YEMEN PONDERS NAJAF STATEMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002186 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/02/2013 TAGS: KPAO PREL PTER YM SUBJECT: YEMEN PONDERS NAJAF STATEMENT REF: SECSTATE 250578 Classified By: Charge Alan Misenheimer for reasons 1.5(b,d). ¶1. (c) Pol/Econoff met with Abdul Hakim Al-Iryani, assistant to Foreign Minister Qirbi, on September 1 to discuss a number of Iraq-related issues, including the August 28 car bombing in Najaf. Drawing on reftel, Pol/Econoff noted the apparent absence, in local media or diplomatic channels, of a ROYG statement denouncing the attack in Najaf. Iryani admitted that he was unaware of any ROYG statement, but would confer with the appropriate individuals to see if such a statement would be forthcoming. ¶2. (u) Yemeni media have carried statements by Yemeni Shia groups denouncing the Najaf bombing. ¶3. (c) Pol/Econoff also asked if Iryani believed a statement denouncing the attack in Najaf would be issued during the upcoming AL meetings in Cairo. He agreed on the gravity of the attack, but was uncertain if such a statement was planned. MISENHEIMER