YEMEN FOREIGN MINISTER ON COUNTER-TERRORISM,

S E C R E T SANAA 000037 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/05/2013 TAGS: PTER PGOV PREL ADCO ADPM YM COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: YEMEN FOREIGN MINISTER ON COUNTER-TERRORISM, SCUDS, POUCHES AND PROGRAMS REF: A. SANAA 3853 ¶B. SANAA 4024 Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull for Reasons 1.5 (b,d) ¶1. (S) Summary: The Ambassador met with Foreign Minister Qirby on January 5 at the MFA to follow-up on the SCUDS and pouch issues and to discuss counter-terrorism cooperation and upcoming USG programs. Also present were MFA advisor al-Iryani, A/DCM and A/PolEcon Chief (notetaker). ¶2. (S) The Ambassador expressed appreciation for the ROYG's practical and political response to the tragedy in Jibla last week, including the condolences received and the ROYG's efforts to galvanize public opinion to counter terror. Recent ROYG efforts include a government report to parliament, an unusual cabinet meeting chaired by Saleh after the Jibla incident and a meeting of Islamic scholars (ulema) to denounce terror (septel). The FM agreed that mobilizing public opinion was very important, noting that the ROYG cannot fight terrorism without popular support and a comprehensive approach that includes economic development and educational reform. Qirby said that the U.S.-ROYG relationship should be expanded. The Ambassador agreed with the notion of a comprehensive approach and mentioned several ongoing and future initiatives that the USG is undertaking in development, including the hospital in Marib, expanded work in Beihan and al-Jowf and the return of USAID. ¶3. (S) The Ambassador reported to Qirby continuing acute interest in Washington in finalizing understanding on North Korean-Yemeni arms deals. Given his role in managing the crisis, the Secretary was interested in a clear understanding that would avoid any future problem. Ambassador then pressed for the ROYG's response letter in the exchange of letters to close the loop on the SCUDs issue (ref b). Qirby said that President Saleh instructed him to facilitate a meeting for the Ambassador with the Minister of Defense to get accurate details on any remaining shipments of parts and to formulate the ROYG's response letter. Ambassador said we would hold that meeting soonest. ¶4. (S) Qirby agreed to study a more detailed Embassy request to facilitate diplomatic pouches, including "belly loads" (ref A). ¶5. (S) The Ambassador briefed the FM on the special IV program for presidential and MFA protocol officers and on the NESA seminar being organized to assist the ROYG in developing a national military strategy. Qirby expressed appreciation for both initiatives. ¶6. (S) Qirby brought up the notion of developing mechanisms for dialogue and said he was developing a plan to establish working teams. The Ambassador noted a possible visit from A/S Burns and/or Qirby's next visit to Washington as good starting points. ¶7. (S) Comment: Qirby's promotion of a meeting with the MOD may indicate he wants an authoritative statement of Yemen's arms relationship with North Korea and/or he wants the Embassy to do the ROYG interagency coordination of this issue. We have already requested a meeting with the MOD to follow up. End Comment. HULL