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DE RUEHCO #0606/01 3580739
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240739Z DEC 09
FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1235
RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 COTONOU 000606 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR AF/PD (DBWHARTON, EKEMP, SANCHEZCROWE), AF/W 
(ASTEWART) 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KPAO BN
SUBJECT: COTONOU: NOVEMBER 2009 REPORT ON THE MEDIA 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. 
 
¶2. Print media 
 
November 2 
The following articles were published: 
An article in the state-controlled La Nation, titled, "SIDA: entree 
des seropositifs aux Etats-Unis: Ban Ki-moon felicite Obama." (Lift 
on the ban preventing the VIH-positive persons from visiting the 
United States:  Ban K-Moon congratulates Obama). 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, La Nouvelle 
Tribune, titled, "Realisations de MCA-Benin: Simon Pierre Adovelande 
face aux Etudiants de Parakou. " (MCA-Benin's National Coordinators 
Simon Pierre Adovelande meets the students of the University of 
Parakou to brief them about MCA-Benin's achievements).  La Nouvelle 
Tribune also carried an article titled "Simon Idohou a l'Ambassade 
de Washington: Yayi se plie aux injonctions de Kerekou. " 
(Appointment of Simon Idohou to serve at the Embassy of Benin in 
Washington: Boni Yayi obeys Kerekou's orders). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Le Challenge, 
titled, "Projet EMPOWER sur les violences faites aux femmes et aux 
filles: rencontre de suivi et d'information de la synergie avec les 
acteurs de l'Oueme." (The EMPOWER project on Gender-based violence: 
follow-up meeting to brief the various parties involved in the 
project in the Department of Oueme). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Info-Plus, 
titled, "Etats-Unis-Afghanistan: le dilemme afghan d'Obama." (United 
States: Obama's dilemma in Afghanistan). 
 
November 3 
The following articles were published: 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Consultation annuelle entre le 
Benin et les Etats-Unis: la cooperation benino-americaine passee en 
revue. " (Annual bilaterals between Benin and the United States : 
the US-Beninese cooperation has been reviewed). 
La Nation carried another article titled "Economie Americaine: 
retour de la croissance aux Etats-Unis."  (Status of the U.S. 
Economy: economic growth is back) 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matin, titled 
"Lutte contre les violences faites aux enfants: Un seminaire 
d'information et de formation des acteurs." (Fighting child 
trafficking: a seminar to inform and sensitize the various actors 
involved). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily, L'Autre 
Quotidien, titled "Les Etats-Unis sont officiellement sortis de la 
recession. " (The recession is officially coming to an end in the 
United States). 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, La Nouvelle 
Tribune, titled "Hillary Clinton au Maroc pour la 6eme edition du 
Forum pour l'Avenir." (Hillary Clinton's trip to Morocco to 
participate in the 6th edition of the Forum for the Future). 
 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, L'Informateur, 
titled, "Genocide Rwandais: Washington juge inexcusable le non 
transfert de Bosco Ntagnada a la CPI." (Rwanda genocide: Washington 
finds the failure to transfer Bosco Ntaganda to the International 
Penal Court inexcusable). 
 
November 4 
The following articles were published: 
An article in the left-of-center independent daily, Le Matin, titled 
"Cinq nouveaux Ambassadeurs, y compris celui des Etats-Unis, 
presentent leurs lettres de creances." (Five new Ambassadors, 
including the U.S. Ambassador to Benin, present their credentials to 
President Boni Yayi). 
Le Matin also carried another article titled "Michael Jackson: 
succes phenomenal en France du film This is it." (Michael Jackson: 
phenomenal success of the "This is It" film). 
 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Presentation de lettres de 
creances au palais de la Republique : cinq nouveaux Ambassadeurs 
accredites au Benin. " (Presentation of credentials at the 
President's office: five new Ambassadors accredited to Benin). 
La Nation also carried an article based on the PD-initiated  book 
discussion titled, "Problematique de gestion du capital humain dans 
une organisation: Bien Diriger Son Equipe. " (Issues related to the 
management of human resources in an enterprise: how to manage the 
staff). This article was accompanied by a photo of Ambassador Knight 
and the PAO, with the Presenter of the book discussion, Abraham 
Voglozin. 
 
