AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WITH VICE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002307 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2014 TAGS: ECON PREL PGOV KDEM YM COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENT ISSUES WITH VICE PRESIDENT MANSOUR Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) Summary: Ambassador paid a courtesy call on Yemeni Vice President Abd-Rabo Mansour Hadi on August 28. Discussions centered on U.S. - Yemeni cooperation in the GWOT. Hadi emphasized that long-term success in the war against terror in Yemen would also require improved social services, economic reform, and democratization. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) VP Hadi highlighted the importance of U.S. - Yemen cooperation in the GWOT, saying that Yemen had suffered a great deal politically and economically from terrorist acts committed on its soil (namely the USS Cole and M.V. Limburg bombings). He stressed that, in addition to CT support, winning the long-term battle against terrorism in Yemen would require U.S help in reducing poverty, achieving economic and democratic reform, and attracting foreign investment. Ambassador responded that the U.S. - Yemen partnership in the GWOT continues to log important successes, and agreed that long-term change in Yemen, as well as the region, required improved economic conditions and increased political participation. ¶3. (U) Mansour outlined the ROYG's six development priorities since 1996: education, health, roads, water, electricity, and telecommunications. Progress, he continued, has been slow due to disagreements between the ruling GSP party and the opposition Islah. Ambassador assured the Vice President of the USG's commitment to U.S. - Yemeni cooperation, "economically, militarily, and politically." ¶4. (C) Comment: A reputed champion of reform, Mansour's position as Vice President is largely ceremonial and does not lend him much influence with ROYG decision makers. Although from the southern Abyan region, Mansour led the campaign against YSP secessionists and served as Minister of Defense during the civil war. His post-unification appointment in 1994 is considered a reward for his services to the North. End Comment. KRAJESKI