Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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03KUWAIT627 | 2003-02-22 04:08:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Kuwait |
1. (C) Summary: On February 21, the Ambassador delivered reftel points to Kuwaiti Minister for Amiri Diwan Affairs Shaykh Nasser Mohammed, who assured him that the GOK fully understands the need to support UNSCR 1441 during the Non-Aligned Movement's (NAM) session in Kuala Lumpur. Shaykh Nasser said he had spoken with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, who had instructed the GOK delegation to push for the inclusion of 1441-specific language in the expected NAM statement on Iraq. In addition, Shaykh Nasser claimed Iraqi delegate Hasan al-Musawi had approached Arab NAM member-states seeking support, but had been largely rebuffed. End Summary. GOK to push 1441 language -------------------------- 2. (C) On February 21, the Ambassador reviewed the texts of two draft statements provided him by Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Shaykh Nasser Mohammed and now circulating in Kuala Lumpur (both have been faxed to the desk). Finding both texts lacking any specific references to UNSCR 1441 or Iraq's obligation to disarm, the Ambassador called Shaykh Nasser and expressed his concern that any NAM statement include language condemning Iraq's non-compliance with UNSCR 1441 and reaffirming Iraq's obligation to disarm (reftel). After speaking with First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaykh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah, Shaykh Nasser called the Ambassador back to inform him that FM Sabah concurs, and had instructed the GOK delegation in Kuala Lumpur -- now led by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah, who is well-versed on these issues -- to advocate for the inclusion of language calling upon the Iraqi regime to fully comply with resolution 1441. Iraqi envoy surrounded by "spies" -------------------------- 3. (C) During previous discussions on February 21, Shaykh Nasser told the Ambassador that Iraqi PermRep al-Musawi had approached delegates of Arab NAM member-states in a desperate effort to gain their support for Iraq. Calling the rest of the Iraqi delegation Saddam's "spies," Musawi told the delegates he was just doing his job and he feared for his safety should he return to Iraq without a NAM statement condemning the possible use of force in Iraq. According to Kuwaiti reports, Shaykh Nasser said, Syria, Sudan, Jordan and Lebanon had all told Musawi not to count on their support. In addition, the UAE delegate explained that his government would be acting in a unified position with other GCC states, not unilaterally. Of the countries Musawi approached, Nasser said, only Yemen had indicated it might be willing to support Iraq. The Minister suggested to the Ambassador that the U.S. might have more weight with Yemen than Kuwait. JONES |