IDENTIFYING LAND FOR A NEW CONSULATE: GOVERNOR OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JEDDAH 002179 SIPDIS RIYADH PLEASE PASS TO DHAHRAN, PARIS FOR ZEYA, LONDON FOR GOLDRICH E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/29/2015 TAGS: ABLD ABUD AMGT ASEC PREL SUBJECT: IDENTIFYING LAND FOR A NEW CONSULATE: GOVERNOR OF MECCA EAGER AND WILLING TO HELP Classified By: CONSUL GENERAL GINA ABERCROMBIE-WINSTANLEY FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY AND COMMENT. On July 28, the Ambassador and CG met with Prince Abd al-Majid bin Abd al-Aziz, Governor of Mecca, to discuss the future of the Jeddah Consulate General. During the meeting, the Governor agreed to help the USG identify a tract of land for a new Consulate. He proposed establishing a committee, which would include Mayor of Jeddah Adel Faqeeh, a representative from Prince Abd al-Majid's office, a representative from the Saudi security forces, and the CG, to be responsible for selecting a suitable piece of land. The Governor assured the Ambassador and CG that if the tract of land is owned by the SAG, it will be granted to the USG as a gift. He added that if the land is privately-owned, however, the USG may have to purchase it. The Governor appeared very eager to help the USG secure a new plot of land, agreeing wholeheartedly that the current location of the Consulate in the Jeddah city center is unsuitable. END SUMMARY AND COMMENT. -------------- REQUIREMENTS FOR A NEW CONSULATE -------------- ¶2. (C) On July 28, the Ambassador and CG met with Prince Abd al-Majid bin Abd al-Aziz, Governor of Mecca, to discuss the future of the Jeddah Consulate General. The Governor first commended the CG for a job well-done during her three-year tenure in Jeddah. After extensive comments by the Governor on the solidity of the US-Saudi friendship, the conversation turned to the topic of identifying land for a Consulate. The Ambassador outlined the minimum requirements necessary for a new Consulate: - 30 acre plot of land - 300 ft. setback for the Chancery and other facilities - 30 to 60 ft. setback for residences - No high buildings surrounding the tract of land - Preferably located in a residential area The Ambassador also offered several possible locations for a new Consulate: - West of Medina Rd. in the neighborhoods of al-Na'im, al Nahdah, al-Mohammediyya, Obhur al-Janubiyyah, or Jawharat al-Mohammediyya. - West of al-Malik Rd., between Sari Rd. and al-Amir Naif Rd. - Near the King Abd al-Aziz International Airport - East of the King Abd al-Aziz International Airport near Brayman -------------- GOVERNOR EAGER TO HELP -------------- ¶3. (C) Upon hearing the requirements, the Governor suggested establishing a committee, which would include Mayor of Jeddah Adel Faqeeh, a representative from Prince Abd al-Majid's office, a representative from the Saudi security forces, and the CG, to be responsible for identifying a suitable piece of land. Specifically, the Governor mentioned Badr Shalhoub, chief of the Ministry of Interior's Diplomatic Police, and Waheeb Bin Zagr, a member of the Mecca Governate's Social and Economic Council, as good candidates to help. The Governor also said that his Office Managers, Mohammed Tayyar and Dr. Uwaigh, would be the points of contact in his office. ¶4. (C) The Governor agreed that land in northeast Jeddah is probably the best spot for a new Consulate. If the tract of land is owned by the SAG, it will be granted to the USG as a gift. He added, however, that if the land is privately-owned, it will likely be sold to the USG. While the Ambassador closed no doors, he noted that it is generally US policy to lease, rather than purchase, land for its diplomatic missions. ¶5. (C) The Governor also mentioned that there has been discussion of constructing a diplomatic quarter (DQ) in Jeddah, similar to Riyadh's DQ. He admitted, however, that nothing concrete has been decided regarding such a quarter, and that it would be wise for the USG to move forward with plans to secure a piece of land for the new Consulate. Concluding, he promised to start the hunt soon, stating, "I am ready to offer you any help that you need. We'll get the maps out today and starting looking for land." Visit Consulate General Jeddah's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/jeddah ABERCROMBIE-WINSTANLEY