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