Cablegate: President Horta to Visit Washington, December 2008

VZCZCXRO5256
PP RUEHDT RUEHLMC
DE RUEHDT #0273 3010618
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 270618Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4121
INFO RUEHLMC/MILLENNIUM CHALLENGE CORP PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RUEHJA/AMEMBASSY JAKARTA PRIORITY 1010
RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 1215
RUEHML/AMEMBASSY MANILA PRIORITY 0059
RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI 3607

UNCLAS DILI 000273

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

EAP FOR DAS MARCIEL; MCC FOR VP HEWKO

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MCA TT
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT HORTA TO VISIT WASHINGTON, DECEMBER 2008

1. Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta told the Ambassador
on October 24 that he intends to travel to Washington in early
December 2008. The purpose of the President's visit is to
consult with administration officials, Millennium Challenge
Cooperation (MCC) directors, and members of congress on Timor's
bid to retain MCC eligibility. President Horta's decision
follows a meeting on October 23 with the GOTL finance minister
(joined by the Ambassador) in which Minister Pires urged the
President to travel to Washington to support Timor-Leste's
candidacy. The President told the Ambassador he would arrive in
Washington on or about December 3 and depart on or about
December 5.

2. In consultation with EAP/MTS, the Ambassador welcomed the
visit and assured President Horta that Embassy Dili will fully
support it. We look forward to working with the Department and
MCC to facilitate President Horta's meetings in Washington. We
will also encourage President Horta to consider a public
outreach event while in Washington. Embassy Dili's views on
Timor-Leste's MCC eligibility will follow shortly in septels.

RECTOR

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