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