US embassy cable - 02ABUJA320

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 000320 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2007 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, PGOV, NI 
SUBJECT: NIGERIA: PRESIDENT OBASANJO SUMMARIZES HIS 
ZIMBABWE VISIT 
 
 
REF: HARARE 200 
 
 
Classified by Ambassador Howard F. Jeter.  Reasons 1.5 (b) 
and (d). 
 
 
1.  (C) On January 25, during a brief pull aside prior to a 
larger meeting on a just established USAID program for 
agricultural assistance, President Obasanjo briefed me on his 
January 20-21 trip to Zimbabwe. 
 
 
2.  (C) Obasanjo recounted that his discussion with Mugabe 
focused mainly on the need for the Zimbabwean to clean up the 
political arena.  The President told Mugabe that he would 
like to be able to support him in the Commonwealth but could 
not help Mugabe in that assembly unless Mugabe pledged 
himself and the GOZ to free and fair elections in March. 
 
 
3.  (U)  Mugabe did not voice opposition to fair elections 
and indicated his understanding of Nigeria's position 
regarding the Commonwealth, Obasanjo said.  Attempting to 
show his commitment to a free and fair contest but 
maintaining his animus towards London, Mugabe stated he would 
allow all EU and Commonwealth election observers, except for 
the UK, Obasanjo noted.  The door would also open to the 
foreign press to cover the election, except for UK-based 
media. 
 
 
4.  (C) Obasanjo reported that the Africa Union would form a 
Foreign Ministers task force, which would presumably include 
Nigeria's Lamido, to meet on Zimbabwe. The group would meet 
February 10-11. 
 
 
5.  (C) In an effort to ease political tensions and to give 
the public a sign that reconciliation was possible, Obasanjo 
tried to broker a meeting between Mugabe and MDC leader 
Tsvangirai; however, Mugabe rejected the offer. 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
6.  (C) Obasanjo concluded the pull aside, stating that he 
briefed Tsvangirai on his meeting with Mugabe and that the 
MDC leader seemed pleased. 
Jeter