USAF LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF UAE AND

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 004009

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/14
TAGS: PREL PARM MARR IZ TC
SUBJECT: USAF LEADERSHIP MEETS WITH PRESIDENT OF UAE AND
CROWN PRINCE OF ABU DHABI


(U) Classified by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: On November 7, Secretary of the Air Force
Dr. James G. Roche, Chief of Staff of the Air Force General
John P. Jumper, CENTAF Commander Lieutenant General Walter
Buchanan, and the Ambassador paid their condolences to UAE
President and Abu Dhabi Ruler Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al
Nahyan and his brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and UAE
Armed Forces Chief of Staff Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al
Nahyan. In an extraordinary show of friendship, Khalifa
extended an invitation to the delegation to iftar, breaking
the daily Ramadan fast together. End Summary.

Sincere Sorrow Over UAE's Loss
--------------


2. (U) Secretary Roche told both Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh
Mohammed that the UAE and the entire world lost a true
visionary and that the late President would be deeply
missed. General Jumper conveyed his great sorrow that the
entire world had "lost a father." In her third visit to
the President in three days, the Ambassador reiterated her
heartfelt condolences on behalf of the American people.
President Sheikh Khalifa thanked the U.S. for its steadfast
friendship and told the USAF leaders that "it was a great
gesture to come out to express your condolences."


3. (C) When the UAEG announced Sheikh Zayed's death on
November 2, it also announced that Sheikh Khalifa would
receive condolences after Maghreb prayers (at sundown) for
three days. Our contacts told us that the family had
received 9,000 visitors on Wednesday, 9,000 visitors on
Thursday, and 21,000 visitors on Saturday, To accommodate
the crowds, Khalifa extended the condolence period, beyond
the three days initially announced. With the exception of
the Roche/Jumper visit, foreign delegations had not been
invited to join the iftar meal during the mourning period.
Our contacts explained that this gesture was intended to
emphasize the strength of UAE - U.S. relationship.

Iraq Concerns
--------------


4. (S) Sheikh Khalifa asked Secretary Roche about the
status of troops on the ground in Iraq, especially since
the interim Iraqi regime had called a state of emergency.
Secretary Roche explained that the American troops are

SIPDIS
well-trained and will do the job to the best of their
ability. Sheikh Mohammed told SECAF and CSAF that an action
in Fallujah must be carried out and that he believes that
restoring peace and calm in Fallujah is key to success in
Iraq. Sheikh Mohammed stated that, "the U.S. should have
acted more forcibly sooner, but that you are doing the
right thing now." The conversation transitioned to Saudi
Arabia's effort to stamp out extremism.


5. (C) Sheikh Khalifa wanted to know if the US had any more
information about Osama bin Laden since his tape surfaced
just days before the American election. Secretary Roche said
he had no further information. Khalifa wanted to know if the
tape had an affect on the election to which Secretary Roche
replied that it had strengthened the resolve of the American
people to combat terrorism.

A Relaxed Khalifa
--------------


6. (C) A short post-iftar majlis gathering found Sheikh
Khalifa and Sheikh Mohammed relaxed and comfortable in the
presence of the American delegation, despite the obvious
sadness they felt over the recent loss of their father.
After sharing lighter conversation, Sheikh Khalifa noted
through an interpreter that, "It is only by the grace and
mercy of God that we can laugh with our friends during our
time of sorrow." Embassy participants noted that he was
relaxed enough with this delegation that he enjoyed a
cigarette and extended a personal invitation to the
visitors to bring their families out to vacation in the
UAE.

COMMENT:
--------------


7. (C) Embassy participants noted that Sheikh Khalifa and
Sheikh Mohammed appeared genuinely comfortable and relaxed
when they were together. The much-rumored rivalry between
the two half-brothers was not at all apparent, which bodes
well for the future as this generation of Al Nahyans
assumes full control of the government. Sheikh Mohammed
clearly exuded a role of leadership, but often deferred to
his older brother and always allowed him to speak first.
Sheikh Mohammed was very comfortable speaking to the Air
Force leadership in English during his own meetings, but
used only Arabic and communicated through a translator when
in the presence of Sheikh Khalifa. The warm and congenial
atmosphere during this meeting with USAF leadership
demonstrated the desire of the UAE's new President to
continue and deepen our very close and cooperative
bilateral relationship.


8. (U) SECAF and CSAF have cleared on this cable.
SISON