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Cablegate: Request for U.S. Speaker to Address

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 KINSHASA 000375

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR IIP/G/AF TJDOWLING; AF/C; AF/PD DWHITMAN/PEHRNMAN
PARIS FOR ARS APEAVY/MSAVANET
BRAZZAVILLE FOR DCM GEORGE INDYKE

E.O.12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO OIIP OEXC SCUL CG
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR U.S. SPEAKER TO ADDRESS
DEMOCRATIZATION AND ELECTIONS

A. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: The Speaker will address
government representatives, members of the civil
society, NGO representatives, and members of the
media on the benefits of a democratic society.
Elections originally scheduled for June 2005 have
been delayed at least until October 2005. Holding
elections in 2005 is a top priority for the Congolese
government. Elections are the key element in the
2003 peace plan aimed at ending a five-year war that
killed an estimated 3.8 million people.

B. Time Frame DRC: Two weeks before June 2005 due to
summer transfer season. The program would consist of
two-day programs in Kinshasa and Lubumbashi and one-day
programs in Kisangani, Bukavu and Goma. The departure
flight for the Speaker will depend on his/her
itinerary.

Time Frame BRAZZAVILE: It is recommended that
Brazzaville send speakers to Kinshasa for the two-day
program.

C. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM: Although the transitional
government has progressed slowly, the government and
civil society are working towards elections this year.
The purpose of this program is to address
democratization efforts, including elections. The
program will demonstrate how a functioning democratic
society will result in long-term regional stability,
open markets, economic growth and protection of human
rights.

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D. AUDIENCE: Government officials, members of the
civil society, NGO representatives, academics, legal
personnel, and journalists.

E. PROPOSED TOPICS AND NATURE OF EVENTS: Post proposes
programs on the process of democratization leading to
elections, and the benefits of a democratic society.
The Speaker should address how the democratic process
can be implemented in the DRC.

F. TYPE OR NAME OF SPEAKER REQUIRED: Post would like a
Speaker who can address the process of democratization
in a country with a limited infrastructure, and with no
democratic institutions in place. The Speaker can also
address how the civil society can take an active part
in the democratization process. Post would prefer a
Speaker who can also discuss the experience of
democratization in Africa and how that experience might
apply to the DRC.

G. LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS: A fluent French speaker is
preferred. Post can provide a translator if necessary.

H. REQUESTS FOR SUPPORTING BIBLIOGRAPHIC MATERIALS:
Updated material on democratization and particularly
elections which are not available on the Internet would
be appreciated.

I. NAME OF MISSION PROGRAM OFFICER AND CONTACT
INFORMATION:

Mission Program Officer: A/PAO Victoria DeLong
Cell: 243-081-8804928;
E-mail: DeLongV@State.Gov; Fax: 243-884-6592

Backup Program Officer: PAO Phillip Wright, Cell:
243-081-880-5845; E-mail: WrightPE@State.Gov

FSN: John Fumana: Cell: 880-41769;
E-mail: FumanaJS@State.Gov

Address: American Embassy
Unit 31550
APO AE 09828

J. FUNDING SPECIFICS: Kinshasa requests use of "I"
Bucks for this Speaker program. Kinshasa will use
program funds to cover honorarium and per diem, and
lodging.

K. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: 1) Post is willing to share
the speaker with other missions; 2) It is strongly
recommended that the Speaker receive Washington
briefings prior to his/her travel to the DRC. PAS
Kinshasa will ensure that the Speaker receives security
and political briefings upon arrival to Kinshasa.

L. Travel Warning Assurance Statement: Official U.S.
Government personnel will meet the grantee at the
airport; Embassy vehicles and drivers will provide
secure transportation; Mission staff will escort the
grantee to all official meetings and appointments.

MEECE

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