VZCZCXRO4140
RR RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHCO #0195/01 1340656
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 140656Z MAY 09
FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0915
INFO RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 1440
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000195 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (ANYASO, TITUS, LISENBY), AF/W (ACOOK) 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OEXC SCUL OIIP KPAO BN
SUBJECT: COTONOU REPORTS ON THE PLACEMENT OF STATE AND 
MISSION-PRODUCED MATERIALS 
 
¶1. PAS Cotonou reports the following placements of State Department 
materials, articles on Mission-hosted activities and U.S. centered 
articles in the government-owned newspaper, La Nation, and various 
independent newspapers: 
 
March 2 
The following articles were published: 
The entirety of a Mission-produced press release in the 
right-of-center independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien and 
Le Challenge, about the Mission-hosted seminar organized by the 
Defense Institute of International Legal Studies on the topic "Les 
Droits de l'Homme et le Droit Humanitaire International." (Human 
Rights and the International Humanitarian Law). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily L'Aurore, about 
President Boni Yayi's visit to the Mercy Ships, titled "Le President 
de la Republique visite le plus grand bateau htpital en mission au 
Benin." (The President of the Republic visits the biggest medical 
ship on mission to Benin). 
 
Two articles in the left-of-center independent daily Nouvelle 
Expression, about President Barack Obama's participation in the 
summit between the European Union and the United States, titled 
"Sommet UE-USA avec Obama le 5 avril a Prague." (The summit between 
the European Union and the United States in Prague on April 5). 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matinal, 
about the Mission-hosted Speaker's Program titled "Systeme educatif 
et emploi au Benin: les Etats-Unis veulent s'impliquer plus." 
(Education and Youth Employment: the United States shows more 
commitment). 
 
Two articles in the left-of-center independent daily L'Informateur, 
based on two Mission-produced press releases titled "Pulverisation 
intra-dimiciliaire pour lutter contre le paludisme," and "l'USAID 
annonce 160 millions de dollars americains pour la reponse globale a 
la securite alimentaire pour l'Afrique occidentale." (Indoor 
Residual Spraying (IRS) against malaria) and (USAID announces the 
allocation of 160 million Dollars as a contribution to food security 
in West Africa). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Obama et Sarkozy sur la 
liste des  nominations pour le Prix Nobel de la Paix  2009. " Obama 
and Sarkozy on the list of nominees for the 2009 Nobel Peace 
Prize). 
 
March 3 
An article in the government-controlled daily La Nation, based on 
the Mission-hosted seminar organized by the Defense Institute of 
International Legal Studies (DIILS, titled "Seminaire international 
de DIILS: instaurer un dialogue fecond entre civils et militaries." 
(International seminar sponsored by DILLS: establishing a productive 
dialogue between civilians and the military). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Les cles du nouveau 
Proche-Orient entre les mains d'Obama. " (The Keys of the New Middle 
East in Obama's Hands). 
 
March 4 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Aurore, about the endangered species, titled 
"Especes menacees: Barack Obama decide de suspendre une decision de 
George Bush." (Endangered species: Barack Obama decides to suspend a 
decision taken by former President George Bush). 
 
An article in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Clinton lance au 
Proche-Orient une diplomatie aggressive." (Clinton launches dynamic 
outreach diplomacy in the Middle-East). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Obama propose a Moscou de 
discuter du bouclier anti-missile en Europe de l'Est. " (Obama 
suggests to Moscow to address the Eastern Europe anti-missile 
shield). 
 
An article in Le Challenge, based on the entirety of the 
Mission-produced press release on the DIILS seminar, titled 
"Seminaire international sur les Droits de l'Homme et le Droit 
Humanitaire International." (International seminar on human rights 
and international humanitarian law). 
 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Proche-Orient: le message 
de paix d'Hillary Clinton." (Middle East: Hillary Clinton's message 
of peace). 
 
An article in Le Telegramme, titled "Russie/Etats-Unis: Medvedev 
refuse la proposition d'Obama." (Russia/United States : Medvedev 
rejects Obama's suggestion). 
 