COTONOU 00000606  002 OF 005 
 
 
 
An article in the independent daily newspapers, La Nouvelle Tribune, 
Le Matinal, L'Autre Quotidien, the right-of-center independent daily 
L'Aurore and the left-of-center independent daily newspapers, 
Fraternite and L'Informateur, titled, "Palais de la Marina: Cinq 
nouveaux Ambassadeurs, y compris le nouvel Ambassadeur des 
Etats-Unis pres le Benin, presentent leurs lettres de creances. " 
(Marina Palace: five new Ambassadors, including the new Ambassador 
of the United States to Benin, present their credentials).  L'Autre 
Quotidien also carried an article titled "MCA: livre blanc de 
politique fonciere au Benin: une reforme en marche expliquee aux 
professionnels des medias. " (MCA-Benin's white paper on land safety 
in Benin : MCA-Benin's National Coordinator explains the contents of 
the reform to the members of the media). 
 
Fraternite carried a second article titled, "Hillary Clinton 
presente une aide americaine au monde musulman." (Hillary Clinton 
presents American assistance to the Muslim world). 
 
L'Aurore carried a second article titled "USA: les elections 
barometre dans l'etat de New York pour Obama et pour les 
Republicains." (United States: the elections in the state of New 
York constitute a test for Obama and the Republicans). 
 
November 5 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Informateur, based on the book discussion titled, 
"Bien Diriger son Equipe." (Managing Staff Well) 
 
An article in Le Matin, based on the Mission-produced press release 
titled, "Foire au Projet des Rotariens." (The Rotarians Fair 
Project). 
 
An article in la Nation, titled, "Processus de Paix: Clinton cherche 
a rassurer. " (Peace process: Clinton seeks to re-assure). 
 
An article in the right-of-center independent daily, Le Telegramme, 
and in L'Autre Quotidien, La Nouvelle Tribune and Fraternite, titled 
" Etats-Unis d'Amerique : l'anniversaire de la victoire d'Obama 
terni par des defaites electorales. " (United States: the 
anniversary of Obama's victory has been tarnished by electoral 
defeats). 
 
Fraternite carried a second article titled "Barack Obama: le reve 
continue." (Barack Obama: the dream continues). 
 
L'Autre Quotidien carried a second article titled, "Obama abroge 
l'interdiction d'entree aux Etats-Unis des seropositifs." (Obama 
removes the ban on the HIV-positive persons' travel to the United 
States). 
 
La Nouvelle Tribune carried a second article titled "MCA-Benin: 
Projet Acces au Foncier: la nouvelle politique fonciere et ses 
multiples avantages. " (MCA-Benin: Access to land: the new land 
policy and its multiple advantages). 
 
November 6 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Activites de l'Ambassade des USA 
au Benin: James Knight echange avec des rotariens nord-americains. " 
(Activities of the Embassy of the United States: James Knight meets 
with North-American Rotarians). 
 
November 7 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, based on the Mission-produced 
press release titled "Foire au Projet des Rotariens." (Rotarians 
Project Fair).  La Nouvelle Tribune carried a second article titled 
"Etats-Unis: un algero-americain nomme Ambassadeur. " (United 
States: an Algerian-American appointed Ambassador). 
 
November 11 
The following articles were published: 
An article in  La Nation, titled, "Etats-Unis: la reforme de la 
sante porte un coup au droit a l'avortement. " (United States: the 
Health Insurance Reform negatively affects the right to abortion). 
 
An article in Fraternite, titled, "Prochaine Semaine Internationale 
de l'Education de l'Ambassade des Etats-Unis au Benin: plusieurs 
activites au programme. " (Celebration of the International 
Education Week at the Embassy of the United States: many activities 
are scheduled to be held). 
 
An article in la Nouvelle Tribune, based on the Mission-produced 
press release titled "Foire au Projet des Rotarians." (Rotarians 
Project Fair). 
 
November 12 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled "Etats-Unis: nouvelle tuerie 
et Hommage aux victimes de Fort Hood. " (United States: homage to 
the victims of the Fort Hood shooting). 
 
COTONOU 00000606  003 OF 005 
 
 
 
November 13 
An article in La Nation, titled "USA: Obama annonce un forum sur 
l'emploi en decembre avec des entrepreneurs. " (United States: Obama 
announces an entrepreneurs forum on employment). 
 
