UNCLAS ABU DHABI 003746

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 OFFERS $100 MN IN HURRICANE KATRINA
RELIEF

REF: A. 9/5 TFUS01 M. LABONTE-AMB SISON TELCON

B. 9/4 AMB SISON-DAS GRAY TELCON

C. ABU DHABI 3735


1. Sultan Al Rumaithi, Office Director for Deputy
PM/MinState Foreign Affairs Sheikh Hamden Bin Zayed Al
Nahyan, informed Ambassador today that the UAEG was prepared
to extend $100 million dollars in assistance for Hurricane
Katrina Relief. A UAEG inter-ministerial committee has been
formed to coordinate the donation, including representatives
from the President,s Office, the Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, the Abu Dhabi Emirate Ministry of Finance, and the
UAE Red Crescent Society.


2. We understand that assistance will be a combination --
proportions yet to be clarified -- of in-kind and cash
donations. In-kind donation items being considered by the
UAEG include MREs, medical aid, and bedding. UAEG plans to
contract with American companies to purchase and convey the
in-kind donations, according to Al Rumaithi.


3. Ambassador expressed USG appreciation for the generous
offer and said she would inform Washington immediately.


4. Action Request: Request Department authorization to
accept the UAEG,s offer and begin processing the donation.
SISON