March 5 
 
COTONOU 00000195  002 OF 005 
 
 
The following articles were published: 
An article in La Nation, based on MCA-Benin's partnership with the 
Port of Cotonou titled "Partenariat entre le MCA et le Port autonome 
de Cotonou: identifier les problemes environnementaux cls. " 
(MCA-Benin's partenership with the autonomous port of Cotonou : 
identifying key environmental problems). 
 
An article in the left-of -center independent daily La Nouvelle 
Tribune, titled "Etude d'impact environnemental et social au Port: 
MCA-Benin organise une 3eme consultation. " (Examining the 
environmental and social impact at the port of Cotonou : MCA-Benin 
holds a third consultation). 
 
March 6 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Informateur, based on a Mission-hosted book 
discussion program, titled "Lancement du livre Autonomisation et 
Reduction de la Pauvrete: un outil pour permettre aux populations de 
se prendre en charge. " (Launching of the book entitled "Empowerment 
and poverty reduction : a tool to enable the populations to become 
self-reliant"). 
 
An article in the independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien, Le 
Telegramme, La Nouvelle Tribune, Le Challenge, based on the book 
discussion and the art exhibit held at the American Cultural Center 
to launch Women's Day celebration titled "Lancement du mois de la 
femme au Centre Culturel Americain: un expose, un film et une 
exposition artistique pour celebrer la femme." (Launching of Women's 
month at the American Cultural Center: a book discussion, a film 
show and an art exhibit to celebrate women). 
 
March 10 
The following articles were published: 
An article in the independent daily newspapers L'Autre Quotidien and 
La Nouvelle Tribune, based on MCA-Benin's workshop on HIV/AIDS 
awareness titled "Etude d'impact environnemental et social au Port 
Autonome de Cotonou: le plan de sensibilisation aux infections 
sexuellement transmissibles et le VIH/SIDA. " (Examining the 
environmental and social impact at the Autonomous Port of Cotonou: 
sensitization about sexually transmitted diseases and HIV/AIDS). 
L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article about MCA-Benin's handover 
of computer equipment to the decentralized offices of the Ministry 
of Finance, titled "MCA-MFE: Pour une supervision efficace du 
secteur de la micro-finance." (Millennium Challenge Account 
(MCA)-Ministry of Finance and Economy: for an efficient supervision 
of the Micro-finance sector). 
 
An article in the government-controlled La Nation, titled "Mois de 
la Femme au Centre Culturel Americain: sous le signe de 
l'autonomisation et de la reduction de la pauvrete. " (Women's month 
at the American Cultural Center : Women's empowerment and poverty 
reduction). 
La Nation also carried an article titled "Projet Acces aux services 
financiers: Le MCA-Benin equipe la Cellule de Surveillance des 
structures financieres decentralisees. " (Access to market : 
MCA-Benin donates computer equipment to the decentralized financial 
institutions). 
 
March 11 
An article in Le Matinal, about the arts exhibit at the American 
Cultural Center titled "Lancement du mois de la femme au CCA: trois 
artistes plasticiens a l'honneur." (Launching of Women's month at 
the American Cultural Center: three artists exhibit their works). 
 
March 12 
The following articles were published: 
An article in the left-of-center le Matin, based on the entirety of 
the Mission-provided President Obama's statement on the celebration 
of women's month titled "Le President Obama rend hommage aux femmes 
ecologistes." (President Obama honors women environmentalists). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily Fraternite, 
based on a meeting held between Beninese businessmen and a group of 
visiting American businessmen titled "Cooperation entre le Benin et 
les Etats-Unis a l'ere Obama: des possibilities d'affaires pour les 
operateurs economiques." (U.S.-Benin cooperation during President 
Obama's tenure: business opportunities for local businessmen). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Etats-Unis: un homme arme 
tue 10 personnes dans l'Alabama avant de se suicider. " (United 
States : a man armed with machine gun kills 10 people in Alabama 
before committing suicide). 
 
March 13 
An article in La Nation, titled "USA: Bernard Madoff devant la 
justice et face a ses victimes." (United States of America: Bernard 
Madoff appears in Court and faces his victims). 
 
