UNCLAS SANAA 000588

SIPDIS

TREASURY TASK FORCE FOR TERESA RUTLEDGE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ECON EFIN ETTC PREL YM
SUBJECT: ROYG APPROACHED TO FREEZE IRAQI ASSETS

REF: A. STATE 75235

B. STATE 74249

During 3/24 meeting with Abdul-Salam Al-Awadi, Chief of MFA's
Americas Office, DCM solicited ROYG cooperation in
identifying, freezing, and ultimately transferring Iraqi
government funds for the benefit of the people of Iraq (ref
B). Awadi took note of the request and indicated he would
refer it to decision-making levels of the ROYG. He asked for
clarification on whether this action would affect Iraqi
government accounts, Iraqi civilian accounts, or both. DCM
reiterated that our request pertained solely to Iraqi
government accounts. Awadi had no information on the
accuracy of reftel's cited figure for Iraqi assets in Yemen
($23.45 million) per 6/91 declaration to the UN.

HULL