AMBASSADOR AND FM DISCUSSES MANPADS BUY-BACK AND

S E C R E T SANAA 002053 SIPDIS FOR PM A/S BLOOMFIELD E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2014 TAGS: MARR MOPS OPDC PREF YM COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND FM DISCUSSES MANPADS BUY-BACK AND ROYG SUPPORT FOR IIG REF: STATE 174644 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. On August 22 Ambassador raised the upcoming visit of PM A/S Bloomfield with Foreign Minister al-Qirbi. Discussion centered on A/S Bloomfield's visit, the need to control MANPADS and SA/LW in Yemen, and ROYG support for the Interim Iraqi Government (reftel). Guantanamo demarche and G-8 Forum for the Future invitation reported in septel. End Summary. -------------- A/S Bloomfield Visit/MANPADS -------------- ¶2. (C) Ambassador informed FM that PM A/S Bloomfield will arrive on 8/30 to hold consultations on MANPADS buy-back. Qirbi responded that he welcomes the visit and that "we are all committed to embark on a policy to remove all types of arms from the hands of ordinary people." However, he continued, to succeed, Yemen must overcome tribal tradition and popular opposition -- "like your National Rifle Association." Qirbi suggested that the best way to change Yemeni tradition and public opinion is through education and public awareness to the danger of individuals holding arms. "Ultimately," he said, "we must succeed for our own security." ¶3. (S) Ambassador replied that the U.S. has a history with this issue -- the right to bear arms -- and that we deal with it by regulating the export, import, manufacturing and ownership of weapons. Ambassador emphasized that the USG understands the comprehensive nature of the SA/LW proliferation problem in Yemen, but the purpose of A/S Bloomfield's visit is MANPADS, which we consider to be extremely dangerous. "We must make sure they do not get into terrorist hands as has happened in the past," said Ambassador." -------------- ROYG Political Support for IIG -------------- ¶4. (C) In the context of the Saudi Proposal for Muslim Forces in Iraq, Ambassador raised the need for ROYG support for the Iraqi Interim Government (IIG),saying that we welcome all contributions of our regional partners. Qirbi, who expressed skepticism about a pan-Arab security force in the Ambassador's introductory meeting on August 12, responded, "We don't support this and I don't think you want them either!" Ambassador said that the IIG is relying on the UN and international organizations to organize elections, on the U.S. and the Coalition for security. The IIG needs the political support of its Arab neighbors. "Arab support," he continued, "will help ensure a smooth and complete transition to a government elected by the Iraqi people." -------------- VISIT OF IRAQI FM ZUBARI -------------- ¶5. (C) Qirbi said the ROYG is supporting the IIG as evidenced by the upcoming visit of IIG Foreign Minister Zubari on the 7 or 8 of September. "Everyone," he added, "has a role in helping the Iraqis get out of this quagmire." The FM said he was encouraged by the Iraqi National Conference which went "better than expected" and that he hoped the Iraqis were "recovering their sense of direction" and that there would be less violence in the near future. KRAJESKI