INFORMING UAE OFFICIALS REGARDING USE OF SPR

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 003380 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A TAGS: EPET OPEC ECON PREL TC SUBJECT: INFORMING UAE OFFICIALS REGARDING USE OF SPR REFS: A) SECSTATE 207193 B) DIBBLE-SISON EMAIL OF 09/23//04 ¶1. (U) On September 24, Ambassador telephoned MFA Undersecretary Abdullah Rashid Al-Noaimi and reviewed with him Ref B talking points regarding the need for the U.S. Department of Energy to enter into negotiations to make available a limited quantity of crude from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. Ambassador noted that this step was in response to Hurricane Ivan damage done to U.S. Gulf Coast oil production, import, and refining centers. Al-Noaimi expressed appreciation for this information and stated that he understood the U.S. action. ¶2. (U) On September 25, Econchief telephoned the advisor to the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources on the same issue. The advisor said he thought the U.S. action was understandable and said that he wished the UAE could help, noting that the UAE was pumping at capacity. He also stated that he saw this as a response to an unexpected short-term disruption, and he added that he believed OPEC countries would take the hurricane damage into consideration as they try to fill supply disruptions. The advisor promised to pass on the substance of the demarche to the Minister. ¶3. (U) On September 28, Ambassador will meet with the Minister of Petroleum to discuss a range of issues and will also raise Ref A talking points to ensure he also understands the U.S. decision. Sison