November 15 
Three articles in the weekly independent, Le Municipal, titled: 
"Realisation de MCA-Benin: Simon Adovelande fait le point aux 
etudiants de Parakou. " (MCA-Benin's achievements in Benin: Simon 
Adovelande gives an assessment to the students of the University of 
Parakou." 
 
"Suivi et Orientation de la synergie du projet EMPOWER dans les 
departements de l'Oueme et du Zou: vers l'eradication de la violence 
basee sur les genres. " (Follow-up of the implementation of the 
EMPOWER project in the departements of Oueme and Zou: towards the 
eradication of the Gender-Based violence.) 
 
"MCA-Benin: les projets beneficiant du programme de la Facilite ont 
recu la visite de Pierre Adovelande. " (MCA-Benin National 
Coordinator Pierre Adovelande is touring the projects that benefit 
from the Facility grant). 
 
November 16 
The following articles were published: 
An article in  La Nouvelle Tribune, titled, "Chine/Etats-Unis: 
Barack Obama en route pour la Chine." (US-China relations: Barack 
Obama going to China). 
 
An editorial in Fraternite, titled, " Visite de Barack Obama en 
Chine: le G2 est en marche." (Barack Obama's visit to China: the G2 
is in progress). 
 
Two articles in Le Telegramme, titled: 
"USA: Obama rend hommage aux victimes de la tuerie de Fort Hood. " 
(United States : Obama pays tribute to the victims of Fort Hood 
shooting).  " Cooperation bilaterale: Obama a Shangai pour sa 
premiere visite en Chine. " (Bilateral cooperation : Obama in 
Shanghai for his first visit to China). 
 
Three articles in L'Aurore titled: 
" Cooperation bilateral: Obama a Shangai pour sa premiere visite en 
Chine. " (Bilateral cooperation : Obama in Shanghai for his first 
visit to China).  "Les Etats-Unis ne veulent pas rester en 
Afghanistan a long terme, selon Clinton. " (According to Clinton, 
the United States does not intend to remain in Afghanistan for 
long).  "Nucleaire Iranien: Washington et Moscou haussent le ton." 
(Iran's nuclear program: Washington and Moscow protest). 
 
Three articles in La Nation, titled: 
"Iran: Dmitri Medvedev et Barack Obama s'impatiente." (Iran : Dmitri 
Medvedev are impatient).  " US-Afghanistan : les Etats-Unis ne 
veulent pas rester en Afghanistan a long terme. " (U.S.-Afghanistan: 
the United States does not intend to remain in Afghanistan for 
long).  "Semaine Internationale de l'Education: le campus de 
l'Universite de Parakou accueille l'evenement." (International 
Education Week: the campus of the University of Parakou hosts the 
event). 
 
November 17 
The following articles were published: 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Pour Hillary Clinton, les 
Etats-Unis n'ont pas vocation a rester en Afghanistan. " (According 
to Hillary Clinton, the aim of the United States is not to remain in 
Afghanistan). 
 
An article in Le Matinal, titled "Semaine Internationale de 
l'Education: 4 jours de celebration dans les universites du Benin." 
(International Education Week: 4 days of celebration in the Beninese 
universities). 
 
Two articles in Le Matin, titled: 
"Chine: Obama parle d'amitie, mais aussi des droits de l'homme et de 
l'internet. " (China : Obama speaks about friendship, but also about 
human rights and Internet).  "Semaine Internationale de l'Education: 
les manifestations se poursuivent jusqu'au 20 novembre. " 
(International Education Week: the celebration will be held until 
November 20). 
 
An article in la Nation, titled, "Formations Superieures aux 
Etats-Unis d'Amerique : des etudiants beninois sensibilises. " (Some 
Beninese students have been briefed about how to study in the United 
States). 
 
An article in Le Telegramme, about President Obama's trip to China, 
titled "Obama a Pekin." (Obama in Beijing). 
 
November 18 
 
COTONOU 00000606  004 OF 005 
 
 
The following articles were published: 
An article in Le Matinal titled, "Chine: Hu Jintao salue le dialogue 
franc avec Obama. " (China : Hu Jintao appreciates the franc talks 
he held with Obama). 
 
