TFUS01: UAE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 003735 SIPDIS PASS TO USAID/OFDA, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON EFIN AEMR KPAO CASC MARR AMGT US TC SUBJECT: TFUS01: UAE OFFER OF ASSISTANCE FOR HURRICANE KATRINA RELIEF OPERATIONS REF: A. AMBASSADOR SISON-OPS CENTER MICHAEL CHUNG TELCON 9/3/05 13:15 ¶B. STATE 169273 ¶C. STATE 163279 ¶D. STATE 163278 ¶1. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan called Ambassador early Saturday afternoon, September 3, to reiterate UAE President Sheikh Khalifa's message of condolence to President Bush (full text below, para 6) as well as the UAE's offer of assistance to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Deputy PM Hamdan emphasized that the UAE stood ready to assist and that the people of the UAE shared the grief and distress of the American people over the disaster. ¶2. Hamdan noted his excellent meetings with the Vice President and the Secretary during his August visit to the United States and also expressed thanks for our messages following the recent fire at his home in McLean. ¶3. Hamdan asked the Ambassador to convey to POTUS the UAE's continued support as well as word of Sheikh Khalifa's message to the White House and his own phone call. Ambassador thanked Hamdan for the call and expressed appreciation for UAE's message of sympathy and for its generous offer of assistance. Ambassador said she would convey the offer to Washington, where experts would assess it in light of current needs and would advise with further information were specific help needed. Hamdan asked that Ambassador telephone him back directly today with specific aid requirements. ¶4. Ambassador noted to Hamdan that should the UAE prefer to make a cash donation, arrangements can be made through Red Cross - Red Crescent NGO channels. (Note: Red Cross President Marsha Evans was to have arrived in Abu Dhabi today for meetings with Red Crescent counterparts and a reception at the Ambassador's residence, but had to cancel the visit as a result of Hurricane Katrina.) Ambassador advised Hamdan that it would also be possible to make a donation directly to the USG, per ref D. ¶5. Action request: Embassy believes this is a serious offer and requests information on assistance priorities and Washington preferences for in-kind vs. cash donation. Per reftelcon Ambassador requests further guidance/instruction ASAP at OOB Washington from the Department Task Force on acceptance of the UAE offer of assistance or cash donation. Deputy PM Hamdan expects a telephone call back today from Ambassador. ¶6. Begin Informal Embassy Translation: UAE President Sends Condolences to the U.S. President UAE President/U.S. President/Condolences Telegram His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, sends a telegram of condolence to the U.S. President George Bush, expressing his condolences and sorrow to the President and the American people over the victims of the hurricanes that hit certain areas in the United States and led to the death and injury of hundreds. His Highness the President expresses the condolences and sorrow of the UAE people to the families of the victims of this humanitarian disaster. End Informal Embassy Translation. SISON