(C) KUWAIT PRIME MINISTER CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 005181

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/12/2013
TAGS: PREL PTER IR KU
SUBJECT: (C) KUWAIT PRIME MINISTER CONFIRMS SUPPORT FOR
IRAQ RECONSTRUCTION

Classified By: CDA Frank C. Urbancic. Reason 1.5 (b).


1. (C) In a courtesy call on November 10 in preparation for
the Ambassador's departure for temporary duty in Baghdad,
Kuwait Prime Minister Sabah Al-Ahmed confirmed that Kuwait is
committed to Iraq reconstruction. He said that unlike other
countries, all of Kuwait's remaining $500 million commitment
would be in the form of grants: $100 million from the Fund
for Iraq and $400 million from the Kuwait Fund. The GOK had
decided, Sabah said, to concentrate on education and health
care in Iraq. "We will build schools and hospitals and will
spend our own money to do it," explaining that Kuwait wanted
to leave lasting reminders of its generosity to influence
future generations of Iraquis to have a positive image of the
country. He also said that Kuwait was open to discussion
with the IGC what other priorities should be considered.
Everything is on the table "except arms." We won't be giving
any weapons to anybody in Iraq," he confirmed.


2. (C) Sabah also wished the Ambassador well in his new
assignment. While his departure imposed personal sacrifice
"we are all counting on you and you can count on us to work
with you for the mutual benefit of all our countries."
URBANCIC