[ETH] Message to the US

[Odinson]

"Then that would put us at $1.6-billion total," the Ambassador said, somewhat feeling like a saleswoman. "But before you write a check, there is something else I wanted to discuss with you... I think that our governments have, so far, worked together. In the negotiations with Eritrea, the State Department believes that your government showed itself to be a level-headed and reasonable player on the international stage. The White House is interested in expanding the relationship between our countries. I have been asked to request that the United States be allowed to establish a military base in this area," she said as she took out a printed map from her briefcase (12.892388, 42.896018).

"Having a military base near the Bab al-Mandab Strait would be strategically important for the United States. Not only that, but it give us an avenue to work together militarily in joint-trainign exercises and give the United States a point of focus to help defend Ethiopia, and its new territories, if they were ever under threat," she said.

"The primary focus of this facility would be for naval assets, possible with a landing strip and moderately-sized ground base contingent. Do you think this is something that your government would be willing to consider?" she asked.

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"We will transfer the 1.6bn USD as soon as possible then. Is there any date of expiry before we have to produce all authorized systems?

As for the other, big, issue. It is not something I can give you an answer at the moment. You must understand that this is a very delicate issue, even more considering Ethiopia's policy of neutrality.

May I suggest we arrange a meeting ina couple of days to discuss this further to give us some time to analyze and also include other minsitries in the discussion?"

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"The date of expiry for the Limited Production License is December 31, 2003," Ambassador Rice said.

"I understand that your government may need some time to prepare for a discussion on that matter. I would be happy to return in a couple of days so that we can have a formal discussion on the matter. Just to add, I think that it would be of great benefit to both of our countries... Is there anything else that you wish to discuss?" she asked.

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

After a few days had passed from the meeting at the Minsitry of Defence, the US ambassador to Ethiopia would be invited to a new one, this time at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to discuss the US request.

They would be informed that people from both, the minitry of foreign affairs and defence would be present. Logistical detials would be privately shared with Ambassador Rice's secretary.

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

After the few days had passed, Ambassador Rice's office sent secure details to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs informing them when and where she would be arriving (per their invitation). She had her usual briefcase with her which contained some documents, proposals, and writing utensils that she could use during the meeting. The Ambassador arrived on time and at the designated place with her security. Using the details provided by the Ethiopian foreign ministry, she would enter into the building at the appropriate place along with her security detail and wait to be escorted to the correct meeting room. It was notable that Ambassador Rice (and the State Department for that matter) had not taken the time to bring in a representative from the Department of Defense. This was, in short, because Ambassador's Rice wasn't just some political appointee for being a wealth donor to President Gore's campaign - she was a highly competent, educated woman and a capable diplomat.

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

Once again, Minister Belay would be waiting at his office and cordialyl greet Ambassador Rice upon arrival. Colleagues from the Ministry of Defence would be there as well.

"Ambassador, I'm happy to see you again, let me star tby thanking the continuous US support to help modernize our armed forces. The Minister of Defence always speakes highly of you.

Please, come in, take a seat, I understand we have some important issues to talk."

The meeting would be private.

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Ambassador Rice greeted Minister Belay as she entered. "It is a pleasure to see you again, Minister Belay. I am happy to hear that we are assisting Ethiopia in being able to defend itself and be a stabilizing force in the region. I appreciate that you, and your colleagues, have taken the time to meet with me," she said to him genuinely. The Ambassador introduced herself to the representatives from the Ministry of Defense and, if offered, would take a seat to begin negotiations with the Ethiopians.

"I think that our governments have, so far, worked well together. In the negotiations with Eritrea, the State Department believes that your government showed itself to be a level-headed and reasonable player on the international stage. The White House is interested in expanding the relationship between our countries. I have been asked to request that the United States be allowed to establish a military base in this area," she said as she took out a printed map from her briefcase and showed the area of (12.892388, 42.896018).

"Having a military base near the Bab al-Mandab Strait would be strategically important for the United States. Not only that, but it would give us an avenue to work together militarily in joint-training exercises and give the United States a point of focus to help defend Ethiopia, and its new territories, if they were ever under threat," she said.

"The primary focus of this facility would be for naval assets, along with a landing strip and moderately-sized ground base contingent. Do you think this is something that your government would be willing to consider?" she asked.

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"Ambassador, we strongly believe that the US is a beacon of stability and one of the undisputed global leading nations. From our point of view, we could not have achieved our current level of progress in our modernization program, both economically as well as military, without the support from Washington DC, and the trust given to us by your officials at different levels.

This is why it took us so long to consider your proposal, we do owe your country a lot. However, the request, although reasonable, does enter in conflict with our policy of neutrality in international affairs. In the recent years we did receive similar requests from other nations, which we had to turn down. We fear that if we accept a formal US military base within our country, we might endanger our position.

As such, we must reject your petition. But, we would like to offer you an alternative in the form of a special arrangement to grant US military vessels and crews priority and special access to our port facilities on the Red Sea. The details and range of them can be discussed once we have an idea of the size and terms of the planned deployments.

We hope you understand our position."

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

"That is indeed disappointing to hear," Ambassador Rice said.

"The purpose of this facility would be, in part, to ensure the security of Ethiopia. Your country now has to face a new geopolitical reality that you have direct and open access to both the Red Sea and, in just a short distance over the Red Sea, Yemen and Saudi Arabia. Egypt, which has been especially aggressive towards its neighbors recently, also has access to the Red Sea. Moreover, I hope that you would agree that it would be in international interest to allow the United States to have some kind of sustained presence in the Red Sea. While I understand that your government is concerned about Ethiopia's perceived position of neutrality, perhaps a more modest naval facility could allow for an American presence while also not leaving such a massive imprint. We have supported your government in negotiations for your new territory, and we have offered a significant amount of military equipment to your government, sometimes at an exceptionally reduced cost. I feel like we have taken several steps to improve our mutual relations and show that we are willing to work with your government, I hope that we can kind to some kind of an agreement with a permanent facility," she said.

Naio90

 

[Naio90]

"We understand your position and even partially agree to it. however, we cannot compromise our foreign policy with the proposal the way its presented by your Government. We are willing to find a suitable alternative hwoever, in the form of an annualy renewable leasing contract for the exclusive use of port facilities in Assab. If you could provide aproximate information regarding the size of your planned deployment, we might be able to present you with a draft proposal."

Odinson

 

[Naio90]

Odinson

 

[Odinson]

Private​

"Unfortunately, I do not think that is something that our government would be interested in at this time. However, the United States appreciates your offer and your willingness to come to some kind of agreement. That is all that I have to discuss, thank you very much for your time," she said. If there was nothing else to add from her Ethiopian colleagues, Ambassador Rice would return to the American Embassy and securely inform the State Department of the result of the meeting. Notes from the meeting, including what was offered and what was discussed, would be securely filed away in the Embassy in case it needed to be referenced in the future.

Naio90