US embassy cable - 02COLOMBO1990

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 001990 
 
SIPDIS 
 
OFFICIAL INFORMAL 
 
DEPT FOR SA/INS FROM AMBASSADOR WILLS 
 
E.O. 12958:  DECL:  10-24-12 
TAGS: AMGT, CE, Maldives 
SUBJECT:  OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 148 (10-24-02) 
 
Classified by DCM Lewis Amselem, Reasons 1.5 (b, d) 
 
CONTENTS:  GAYOOM VISIT 
           RODRIGO RECALL 
           ICC 
 
GAYOOM VISIT 
------------ 
1.  (C) We have the following points for you to use 
regarding President Gayoom's request for a meeting with 
President Bush: 
 
-- In his almost 25 years in power, President Gayoom has 
been very friendly to the U.S., and the Maldives has 
consistently used OIC, UN, and other fora to stake out 
moderate positions. 
 
-- Under Gayoom, the Maldives has been an eager member of 
the international coalition against terrorism, 
immediately condemning the September 11 terrorist attacks 
and offering the U.S. any help it needed.  (Note:  This 
may not seem like much now months after the horrendous 
event, but right after September 11 it was something that 
was deeply appreciated.) 
 
-- After September 11, for example, Gayoom allowed U.S. 
forces blanket overflight and ship clearances.  This was 
important as the Maldives lies due north of the U.S. base 
at Diego Garcia. 
 
-- The Maldives could prove similarly helpful if military 
action against Iraq proves unavoidable. 
 
-- As far as we are aware, no Maldivian leader has ever 
met with a U.S. President since the country gained 
independence from the UK in 1965.  In the run-up to the 
Gulf War, then-Secretary Baker briefly stopped in Male to 
rally support.  That was apparently the highest level 
contact between the two countries.  As a friendly 
country, the Maldivians -- in requesting a high-level 
meeting -- clearly want to upgrade ties. 
 
-- Given these factors, we think that a meeting between 
Gayoom and President Bush deserves very serious 
consideration.  If the President is not available, we 
would then suggest a meeting with the Vice President. 
 
-- While we understand that a meeting may not be 
possible, we guarantee that the Maldivians -- who do not 
request much from us -- will be hurt if we do not come up 
with a good reason for a turn down of its request.  Any 
hint that we are giving short shrift to the Maldives 
because it is a small state will be noticed and resented. 
 
(POL) 
 
RODRIGO RECALL 
-------------- 
2.  (U) Per your o/i note, we have requested the dipnote 
from the MFA withdrawing Nihal Rodrigo's name. (POL) 
 
ICC WAIVER 
---------- 
 
3. (C)  You'll see our front channel report on the latest 
twist and turn in the ICC saga.  The MFA continues to put 
on the stall.  Let us know ASAP Washington's views on the 
latest proposal from the MFA; meanwhile, we're going to 
take it up at the political level again. (DCM) 
 
WILLS