March 15 
 
COTONOU 00000195  003 OF 005 
 
 
An article in the centrist weekly Le Municipal, based on the 
entirety of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's op-ed on the 
International Women's Day titled "Hillary Clinton: je ferai entendre 
la cause des femmes a travers le monde." (Hillary Clinton: I will 
let women's concerns be heard around the world). 
 
March 16 
The following articles were published: 
An article in Le Matinal, about a film program held at the American 
Cultural Center titled "Soiree cinematographique au Centre Culturel 
Americain (CCA):Iron Jawed Angels." (Film showing at the American 
Cultural Center: Iron Jawed Angels). 
 
An article in L'Informateur, based on the entirety of a 
Mission-produced press release titled "Conference internationale sur 
la mise en oeuvre de l'Initiative pour la Justice et 
l'Autonomisation des Femmes. " (International Conference on Women's 
Justice and Empowerment Initiative (WJEI)). 
 
March 17 
The following articles were published: 
An article in La Nation, L'Autre Quotidien, L'Option Infos  and 
Nouvelle Expression, about the Mission-hosted international 
conference on Women's Justice and Empowerment Initiative." 
(Conference Internationale sur l'Autonomisation et la Justice faite 
aux Femmes). 
L'Option Infos also carried an article titled "Diplomatie/Benin: le 
Corps de la Paix confirme la mort de Catherine Puzey. " 
(Diplomacy/Benin : Peace Corps confirms  Catherine Puzey's death). 
 
An article in L'Informateur, about the film show at the American 
Cultural Center titled "Projection cinematographique: le combat pour 
le droit de vote des femmes aux Etats-Unis en image. " (Film show : 
fighting for women's right to vote). 
 
March 18 
The following articles were published: 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily 24 au Benin, 
titled "Meurtre d'une Americaine dans la commune de Ouake: les 
presumes assassins artes." (Murder of an American woman in the 
district of Ouake: the suspects arrested). 
 
An article in Le Matin, about the Mission-sponsored training of the 
University of Abomey-Calavi students in Methodology titled 
"Universite d'Abomey-Calavi: atelier de formation en Methodologie." 
(University of Abomey-Calavi: training workshop in methodology." 
 
An article in the government-controlled La Nation, about the 
month-long arts exhibit at the American Cultural Center titled "Zoom 
sur la contribution des Amazones dans le royaume de Danxome: Nelly 
Denakpo, l'artiste qui entend restaurer l'image de ces femmes 
battantes." (Focus on the contribution of the Amazones in the 
kingdom of Danxome (Dahomey): Nelly Denakpo, the artist who wants to 
restore the image of those women warriors). 
 
March 19 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, based on the entirety of the 
Mission-produced press release on the training workshop for the 
students of the University of Abomey-Calavi titled "Ambassade des 
Etats-Unis d'Amerique: atelier de formation en Methodologie a 
l'Universite d'Abomey-Calavi." (Embassy of the United States of 
America: training seminar on Methodology at the University of 
Abomey-Calavi). 
 
A front-page article in Le Matinal, about the changing of the 
configuration of MCA-Benin's board of governors titled 
"Recomposition du conseil d'administration de MCA: les Etats-Unis 
s'opposent au gouvernement beninois." (Modification of MCA-Benin's 
board of governors: the United States opposes the government of 
Benin's position). 
 
An article in Le Matin, about the Mission-sponsored seminar titled 
"Initiative pour la justice et l'Autonomisation des femmes: une 
conference internationale se deroule a Cotonou. " (Women's Justice 
and Empowerment Initiative : an international conference is being 
held in Cotonou). 
 
A front-page article in Fraternite, about the modification of 
MCA-Benin's board of governors titled "Modification unilaterale de 
la composition du conseil d'administration du MCA-Benin: Boni Yayi 
compromet le financement des milliards du MCA." (Unilateral 
modification of MCA-Benin's board of governors: Boni Yayi 
jeopardizes the financing of MCA's billions). 
 
