INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Somalia - Pd Activities Update, February 23

Published: Tue 23 Feb 2010 02:12 PM
VZCZCXRO0957
RR RUEHROV RUEHTRO
DE RUEHNR #0207 0541412
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 231412Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY NAIROBI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0935
INFO SOMALIA COLLECTIVE
RHEHNSC/WHITE HOUSE NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/CDR USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RHMFIUU/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEILB/NCTC WASHINGTON DC
RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ
UNCLAS NAIROBI 000207
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR AF/RSA, AF/PD, AND AF/E
ALSO FOR S/CT ZROTHSCHILD
ALSO FOR IIP/CTCC MAUSTEIN AND JVANDEVELDE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV SO KPAO PTER MOPS
SUBJECT: Somalia - PD Activities Update, February 23
REF: 07 STATE 116686
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Summary
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1. (SBU) Per ref B, Post submits the following update for the third
week of February 2010. End Summary.
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PD Activities
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2. (SBU) The Somalia Unit, including the Military Information
Support Team (MIST) dedicated to Somalia, performed para. 3-8
activities since the last report::
3. (SBU) The Counselor for Somalia Affairs hosted a benefit concert
for the recovery of Mogadishu's Banadir University, whose
graduation ceremony was the target of the December 3, 3009 suicide
bombing in Mogadishu. An American pianist in town for PAS
activities volunteered to perform for an audience of about 75
donors. The benefit yielded nearly $8,000 to be given directly to
the university. Post issued a press release to Somali media and
drafted a blog entry for the Dip Note website.
4. (SBU) The Transitional Federal Government's Minister of
Information will arrive in the U.S. on February 23 for a working
visit. AF/PD is coordinating the Minister's meetings at the State
Department. The Minister will also visit Minneapolis and Columbus,
Ohio to do outreach to Somali Diaspora.
5. (SBU) Post responded to several media inquiries following the
United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator's assertions that the
United States' efforts to prevent listed terrorist organization
al-Shabaab from profiting from aid equated to "politicizing" aid.
Post appreciates the Department's quick assistance with press
guidance, and the clearance to speak on the record.
6. (SBU) The Somalia Unit assisted an NGO in publicizing the
arrival of two 20-foot shipping containers of medical supplies to
Mogadishu. The press coverage highlighted private donors providing
aid to Somalis and the TFG having a hand in delivering the
assistance. There was no USG footprint on this event.
7. (SBU) PAO conducted an interview with Universal TV on February 5
focusing on al-Shabaab's activity in Somalia. PAO also gave an
interview to new outlet Danan Radio on February 17, providing a
broad overview of U.S. policy toward Somalia.
8. (SBU) MIST activity: Continued development of the lecture series
to be broadcast on Radio Mogadishu. The team is working to link
their contracting personnel with the appropriate TFG contacts. The
team hopes to start the Radio Mogadishu series on or about March 1.
RANNEBERGER
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