VZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHAB #0396/01 1701629 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 181629Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4317 INFO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0210 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABIDJAN 000396  SIPDIS  E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2018  TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SOCI UN IV SUBJECT: THE NEW BLE GOUDE  Classified By: POL/ECON SECTION CHIEF SILVIA EIRIZ FOR REASONS 1.4 (B/D  ).

(C) Summary. Charles Ble Goude, leader of COJEP  (PanAfrican Congress of Young Patriots), is one of three  Ivorians under United Nations (UN) Security Council  sanctions. However, an offensive seems to be underway,  bolstered by the presidential camp, to re-shape Ble Goude's  public image and portray him as a future statesman. Ble  Goude's transformation began with his national tour in 2007  to promote reconciliation. He has gained prominence recently  by launching a foundation that provides skills training and  employment for youth. All indications are that President  Gbagbo and some of his closest advisors continue to embrace  this divisive and controversial figure. End Summary.  ¶2. (U) Ble Goude was placed under UN sanctions on February 7,  2006 for repeated public statements advocating violence  against UN installations, UN personnel, and foreigners, as  well as directing and participating in acts of violence by  street militias, including beatings, rapes, and extrajudicial  killings. The UN determined that he intimidated the UN, the  International Working Group (IWG), the political opposition,  and the independent press and sabotaged international radio  stations. The UN also found that he was an obstacle to the  action of the IWG, the United Nations Operation in Cote  d'Ivoire (UNOCI), the French forces, and the peace process as  defined by resolution 1643 of 2005. ......

Source: WIKILEAKS