US embassy cable - 05MASERU365

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Identifier:	05MASERU365
Wikileaks:	View 05MASERU365 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Maseru
Created:	2005-07-15 12:26:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Tags:	PGOV PREL LT OVIP HIV
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS MASERU 000365 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR AF/S - D. MOZENA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, PREL, LT, OVIP, HIV 
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF HIGH LEVEL ISSUES WITH MFA 
 
 
1.  (SBU) Ambassador briefed Minister of Foreign Affairs 
Moleleki on the brief private visit of Former President Clinton 
and announced that OGAC Coordinator Ambassador Randall Tobias 
was expected in country soon for an official visit.  The 
Minister was pleased with the detailed coordination between the 
Embassy and MFA.  The Minister spoke glowingly about the 
specific steps the USG has taken to address the HIV/AIDS problem 
in Lesotho and indicated that his government would try to be 
responsive on a number of bilateral fronts as well.  In that 
regard, he stated that the Deputy Prime Minister had moved from 
a negative position concerning the Article 98 Agreement, that 
the Attorney General who had previously voiced legal concerns 
was less adamant in his stance and that the Cabinet hoped to 
move the Prime Minister in a more positive direction in the 
coming months.  (Note:  During July 11 meeting with Minister of 
Foreign Affairs, the Ambassador presented additional legal 
information as provided by the Department to the Minister for 
his review and for the review of his legal advisors.  End Note.) 
 
2.  (SBU) In light of the high profile visits and continued work 
on the ground with new Embassy resources devoted to the HIV/AIDS 
sector, the Minister thought that the bilateral relationship had 
reached a new high.  We responded that we are certainly 
committed to addressing the AIDS pandemic across Africa 
generally, and specifically in Lesotho.  Our bilateral 
relationship had to be based on mutual understanding and respect 
and we would continue to engage the government on a range of 
issues.  The Minister stated that he recognized the need for 
reciprocity and the need to be responsive to U.S. concerns as 
well. 
 
3.  (SBU) Comment:  We expect that the positive tone of upcoming 
visits will benefit USG objectives.  End Comment. 
 
PERRY