
** A/S Carson opened the meeting by expressing USG's desire to improve the bilateral relationship with the GSE and urged Eritrea to stop immediately from playing a spoiler role in Somalia by proving financial and logistical assistance to al-Shabaab.
** Yemane welcomed Carson's offer for a renewed relationship and said it is long overdue. He then firmly denied providing support to al-Shabaab and said the GSE is playing a constructive role in Somalia. In response, A/S Carson stated, "We categorically reject that you are innocent and believe you are the supplier of resources going into the hands of al-Shabaab." He directly linked Eritrea to al-Shabaab's success in Somalia, and called on Eritrea to cease supporting violent extremists, not only in perception but in reality, if a reinvigorated and positive bilateral relationship with the U.S. is truly a priority for the GSE. "The choice is yours. The only thing we can do is encourage you to do the right thing," Carson added. In response, Yemane and FM Osman Saleh continued Eritrea's longstanding denial of GSE support of al-Shabaab. The FM further retorted that linking Eritrea to al-Shaabab is unacceptable.
** Yemane defined the GSE's objective as creating a strong, unified Somali state, then faulted Ethiopia for dividing Somalia. Yemane insisted the only way forward was to establish an all-inclusive (including Somaliland and Puntland), Somali-driven dialogue supported by the international community. He asserted that all other methods have failed. Yemane criticized the Djibouti talks for not allowing other Somali political players to accompany TFG President Sheikh Sharif to the meetings. By lending its support to Sheikh Sharif, he claimed the international community was sending the wrong message. This message, he stated, encouraged Sheikh Sharif to pursue a military option rather than negotiate with opposition. Yemane called AMISOM a "weak peacekeeping force" that will not succeed without the support of all protagonists in Somalia. A/S Carson rejected Yemane's analysis, accused the Eritreans of not supporting a more inclusive Somali process and challenged the GSE to help build an all-inclusive dialogue within the TFG framework.
** Carson closed the meeting by encouraging the GSE to speak out against al-Shabaab, end its support for Somali extremists and move forward with constructive actions. Yemane replied, "We will be constructive. Regardless of our relationship with the United States, Somalia is very important to us and we will work toward a peaceful solution."