VZCZCXRO4541
RR RUEHLMC RUEHMA RUEHPA
DE RUEHCO #0090/01 0471420
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 161418Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY COTONOU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0023
INFO ECOWAS COLLECTIVE
RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORPORATION WASHINGTON DC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 COTONOU 000090 
 
SENSITIVE 
SIPDIS 
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS 
DEPT FOR AF/W. AF/RSA, WHA/CAR, AND DRL 
DEPT PASS USTR 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KDEM KMCA HA BN
SUBJECT: BENIN: AF A/S CARSON MEETS PRESIDENT YAYI 
 
¶1.  (SBU) SUMMARY:  A/S Carson's meeting with Benin's President 
Yayi strongly buttressed Yayi's determination to pursue close 
collaboration with the USG.  Yayi stressed his government's concern 
for Haiti and its reconstruction after the January earthquake; the 
importance of USG support for Benin's Permanent Digital Electoral 
List (LEPI); the GOB's great interest in achieving a second 
Millennium Challenge Corporation Compact; maritime security 
cooperation; and wider USG support for economic development, 
especially for Benin's agricultural sector.  A/S Carson's 
announcement of a U.S. contribution of USD 100,000 towards LEPI was 
very warmly received.  END SUMMARY. 
 
 
 
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SOLIDARITY WITH HAITI 
 
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¶2.  (U) Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Johnnie Carson met 
President Boni Yayi in Cotonou February 5, 2010.  A/S Carson opened 
the meeting by commending Yayi for Government of Benin (GOB) 
support for Haiti relief, noting that Haiti is a high priority for 
the Secretary of State.  Yayi responded that Benin offered a small 
contribution from a small country, but it was an important symbol 
of support.  Yayi added that Benin would find space in its schools 
and universities to educate Haitians whose schools have been 
destroyed by the earthquake.  He reported that he has requested 
United Nations support for Haitian students who will come to Benin 
to study. 
 
 
 
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PARTNERS FOR DEMOCRACY AND DEVELOPMENT 
 
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¶3.  (U) Foreign Minister Jean-Marie Ehouzou summarized his earlier 
meeting with A/S Carson for President Yayi (septel), emphasizing 
the USG's offer of USD 100,000 to support Benin's Permanent Digital 
Electoral List (LEPI).  FM Ehouzou closed his summary by noting 
that a second Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact, if 
approved, would especially support growth for Benin's agricultural 
sector and its social development needs. 
 
 
 
¶4.  (U) President Yayi praised Ambassador Knight's efforts in 
Benin, and emphasized that A/S Carson's visit is testimony to the 
positive regard the U.S. holds for Benin.  He thanked Carson for 
the U.S. LEPI contribution, noting that, as the world's leading 
democracy, U.S. support for democracy in Benin is critical.  Yayi 
expressed his hope for a longer visit by A/S Carson and eventual 
visits by Secretary Clinton and President Obama, noting that 
President Obama will feel at home in Benin. 
 
 
 
¶5.  (U) In response, A/S Carson applauded Benin's democracy and 
emphasized that well-established excellent U.S. - Benin relations 
are the result of shared values and principles.  A/S Carson 
underscored that he is proud of Benin's partnership with the U.S., 
and his satisfaction that MCC funds are being used to develop 
Benin's economy for the benefit of its people.  He cautioned that 
it is too early for a decision on a second MCC Compact for Benin. 
A/S Carson also noted that, in addition to MCC, the USG supports 
Benin's development through programs implemented by the U.S. Agency 
for International Development, the Department of Justice, and the 
Department of Defense.  A/S Carson underscored that Secretary of 
State Clinton often notes that the U.S. is only as strong as its 
friends and allies.  He added that he will encourage Secretary 
Clinton to visit Benin at her next opportunity. 
 
 
 
¶6.  (U) President Yayi expressed his gratitude for the USG's 
donation of two Defender-class maritime patrol craft to Benin's 
 
COTONOU 00000090  002 OF 002 
 
 
armed forces in January, pointing out that such resources are 
critical to maintain maritime security and interdict drug 
traffickers and pirates. 
 
 
 
¶7.  (SBU) Yayi apologized that Benin cannot always break ranks with 
the G-77 or the African bloc at the UN.  A/S Carson thanked him for 
GOB efforts to vote with the US whenever possible. 
 
 
 
¶8.  (SBU) COMMENT:  A/S Carson's visit to Benin was exceptionally 
useful and well-timed to assure strong USG engagement in 
preparations for Benin's 2011 Presidential and legislative 
elections.  His announcement of USG support for LEPI was especially 
key to enabling such engagement.  END COMMENT. 
 
 
 
¶9.  (U) A/S Carson has cleared this message. 
KNIGHT