RESCHEDULING FOR MEPI TRADE ASSISTANCE CONTRACTORS

UNCLAS KUWAIT 003288

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/RA, NEA/ARP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID OTRA ETRD KU
SUBJECT: RESCHEDULING FOR MEPI TRADE ASSISTANCE CONTRACTORS

REF: A. STATE 209690

B. KUWAIT 3256

C. ABU DHABI 3389


1. Kuwait notes Ref C request that due to staff limitations,
Abu Dhabi asks MEPI-funded contractors Emad Tinawi and Lori
Brock to delay their proposed visit to the UAE until 9-12
August. That rescheduling would leave a 3-5 August hole in
the MEPI team's travel plans.


2. Similarly, Kuwait has a staff shortage during the proposed
1-3 August visit here. DCM, Econ Chief and SCO will be out
of country. There is no Econ backup during Summer rotation.
FCS is understaffed and its chief FSN on annual leave.


3. In order to have an uninterrupted and productive travel
schedule that best fits to Posts' staff limitations, the MEPI
team could benefit by starting its travel with Saudi Arabia,
as scheduled now, followed by UAE and then the others.


4. Please advise.
JONES