An article in Nouvelle Expression, titled "Ambassade des Etats-Unis 
d'Amerique: le Corps de la Paix pleure la disparition de la 
Volontaire Catherine Puzey Kate. " (Embassy of the United States of 
America: Peace Corps mourns the death of Peace Corps Volunteer 
 
COTONOU 00000195  004 OF 005 
 
 
Catherine Puzey). 
 
March 20 
The Following articles were published: 
An article in Le Matinal, titled "Recomposition du Conseil 
d'Administration du MCA: la lettre de Dako et la replique de 
l'Ambassadeur des USA. " (Modification of MCA-Benin's board of 
governors: Dako's letter and the reply of the Ambassador of the 
United States of America). 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily L'Avenir titled 
"Somalie: Oussama Ben Laden appelle a renverser le president 
somalien." (Somalia: Usama Bin Laden calls for the overthrowing of 
the President of Somalia). 
 
March 24 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'option Infos, titled "Etats-Unis: Johnnie Carson 
nomme Secretaire d'Etat adjoint aux Affaires Africaines." (United 
States: Johnnie Carson appointed Assistant Secretary of State for 
African Affairs). 
 
An article in Le Matin, titled "Crash d'un avion dans un cimetiere 
aux Etats-Unis: 14 morts dont plusieurs enfants. " (jet crash in a 
U.S. cemetery : 14 casualties including many children). 
 
An article in Le Matinal, about the showing of a film at the 
American Cultural Center titled "Projection de Sisters in Law au 
CCA: le combat des femmes engagees a l'ecran." (Showing of the film 
"Sisters in Law", a film about women fighting for more justice for 
women). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien and la Nouvelle Tribune, based on 
the entirety of Ambassador Gayleatha B. Brown's op-ed on World 
Tuberculosis day titled "Prise en charge correcte et gratuite des 
cas de tuberculose pulmonaire: d'importants efforts ont ete deployes 
par le gouvernement du Benin. " (Adequate treatment at no cost to 
pulmonary tuberculosis patients : an important effort has been made 
by the government of Benin). 
 
 
March 25 
The following articles were published: 
An article in English in L'Autre Quotidien, about the modification 
of MCA-Benin's board of governors titled "Millenium Challenge 
Account Benin: US Ambassador opposes the government's move." 
L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article about the implementation 
of MCA-Benin's land safety project titled "Acces au titre foncier: 
les members de la commission nationale d'appui installs." (Access 
to land titles; the members of the national support committee 
installed) 
 
An article in L'Informateur and Le Matin, titled "Etats-Unis: les 
Noirs Americains font la cour a l'Afrique." (United States of 
American: Black Americans courting Africans). 
Le Matin also carried an article titled "Etats-Unis: un fils cache 
pour John Fitzgerald Kennedy?) (United States, a hidden son of John 
Fitzgerald Kennedy)? 
 
An article in Le Telegramme, recognizing Ambassador Gayleatha B. 
Brown's efforts in supervising the smooth implementation of the 
Millenium Challenge Account Program in Benin. 
 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Recomposition du Conseil 
d'Administration du MCA-Benin : Les USA disent non a Boni Yayi. " 
(Modifying the configuration of MCA-Benin's board of governors : the 
United States says "No" to Boni Yayi). 
 
March 26 
The following articles were published: 
An article in Le Matin, titled "Declaration de Barack Obama sur la 
crise economique." (President Barack Obama's statement about the 
financial crisis). 
Le Matin also carried an article titled " Residence de 
l'Ambassadfeur des Etat-Unis: hommage et recueillement en la memoire 
de feue Catherine Puzey. " (Residence of the Ambassador of the 
United States: tribute to the late Catherine Puzey). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, based on a biographical information 
of MCC's Deputy Director, Darius Mans, titled "(Biographie de Darius 
Mans, vice-President du Millenium Challenge Corporation,." 
(Biography of Darius Mans, Vice-President of the Millennium 
Challenge Corporation). 
 
