AMBASSADOR DELIVERS G-8 FORUM FOR THE FUTURE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002046 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2014 TAGS: PREL ECON KMPI YM DEMOCRATIC REFORM ECON COM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DELIVERS G-8 FORUM FOR THE FUTURE INVITE TO FM REF: STATE 177377 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary and Comment: Ambassador delivered invitation to FM Qirbi to attend the September 23-24 G-8 Forum for the Future preparatory meeting on the margins of the UNGA. Qirbi accepted the invitation, stressing that it is important for the Forum to produce results and not just words on paper. Post expects Yemen's active participation to continue because the G-8 provides the ROYG a visible venue in which to tout its position as a leader in Arab democratic development. Other subjects reported septel. End Summary and Comment. ¶2. (SBU) Ambassador delivered invitation and talking points to Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi on August 22 (reftel). The FM said that he looked forward to the September 24 ministerial in New York and would designate an official to serve as the ROYG's representative to the Forum for the Future. Qirbi stressed that the Forum needs to produce tangible results. Ambassador replied that as current G-8 chair, the U.S. takes its commitment to reform in the Middle East very seriously. ¶3. (C) Qirbi told Ambassador that he plans to attend an initial meeting in Ankara on September 8 to begin work on the BMENA democracy initative sponsored by Italy and Turkey. The FM said the ROYG will present its views at this initial meeting as well as an implementation plan. Post will follow ROYG progress on this effort. KRAJESKI