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