An article in Fraternite, titled, "Construction d'une base de 
controle obligatoire au port de peche de Cotonou: MCA-Benin 
recueille les preoccupations des populations. " (Mandatory 
construction of a data base in the fishery section of the Port of 
Cotonou: BCA-Benin consults with the members of the public to hear 
about their concerns). 
 
An article in La Nouvelle Tribune, based on the entirety of the 
Mission-produced press release titled, " La Semaine Internationale 
de l'Education). 
 
An article in Fraternite, titled, "9eme session ordinaire du Conseil 
Consultatif du MAC-Benin : les activites realises et les 
perspectives au peigne fin. " (9th ordinary session of MCA-Benin's 
consultative board: the results achieved and future perspectives 
were examined). 
 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Climat: lueur d'espoir sur 
l'engagement americain a Copenhague. " (Climate change: a ray of 
hope about the American commitment in Copenhagen). 
 
November 19 
An article in Le Telegramme, titled "En visite officielle en Chine, 
Obama rencontre son demi-frere." (On official visit in China, Obama 
meets with his half-brother). 
 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Decoration a la Presidence de la 
Republique: l'equipe de Mercy Ships dans l'Ordre National du Benin." 
(Award of Honor at the Presidency: Mercy Ships crew members receive 
an award of honor, in the National Order of Benin). 
 
November 20 
Two articles in La Nation, titled: 
"Installations des centrales electriques: le Ministre Sacca Lafia 
visite les premiers equipements au port. " (Installation of 
electrical plants : Minister Sacca Lafia inspects the first set of 
equipment at the port).  "Etats-Unis-Coree du Sud: Obama et Lee unis 
face au nucleaire nord-coreen. " (United States-North Korea: Obama 
and Lee discuss the North-Korean nuclear issue). 
 
November 25 
The following articles were published: 
An article in La Nation, titled, "Afghanistan: Obama se prononcera 
dans les prochains jours sur les renforts. " (Afghanistan : Obama 
will speak in the next few days about the reinforcement of troops). 
 
 
An article in Le Matinal, related to the signing of the Self- Help 
agreement titled, "Les USA en lutte contre la pauvrete: 36 million 
pour des ONG et des groupements villageois. " (The United States in 
war against poverty: 36 million FCFA granted to NGOs and rural 
associations). 
 
November 26 
An article in  Le Matin, L'Informateur and La Nouvelle Tribune, 
titled, "Signature d'accord au Ministere des Affaires Etrangeres: 
les USA octroient 32.830.000 dollars USA au Benin. " (Signing of a 
grant agreement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs : the United 
States make a grant of 32,830,000 fcfa to Benin). 
 
November 30 
The following articles were published: 
An article in Fraternite, titled, "Cooperation benino-americaine: 
les Etats-Unis d'Amerique financent 12 projets d'auto-assistance." 
(U.S.-Benin cooperation: the United States of America funds 12 Self- 
Help projects). 
 
An article in L'Autre Quotidien, titled, "Un rapport du Senat 
Americain fustige l'echec de l'operation de capture de Ben Laden en 
¶2001. " (A US Senate report condemns the failure of the plan to 
capture Bin Laden in 2001). 
 
¶3. Electronic Media: 
During the period of this report, the state-owned TV and radio 
station, ORTB, covering the entire country, and several other 
privately-owned TV and radio stations broadcast reports and news 
segments on all major Mission-hosted activities, including 
specifically Ambassador Knight's presentation of credentials to 
President Boni Yayi and the signing of a grant agreement at the 
Ministry of Foreign Affairs. News segments on both events were 
broadcast in French, with translations in 18 major local languages. 
 
 
¶4. In partnership with VOA, Golfe FM regularly aired VOA news in 
 
COTONOU 00000606  005 OF 005 
 
 
English and French, from Monday through Friday. VOA news in French 
on Golfe FM is broadcast every morning (Monday through Friday), 
beginning at 8:00, while the news in English is scheduled from 
Monday through Friday, beginning at 17:30. Golfe TV also broadcast 
the Box Office news segments during its weekly English hour news 
program. A new VOA partner, Canal 3 broadcast the Washington Forum 
in French. 
 
¶5.  A former WorldNet partner, LC2, continues to broadcast the 
Crossroads Cafe series in English. 
Knight