Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03SANAA37
2003-01-06 14:35:00
SECRET
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

YEMEN FOREIGN MINISTER ON COUNTER-TERRORISM,

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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)

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