FM QIRBI ON WASHINGTON VISIT

S E C R E T SANAA 000396 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/17/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV MASS PTER ETRD YM COUNTER TERRORISM ECON COM DEMOCRATIC REFORM SUBJECT: FM QIRBI ON WASHINGTON VISIT REF: A. SANAA 372 ¶B. SECSTATE 28746 Classified By: Charge D'Affaires Alan G. Misenheimer for reasons 1.5 (b and d). ¶1. (s) In a February 16 meeting (ref a),CDA reviewed Foreign Minister Abubaker al-Qirbi's successful visit to Washington February 2-6. Noting the positive meetings Qirbi had with the FBI Director and DCI, CDA said that arrangements should proceed soon for teams from the CIA and FBI to visit Yemen and to interview detainees. CDA underscored to Qirbi that full cooperation is expected from the ROYG in securing access to Jaber al-Banna and the other detainees. ¶2. (c) Turning to Embassy action after the visit, CDA said that we are preparing for the first Trade Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) consultations, following up on the February 6 signing with USTR Zoellick. CDA said the USG was pleased that the EDA boats for the Yemen Coast Guard had arrived 2/14, is planning for their inauguration in March, and would continue efforts to obtain export licenses expeditiously for other FMF transfers. ¶3. (s) FM Qirbi described his Washington trip as excellent. He commented that in addition to fruitful meetings with Secretary Powell and other USG officials, it afforded an SIPDIS opportunity to engage with NGOs, particularly the National Democratic Institute (NDI). Qirbi expressed regret that he was unable to meet with Freedom House. Comment: Qirbi's focus on NGOs reflects Yemen's aspirations of qualifying for the Millennium Challenge Account. His visits to NGOs afforded a good opportunity to pitch Yemen's democratic progress, which is particularly important in light of Yemen's scores in the Democracy and Governance category for Millennium Challenge Account qualification. End Comment. MISENHEIMER