INCREASING YEMENI SUPPORT FOR IRAQI GOVERNMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002316

SIPDIS

PASS TO NEA FOR DIBBLE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2013
TAGS: PREL YM IZ
SUBJECT: INCREASING YEMENI SUPPORT FOR IRAQI GOVERNMENT

REF: A. SANAA 2187

B. FBIS RESTON - 031907Z SEP 03

C. SANAA 1818

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull for reasons 1.5 (b and d)


1. (c) On September 15, the DCM discussed Iraq and other
issues with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Under Secretary
Hussein Taher bin Yahia, who said that the ROYG would welcome
a visit by the Iraqi Governing Council (IGC) "with open
arms," and that plans for such travel would most likely be
arranged through Yemen's mission in Baghdad. The DCM
commended Yemen's support of the Iraqi delegation at the Arab
League ministerial in Cairo, September 12-14.


2. (c) Pol/Econ Chief and Pol/Econoff met with Ministry of
Foreign Affairs Director of the Americas Office Abdulsalem
Qassim al-Awadhi on September 9 to deliver several unrelated
demarches (septels). During the meeting, al-Awadhi previewed
that the ROYG was joining other Arab countries in support for
allowing IGC a seat at the table for the Arab League meeting
of foreign ministers. He noted that the main purpose of the
recent visit of Syrian Vice President Khaddam was to discuss
Iraq. Note: This is in contrast to press reports and a
Syrian diplomat in Sanaa who claimed the main purpose of the
visit was bilateral relations. End note. When asked about
whether the IGC would visit Yemen, al-Awadhi said that the
ROYG is prepared to welcome the Council and there has been
some speculation that the IGC will visit Yemen and other
countries after the Arab League meeting, but no firm plans
have been discussed.


3. (u) Background: On or about August 28, the ROYG announced
that it would recognize the Iraqi cabinet. Several days
later the Yemen Government officially welcomed the formation
of an Iraqi government under U.S. civilian supervision (ref
b). Local press reports that in a recent satellite
television interview Foreign Minister Qirbi reaffirmed the
ROYG position that U.S. and British forces should withdraw
from Iraq and said that the Arab League and the UN should
provide the groundwork for any new Iraqi constitution. End
background.


3. (c) Comment: Yahia's and al-Awahdi's seemingly
enthusiastic support for a visit by the IGC is a welcome
development, but it does not appear that the government is
extending an invitation to the Council so much as expecting
that it will include Yemen in any as-yet-unannounced official
travel plans (ref a). End comment.
HULL