AMBASSADOR AND KUWAITI PM REVIEW BILATERAL TIES,

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003657

SIPDIS

FOR NEA/ARPI AND S/CT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/24/2014
TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV KWMN PHUM ECON KU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND KUWAITI PM REVIEW BILATERAL TIES,
WITH FOCUS ON DIFFERING APPROACHES TO COUNTER TERROR

Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: In an October 25 call on the Prime
Minister, the Ambassador reviewed the main elements of the
bilateral relationship. The Ambassador thanked the PM for
Kuwait's steady cooperation on security matters and generous
support for coalition efforts in Iraq, including provision of
fuel for OIF and termination of the ban on third country
national drivers going into Iraq. Ambassador noted our
intention to work jointly with the Kuwaiti government to move
toward a free trade agreement. In the only extended exchange
during the forty minute conversation, the Ambassador raised
counterterrorism as a problem area in the bilateral
relationship, citing the differences between the U.S. and
Kuwaiti approaches. Shaykh Sabah said the U.S. can count on
Kuwait's continued support and the GOK welcomed economic
cooperation. On counterterrorism, the Prime Minister
maintained that the GOK approach is successful and Kuwait
will not suffer the attacks seen in neighboring countries.
(End Summary)

Appreciation for Support
--------------


2. (C) In his initial call on Kuwaiti Prime Minister Shaykh
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Ambassador LeBaron thanked
Kuwait for its strong and continued support to U.S. security
operations and OIF, noting the GOK decisions to continue to
supply free fuel until the end of the year and not to enforce
a ban on travel to Iraq of third country national convey
drivers. He stressed U.S. appreciation for the political
risks Kuwait has taken in support of U.S. interests and noted
that as a result of GOK efforts, the U.S.-GOK partnership is
stronger than ever.

Economic Ties Need Strengthening
--------------


3. (SBU) The Ambassador stated that the removal of the threat
of Saddam Hussein opened the door in Kuwait for focus on the
future and to advance economic ties. Noting that he had just
come from a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Commerce,
the Ambassador said that he was prepared to work with the GOK
in a sustained way on the steps necessary to advance the
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and eventually move
to a Free Trade Agreement.

Kuwait Is Not Immune to A Terror Attack
--------------


4. (C) The Ambassador raised counterterrorism as an area in
need of greater collaboration. He noted some improvements in
the flow of information from the Kuwaiti security services,
but cautioned that the disconnect between the U.S. and GOK
approaches to fighting terrorism should not be allowed to
become a bigger problem in the bilateral relationship. He
reiterated the U.S. is not convinced that the Kuwaiti
approach of attempting to co-opt jihadis through family,
tribal, or social networks was effective. Arresting,
jailing, and using force as needed characterize the main
elements of the U.S. approach. The Ambassador further noted
our deep concern about the potential for terrorist acts in
Kuwait when hardened, experienced, and dangerous jihadis
return home from Iraq. The Ambassador told the PM the
bilateral counterterrorism dialogue needs to occur at all
levels: intelligence, security, and political.

GOK-U.S. Friendship Knows No Limits
--------------


5. (C) Shaykh Sabah agreed that relations are on solid
footing and asserted there are no limits to GOK support of
and friendship to the U.S. Commenting on the fuel agreement,
he said the contract was a necessary way to avoid any
embarrassment to his government or the U.S. Parliament needs
to see an agreement and understand its conditions. He
anticipated parliamentary approval of the supply of fuel
through December, but was skeptical a future agreement with
the same terms and conditions would pass muster. He did,
however, predict an FTA would sail through Parliament. The
PM was also certain (95% sure) legislation would pass in the
current session of National Assembly giving women the right
to vote and run for public office.

The PM on Terrorism
--------------


6. (C) Responding to the Ambassador's remarks on
counterterrorism, Shaykh Sabah emphasized that security is
also a priority for the GOK. He noted that except for the
2002 Failaka shooting of U.S. Marines and the 2003 Camp Doha
attack by a "lunatic," there has been no serious terror
incident in Kuwait and, "God willing," nothing will happen.
He believed most Kuwaitis who fought in Iraq were killed
there and those who returned to Kuwait were promptly detained
and interrogated by security forces. He claimed that Kuwait
is in control of its borders and Kuwaiti jihadis entered Iraq
from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria. He accused fringe
elements of influencing Arab youth and had special criticism
for Al Jazeera. Fortunately, according to the PM, Kuwaitis
were not as easily influenced as their neighbors. Shaykh
Sabah said Kuwait wanted to be a peaceful oasis and, to that
end, was committed to the Arab and recent GCC agreements
against terrorism. He added Kuwait would not tolerate any
attack against U.S. interests.

Trip to the Orient
--------------


7. (C) Commenting on his July trip to Asia, the PM said
Hong Kong and Singapore were models of port and airport
management that Kuwait hoped to copy. When asked if there
were elements of the Singaporean political model with
applicability to Kuwait, the PM said he was impressed with
Singapore's approach to fighting corruption.


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