UAE RESPONSE TO GREATER MIDDLE EAST INITIATIVE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 001255 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EAID KMPI TC SUBJECT: UAE RESPONSE TO GREATER MIDDLE EAST INITIATIVE REF: A) STATE 86312 B) ABU DHABI 923 C) ABU DHABI 906 ¶1. Per ref. A action request, post has forwarded the short papers outlining the GME proposals and cover letter to appropriate host country officials for their review. Post will provide UAEG responses to the proposals as they become available. ¶2. During the March 21 Strategic Partnership meetings (see refs B and C),A/S Burns discussed the GME with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Shaykh Khalifa bin Zayed (KbZ) and Information and Culture Minister Shaykh Abdullah bin Zayed (AbZ). ¶3. KbZ stated his disappointment that the GME concept was exploited by some who accused the U.S. of trying to impose reform on the region. He agreed that each country should set its own priorities, and said that the UAE would welcome recommendations for reform once shown how it would benefit this society. He agreed with Burns' recommendations for educational reforms in the UAE to promote greater economic opportunities. ¶4. During the Strategic Partnership discussions, AbZ acknowledged that the region is in need of reform, but changes would not happen overnight. He was pleased with Burns' assurances that the U.S. has no intention of trying to impose reform initiatives on Arab states, rather, it would respond to calls from within the region for change. WAHBA