Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
03ABUDHABI3993 | 2003-09-02 12:28:00 | SECRET//NOFORN | Embassy Abu Dhabi |
null Diana T Fritz 03/20/2007 05:33:30 PM From DB/Inbox: Search Results Cable Text: SECRET SIPDIS TELEGRAM September 02, 2003 To: No Action Addressee Action: Unknown From: AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI (ABU DHABI 3993 - UNKNOWN) TAGS: PREL, PGOV, PARM, MOPS Captions: None Subject: SCENESETTER FOR GENERAL BUCHANAN'S VISIT TO THE UAE Ref: None _________________________________________________________________ S E C R E T ABU DHABI 03993 SIPDIS CXABU: ACTION: POL INFO: DAO USLO P/M ECON RSO AMB DCM DISSEMINATION: POL CHARGE: PROG APPROVED: CDA:RAALBRIGHT DRAFTED: POL:JFMAYBURY CLEARED: USLO:RSIMM VZCZCADI035 OO RUEOBBA RUEHC RUCAACC DE RUEHAD #3993/01 2451228 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 021228Z SEP 03 FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI TO RUEOBBA/USCENTAF SHAW AFB SC//CC/A5// IMMEDIATE INFO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1503 RUCAACC/USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ5// |
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 003993 |
1. (U) Classified by Richard A. Albright, Charge d'Affaires, a.i., for reasons 1.5 (B) and (D). 2. (S) General Buchanan: On behalf of Ambassador Wahba, who is out of country until September 4, I would like to welcome you to the UAE. Your visit comes at a time of unprecedented Emirati cooperation for Operation Enduring Freedom and of exemplary UAE support for Iraq's reconstruction. The Emiratis and the U.S. mission to the UAE are looking forward to your visit. 3. (S) This will be your first opportunity to meet Major General Khaled Bin Adbullah al-Buainnan, Commander of the UAE AF/AD. During your meeting with him, you may meet one, or both, of his Deputy Commanders, Brigadier Abdallah Said al-Hashmi and Brigadier Mohammed Sweidan al-Qamzi. Post considered a meeting with UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff LTG Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed al-Nahyan (MbZ), but the Emiratis preferred that General Khaled introduce you to MbZ at a subsequent meeting. 4. (S) General Khaled last visited the U.S. in mid- May during which time he met with CSAF General Jumper, and discussed remote sensing and the E2C Hawkeye. In September, General Khaled will be attending the Global Air Chiefs Conference in Washington, D.C. -------------------------- SUGGESTED THEMES -------------------------- 5. (S) We propose that you touch on the following key bilateral military issues, in addition to the more general themes outlined below in para six: -- Provide a "look-ahead" on our likely CENTAF footprint both in the UAE specifically and the region more generally; -- Be prepared to engage with the Emiratis about their vision of the F-16 program as a first step in a strategic bilateral partnership with the U.S. -- Express our enthusiasm about the validation course at the Air Warfare Center, now tentatively scheduled for December 2003. The Center will be a model for multilateral training in the region. -- Express our appreciation for the UAE offer to fund the "Al Dhafra Air Defense" site. (Involves relocation of US housing facilities for Force Protection concerns.) -- Reiterate General Moseley's appreciation for General Khaled's assistance in facilitating the bed down of US aircraft at Al Dhafra Air Base during OIF. -- The Dubai Air Show takes place December 7-11, and will be preceded by a UAE-hosted Air Chiefs' Conference. The UAE Government regards this as a major event and expects strong US support and presence. You can anticipate a request to provide both a static display and demonstration aircraft for the Air Show, as well as topics and briefings for the Air Chiefs' Conference. 6. (S) More broadly, you may also wish to: -- Express thanks for the UAE's exemplary support for U.S. and coalition efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, namely access to bases and logistical support, including air and sealift of Bulgarian troops to Iraq, the UAE SOC deployment at Bagram, as well as extensive intelligence coordination; -- Pass on our gratitude for the UAE's generous humanitarian assistance, especially the UAE Armed Force's establishment of the very successful Sheikh Zayed hospital in Baghdad and the UAE's efforts to re-supply with equipment and medicine other Iraqi hospitals and the provision of basic foodstuffs to the Iraqi people. -------------------------- BILATERAL MILITARY ISSUES -------------------------- Regional Footprint: -------------------------- 7. (S) If appropriate, we recommend that you outline CENTAF's likely regional footprint. The Emiratis have expressed openness for a more robust US presence in the region, including an alternate Air Force command center in the UAE. Air Warfare Center -------------------------- 8. (S) The Gulf Air Warfare Center at Al-Dhafra Air Base is an important initiative. The Center has tremendous potential to become a resource for multilateral training, defense cooperation, and compatibility. There are two issues we wish to highlight. First, the inaugural class is being delayed from October until December because of construction issues and UAE attempts to expand the scope of the original syllabus. Second, Major General Khaled insists that the US Deputy Commandant should not out-rank the UAE Commandant (a Lieutenant Colonel). E2C Hawkeye - (If raised) -------------------------- 9. (S) The Emiratis are intent on purchasing the E2C Hawkeye. The original LOA lapsed in June without their signature. However, they issued a Letter of Intent saying they are still studying the Hawkeye, and deposited $5 million as a placeholder. The Emiratis are working with Northrop Grumman and the Naby to revise the LOA and they hope to have that done prior to the Dubai Air Show in December. Predator Update -- (If Raised) -------------------------- 10. (S) The UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff raised his desire to procure the Predator B during his meetings in Washington in July. He believes this system will provide him with the much-needed capability for surveillance of the UAE's porous coast and remote inland borders. Be prepared to respond. ALBRIGHT |