US embassy cable - 05DJIBOUTI623

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 DJIBOUTI 000623 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AF AND AF/E; 
LONDON, PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHER; 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, KDEM, ECON, DJ 
SUBJECT: 28TH DJIBOUTIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY - GUELLEH'S 
PRIORITIES 
 
1. (U) Summary: On the 27th June, after the traditional 
military parade, President Ismail Omar Guelleh and his wife 
hosted a garden party for government employees, members of 
Parliament, the diplomatic corps, and large numbers of the 
population. At the event, Guelleh gave two speeches 
traditional for this occasion, one in French for the 
international audience and one in Somali for the Djiboutian 
people. Speaking in French, Guelleh focused on Djibouti's 
economic aspirations and outlined five elements necessary 
for an effective and competitive economic strategy. 
Somalia, Darfur, Israel, the Palestinian areas, and Iraq 
were also main points of interest in the French speech. 
Speaking in Somali, Guelleh addressed regional and 
international issues of importance. He asked his Somali 
neighbors to put aside tribal differences and proceed with 
relocation and reconstruction. He asked the youth of 
Djibouti to continue their responsibility to develop the 
country. Guelleh also announced in his Somali speech that 
Djibouti would send troops to Darfur, but did not specify a 
time frame. End Summary. 
 
2. (U) The festivities for Djibouti's 28th Independence Day 
included a military parade and a garden reception for the 
government and diplomatic corps. Traditionally, President 
Guelleh gives one speech in French targeted at both the 
national and international communities and one in Somali 
targeted only towards the Djiboutian people. Guelleh's 
speech in French outlined five elements necessary to an 
effective and competitive economic growth for Djibouti. 
 
3. (U) Guelleh's first element was the need to invest in 
Djiboutians. He said Djiboutian investors need to be backed 
so they can perform in regional markets. The government has 
done an evaluation of competencies in order to improve 
training, push for an increase in literacy, and improve 
professional skills and attitudes. 
 
4. (U) The second element was the need for Djibouti to 
innovate. The government will invigorate access to 
financing for young companies by creating appropriate 
financial instruments or specialized funds in capital- 
risks. Guelleh said the government is studying ways to 
facilitate procedures in order to convert the spirit of 
initiative into dynamic enterprises, concrete action, 
enhanced employment, and bring regional and international 
vocational exchanges back to Djibouti. 
 
5. (U) The third element was to simplify business 
arrangements. Transparency and discipline plus a flexible 
regulation policy will allow Djibouti to reach its 
objectives. Guelleh said, "We should be able to offer the 
world of business a modern and secure judicial 
environment." 
 
6. (U) The fourth element was moving the government towards 
regional development. This included focusing attention on 
regional economics through reinforcement of capacities, 
support for local communities, and development of Port and 
road infrastructures. 
 
7. (U) The fifth element was promoting commerce and 
investments. With considerable investments, Djibouti will 
be able to support growth and create quality-based 
employment. By improving the economic environment, 
installing a competitive taxation policy, rigorous 
budgetary discipline, and easy access to financement, these 
goals will be reached. 
 
8. (U) Guelleh reiterated his commitment to finalize 
regional elections before the end of 2005. He congratulated 
the Ethiopian leaders for allowing a peaceful electoral 
organization. He paid tribute to Sudanese authorities for 
their commitment to a peaceful resolution of South-Sudan 
and Darfur conflicts. Guelleh also exhorted Israel to 
respect international accords so Palestinian people could 
live in freedom in a Palestinian state where Jerusalem is 
its capital.  He also expressed his wish to see people of 
Iraq attain social peace supported by the new institutions 
that they created. 
 
9. (U) In Somali, he welcomed the Somali Prime Minister, 
Ali Mohamed Guedi, and the President of the Somali National 
Assembly, Sharif Hassan Cheikh Adan, who were present in 
Djibouti. He encouraged the Somali leaders not to let 
tribal animosity compete with reconstruction priorities. He 
urged them to end their internal fights and proceed with 
relocation and reconstruction efforts. 
 
10. (U) He also addressed some words to youth of Djibouti, 
born in 1977 and who are now mature and already have 
families in some cases. He told them that their elders have 
left them a peaceful and modern country, and the young 
generation must now take the lead and pursue the building 
of the nation. Guelleh also paid a grand tribute to the 
first president of Djibouti after independence, Hassan 
Gouled Aptidon, whose determination and sacrifice were 
essential to building the nation. He wished Aptidon long 
life and good health so he may see the fruits of his 
efforts. 
RAGSDALE