Cablegate: Minister Sofan On Mcc Threshold: We'll Do It

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

UNCLAS SANAA 000853

SIPDIS

PLEASE PASS TO MCC FOR A. BAYLOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN EIND EINV PGOV KMCA KMPI YM TAGS
SUBJECT: MINISTER SOFAN ON MCC THRESHOLD: WE'LL DO IT
OURSELVES

REF: SANAA 265

1. USAID Director and Pol/Econoff met March 28 with Deputy
Prime Minister and Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation Ahmad Sofan. USAID Director conveyed that
Yemen's MCC Threshold paper was very strong (reftel), and
urged the ROYG to focus on specific reforms within the MCC
categories rule of law and corruption. Sofan agreed that
such a focus is the goal of his ministry as it works to
coordinate government departments and develop an
implementation plan. USAID Director offered to bring in
experts to assist the ROYG identify priorities and develop
program activities. Sofan emphasized that MOPIC does not
want to use outsiders as part of this process, and instead
wantS the change to "come from inside".

2. Comment. Post supports MOPIC's autonomous approach,
which is compatible with MCC objectives. Real progress on
critical issues of corruption and rule of law will likely not
occur if perceived to be imposed from the outside. There is
some risk that MOPIC is using this tactic to avoid
undertaking difficult reforms. Despite Sofan's official
position, MOPIC officials and USAID agreed in unofficial
discussions that USAID expertise will be available to ROYG
committees as they work on details of the Threshold
implementation plan. End Comment.
Krajeski

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