deng Alor Kuol, the Minister of Cabinet Affairs 
(Government of National Unity); H.E. Dr. Luka Biong Deng, the 
Minister for Presidential Affairs (GoSS); H.E. Dr. Barnaba Marial 
Benjamin, Minister fro Regional Cooperation (GoSS); Lt. Gen. Oyai 
Deng Ajak, SPLA Chief of Staff; and H.E. Dr. Cirino Hiteng Ofuho, 
the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Regional Cooperation (GoSS) 
to attend the ceremony of the launching of the Mission. 
U.S. Presidential Envoy for Sudan H.E. Andrew Natsios will represent 
the Government of the United States of America accompanied by 
Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Amb. Jendayi Frazer 
and Senior Representative on Sudan at the Department of State Mrs. 
Lauren Landis. 
 
The U.S. Congressional representation will be headed by the Chairman 
of the House Subcommittee of the International relations on African 
Affairs Congressman Donald Payne. 
 
This event will mark the long lasting relationship between the 
people of the Untied States of America and the Sudan People's 
Liberation Movement (SPLM), Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS), and 
Southern Sudanese people and your participation will be deeply 
appreciated. 
 
(End text) 
 
 
HUME