Cohen in South Africa to bolster U.S. ties, influence

February 12, 2000
Web posted at: 9:20 p.m. EST (0220 GMT)

In this story: No 'arm twisting' on Congo Nigerian relations also key RELATED STORIES, SITES

From Military Affairs Correspondent Jamie McIntyre

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (CNN) -- U.S. Defense Secretary William Cohen is in South Africa for four days of talks aimed at developing better ties between the two nations and more stability in Africa.

Cohen, who arrived Saturday, will stress the importance of working with "regional partners" to help end conflicts and to promote democracy and economic reform in war-ravaged parts of the continent, U.S. officials said.

During his visit, Cohen is scheduled to meet with South African President Thabo Mbeki, Defense Minister Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota and former President Nelson Mandela.

No 'arm twisting' on Congo

Despite the goal of promoting regional stability, Pentagon officials said Cohen will not press South Africa to send peacekeeping troops to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the United Nations is considering deploying a 5,000-man force.

"We are not here to twist their arm to send in peacekeepers," said one U.S. official.

The United States is seeking improved military relations with South Africa, the continent's major military power, in order to advance common goals, according to officials traveling with Cohen.

Nigerian relations also key

U.S. officials said they are hoping that South Africa and newly democratic Nigeria will develop a partnership that would allow the United States to increase its influence in Africa.

Nigeria, the final stop on Cohen's trip, returned to democracy last May after nearly 16 years of military rule.

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Organization of African Unity Homepage
University of Pennsylvania - Department of African Studies
    •Ethiopia Page
    •Eritrea Page
Government of Eritrea (official site)
Eritrean Network Information Center
CyberEthiopia
The United Nations Home Page
    •Security Council resolution 1227 (1999) on the situation between Eritrea and Ethiopia
    •Security Council resolution 1226 (1999) on the situation between Eritrea/Ethiopia
Biography of Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen
CIA -- The World Factbook 1999 -- South Africa

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