An article in Nouvelle Generation, titled " Cooperation Benin-USA : 
prochaine visite au Benin d'une delegation du Millenium Challenge 
Corporation." (U.S.-Benin cooperation: upcoming MCC visit to Benin). 
 
 
 
COTONOU 00000195  005 OF 005 
 
 
An article in Le Telegramme, titled "Russie/Etats-Unis: Obama defend 
le droit de l'Otan a s'etendre. " (U.S.-Russia relations : Obama 
defends Nato's right to enlargement). 
 
An article in L'Informateur, based on the entirety of the 
Mission-produced press release about "President Obama's statement on 
the financial crisis." 
 
A series of three-page articles in the right-of center Le Fleuron, 
about the tribute ceremony held at the Ambassador's residence in 
honor of the late Catherine Puzey titled "Assassinat de Mademoiselle 
Catherine Puzey dans le nord du Benin: le Directeur de Cabinet du 
Chef de l'Etat, Nestor Dako rassure que justice sera faite." 
(Killing of Miss Catherine Puzey in northern Benin: the Director of 
Cabinet of the Head of State assures that justice will be done). 
 
March 27 
The following articles were published: 
An article in La Nation and l'Autre Quotidien, titled "Sixieme 
session du Conseil d'Administration de MCA-Benin : des inquietudes 
pour le reste du temps d'excution du programme. " (6th session of 
MCA-Benin's board of governors : some concern over the remaining 
time for the full implementation of the program). 
 
L'Autre Quotidien also carried an article titled "Barack Obama 
utilize l'internet pour s'adresser directement aux Americains." 
(Barack Obama uses internet to interact directly with Americans). 
 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Millenium Challenge 
Corporation: le vice-President Darius Mans et son adjoint en visite 
au Benin. " (Millenium Challenge Account : Vice-President Darius 
Mans and the Deputy Vice-President on visit to Benin). 
 
An article in Le Matinal, titled "Deux semaines apres son 
assassinat, Catherine Puzey recoit des hommages dignes son rang. " 
(Two weeks after her murder, Catherine Puzey receives an homage 
worthy of her rank). 
 
Le Matinal also carried a front-page photo of Ambassador Gayleatha 
¶B. Brown asking herself "Pourquoi modifier le conseil 
d'administration du MCA?" (Why modify MCA's board of governors)? 
 
An article in Le Matin, titled "Visite du President Americain en 
France: Obama sur les plages du debarquement le 6 juin. " (U.S. 
President's visit to France : Obama will be visiting the beaches of 
the Normandy landings on June 6). 
 
March 30 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Don de kits de microscopes 
au Ministere de la Sante : L'USAID contribue a l'amelioration de la 
qualite du diagnostic du paludisme au Benin. " (Handover of 
microscope kits to the Ministry of Health : USAID contributes to 
improving the quality of malaria diagnostics in Benin). 
 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Rechauffement climatique: 
Obama cree un forum des economies sur l'energie. " (Global warming : 
Obama creates an economic  forum on energy). 
 
An article in L'Aurore, titled "Le Pakistan sera aide, mais devra 
rendre des comptes, dit Obama. " (Pakistan will be assisted, but 
must be accountable, says Obama). 
 
March 31 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, titled "Le vice President du 
Millennium Challenge Corporation et son adjoint visitent le port de 
Cotonou. " (MCC's vice-President and his assistant visit the port of 
Cotonou). 
 
¶2. Electronic media: 
 
During the period of this report, the state-owned radio station that 
covers the entire country broadcast lengthy reports on most 
Mission-hosted activities in French and all major local languages; 
several privately-owned radio and TV stations, including the most 
prominent Cotonou-based Golfe TV and a new VOA partner, Canal 3, 
also covered most Mission events.  In partnership with VOA, Golfe FM 
regularly aired VOA news in English and French, from Monday through 
Friday. VOA news in French on Golfe FM is broadcast every morning 
(Monday through Friday), beginning at 7:30, while the news in 
English is scheduled from Monday through Friday, beginning at 17:30. 
A former WorldNet partner, LC2, continues to broadcast the Crossroad 
Caf series in English. 
 
Brown