YEMEN: ASSISTANCE FOR CIVIL DISORDER MANAGEMENT

UNCLAS SANAA 000690

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

INL FOR PAUL SIMONS, S/CT FOR COFER BLACK, DS FOR FRANK
TAYLOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER YM
SUBJECT: YEMEN: ASSISTANCE FOR CIVIL DISORDER MANAGEMENT
(CDM)


1. (SBU) I am requesting your support for Civil Disorder
Management (CDM) training for Yemen. There are at least
three salient considerations:

-- Yemeni efforts against Al-Qa'ida elements, especially
over the last eight months, have been sustained and
increasingly successful.
-- Despite President Salih's differences with us over Iraq
and the troubled regional climate, Salih has shown steady
resolve to protect American personnel and facitilies.
-- When push came to shove during the March 21 violent
demonstration heading toward the Embassy, Salih and Yemeni
security forces gave no sign of flinching, even when lethal
force had to be used.


2. (SBU) With my encouragement, staff here have been in
touch informally with INL and S/CT regarding training
possibilities. Not surprisingly, FY-03 training budgets are
already earmarked, and indeed we are told FY-04 plans are
well advanced. Sometimes plans fall through, however, and
countries are unable to participate in training programs
already approved. Against that contingency, I would like to
express my strong support, as soon as possible, for a Civil
Disorder Management (CDM) Program for Yemen.


3. (SBU) Such an INL-funded program would provide essential
in-country training for Central Security Organization
commanders, and follow-up training and essential equipment
for Central Security Organization (CSO -- the Ministry of
Interior's internal security body) cadres. The violent March
21 demonstration showed clear need, and I cannot think of a
more appropriate response to the ROYG's efforts to ensure the
safety of this mission during the recent violence. I am told
that training and equipment for about 150-175 personnel could
be done for an estimated $350,000.


4. (SBU) I recommend such a program be funded as early as
possible. Informally, we have been in touch with senior
working levels at the MOI, who indicate strong interest in
training possiblities; if/if opportunities materialize, On
that basis, Embassy would engage with the Minister of
Interior on necessary agreements to cover this activity
should a way forward be found for CDM for Yemen.


MISENHEIMER