US embassy cable - 04SANAA3144

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 003144 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2014 
TAGS: PREL, ER, ET, YM, HOA 
SUBJECT: NEW CHAPTER IN YEMEN-ERITREA RELATIONS? 
 
REF: SANAA 2942 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
1. (SBU) Summary. The December 8-10 visit to Sanaa by 
Eritrean president Isayas Afewerki is being touted as marking 
"a new page" in Yemen-Eritrea relations.  Since a fishing 
dispute over the Hunaish Islands erupted into armed conflict 
in 1995, Yemen-Eritrea relations have been icy.  Although the 
dispute was resolved through international arbitration in 
favor of Yemen in 1998, the ROYG has viewed Eritrean motives 
in the Horn of Africa (HOA) with mistrust.  During the visit, 
the two Presidents signed a fisheries agreement, held 
discussions on mutual security, and committed to signing 
eight additional cooperative agreements in Asmara in January. 
End Summary. 
 
2. (U) At a December 10 joint press conference, President 
Saleh claimed Afewerki's trip was unrelated to the 
unconfirmed skirmish between the two countries in the waters 
of the Hunaish Islands several weeks earlier (reftel).  Saleh 
told the press discussions with Afewerki focused on a new 
joint fisheries initiative and eight new bilateral agreements 
on investment, taxation, culture, trade and security. 
According to local press reports, the two Presidents had a 
closed-door meeting to discuss security and regional 
stability. 
 
3. (U) In an interview with Eritrean TV, Saleh offered his 
services as go-between for Eritrea and Ethiopia saying, "I do 
not call myself a mediator, but I am ready to help the two 
sides."  The next step in improving relations will be the 
January &Sanaa Gathering" meeting in Khartoum to be attended 
by Yemen, Ethiopia and Sudan.  (Note:  Saleh stated that the 
Sanaa Gathering is not against Eritrea but an economic 
meeting open to all.  In statements following the last 
gathering meeting in December of 2003, the Eritrea Government 
said the gathering "aims to asphyxiate Eritrea."  End Note.) 
 
4. (C)  Comment.  Afewerki's visit was scheduled on the heels 
of a November 21 incident during which the ROYG fired shots 
at an alleged Eritrean vessel that entered Yemeni territorial 
waters of the Hunaish Islands (reftel).  Immediately 
following the incident, Ambassador was called in by Vice 
President Hadi who requested U.S. Forces in HOA share any 
information they might have collected on the alledged 
Eritrean vessel, as well as on a possible Eritrean Naval 
buildup.  The timing of the Eritrean President's visit to 
Sanaa was likely no accident.  It may signal recognition by 
both sides that confidence-building measures are called for 
to prevent future maritime incidents from escalating 
unnecessarily.  End Comment. 
KRAJESKI