VZCZCXRO4787
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHDS #3300 3171424
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 131424Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8525
INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEPGBA/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RHMFISS/CJTF HOA

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003300 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF AND AF/E 
LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER 
CJTF-HOA AND USCENTCOM FOR POLAD 
EUCOM PASS FOR AFRICOM 
 
E.O. 12958 
TAGS: PGOV PINS PREL MOPS PBTS KPKO ET ER
SUBJECT: ETHIOPIA: AFRICOM COMMANDER MEETING WITH PRIME MINISTER 
 
Summary 
------- 
¶1.  (SBU) In a brief November 8 meeting,  Ethiopian Prime Minister 
Meles told  AFRICOM Commander General Ward that he appreciated the 
establishment of AFRICOM and looked forward to working closely with 
the new command.  General Ward noted Ethiopia's regional role, 
especially in Somalia, and welcomed the Prime Minister's statement 
that Ethiopia would not renew conflict with Eritrea over the border. 
 Meles also appreciated the General's assurance of a seamless 
transition from CENTCOM to AFRICOM.  We anticipate that Ethiopia 
will remain a reliable partner as we move forward through this 
transition.  End Summary. 
 
Participants 
------------ 
¶2.  (SBU) General Ward was accompanied to the meeting with the Prime 
Minister by Ambassador Donald Yamamoto, Deputy Chief of Mission 
Deborah Malac, COL Dyfierd Harris, CDR Mark Swayne and Major Tom 
Shane (U.S. Embassy DAO). 
 
Strong Support for AFRICOM 
-------------------------- 
¶3.  (SBU) Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles told visiting AFRICOM 
Commander General Ward on November 8 that Ethiopia welcomed the 
establishment of AFRICOM, noting it underscored U.S. commitment to 
the African continent.  AFRICOM is an indication that the U.S. would 
be more involved in addressing African issues and resolving the 
previously confused U.S. command structure that split the continent 
between three different commands.  With a single command, AFRICOM 
can integrate U.S. engagement across the continent. 
 
¶4.  (SBU) Meles noted that in earlier conversations he had raised 
his concern that the transition to AFRICOM might jeopardize the 
close relationship that Ethiopia has enjoyed with CENTCOM.  He hoped 
that Ethiopia would be able to develop a similar relationship with 
AFRICOM.  General Ward stressed that the transition would be 
seamless and smooth and that both commands would have frequent and 
strong interaction.  General Ward also assured the Prime Minister 
that AFRICOM would continue to work closely with Ethiopia. 
 
Ethiopia's Regional Role 
------------------------ 
¶5.  (SBU) General Ward briefly reviewed Ethiopia's regional role and 
expressed his appreciation for Ethiopia's efforts to stabilize 
Somalia and strengthen President Yusuf's Transitional Federal 
Government.  He noted the sacrifices made by Ethiopian troops in 
Somalia and their role in providing force protection for AMISOM 
operations.  General Ward also offered condolences for all fallen 
Ethiopian soldiers.  On Sudan, where Prime Minister Meles and his 
Foreign Minister are taking an active role in mediating between 
President Bashir and the Government of Southern Sudan, the General 
expressed his support for Ethiopia's efforts. 
 
Ethiopia-Eritrea Border 
----------------------- 
¶6.  (SBU) The General thanked the Prime Minister for the restraint 
he had demonstrated regarding the Ethiopia-Eritrea border, noting 
Meles' recent comments that Ethiopian forces would not initiate 
renewed conflict with Eritrea.  General Ward stressed that the U.S. 
and the international community urged both parties to do all they 
can to avert conflict and to reduce tensions.  The Prime Minister 
reiterated Ethiopia's position and said the possibility of war was 
minimal despite recent press reports and Eritrean statements to the 
contrary. 
 
Comment 
------- 
¶7.  (SBU) Prime Minister Meles views AFRICOM as an important 
commitment by the U.S. to address the challenges facing Africa.  He 
seemed reassured by General Ward's pledge to ensure a seamless 
transition for Ethiopia from CENTCOM to AFRICOM responsibility.  We 
anticipate that Ethiopia will remain a reliable partner as we move 
forward through this transition. 
 
YAMAMOTO