ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SURPRISED BY VOTE ON WOMEN'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 002173 SIPDIS NEA/ARPI FOR BERNS; LONDON FOR GOLDRICH E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/20/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL KWMN ECON EAID IZ KU EPTE WOMEN POLITICAL RIGHTS NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SUBJECT: ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SURPRISED BY VOTE ON WOMEN'S RIGHTS; RESTATES KUWAITI SUPPORT FOR ITG REF: A. STATE 93742 ¶B. KUWAIT 2091 ¶C. KUWAIT 2064 ¶D. KUWAIT 1900 Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: During a May 21 meeting, Speaker of Parliament Al-Khorafi told the Ambassador the May 16 vote on women's political rights was a difficult day and he had not been confident legislation permitting their participation would pass. He named the Prime Minister as the reason for the measure's success and expressed hope Kuwaiti women would use their legislative power wisely. He criticized Kuwaitis for voting based on personal reasons, not issues, and urged the eventual formation of political parties. He commended U.S. efforts in Iraq, and said Iraqis and their neighbors sought reassurances the U.S. would not prematurely withdraw its forces. He reaffirmed Kuwaiti support for the Iraqi Transitional Government (ITG) and listened attentively to the Ambassador's call for the immediate transfer of Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) assets and recommendation that Kuwait speak out against Iraqi-on-Iraqi violence. On regional issues, Al-Khorafi said the peace process affected all other issues in the Middle East, and said good U.S.-Saudi relations were important to the region. He welcomed the retraction of the Koran desecration story, but commented the Guantanamo detainee issue was embarrassing for both the U.S. and GOK. End summary. Women's Voting Rights an Unexpected Outcome -------------- ¶2. (C) The Ambassador opened the May 21 meeting by congratulating Speaker of Parliament Jassem Al-Khorafi on the historic May 16 vote granting women full political participation (ref C). Al-Khorafi, who abstained, described the day as his "most difficult meeting," said he had not expected the measure to pass, and accused MPs of trying to stage a "filibuster." He attributed the vote's success to the Prime Minister, whom he said was "determined and got what he wanted." When asked to elaborate on how the PM achieved his goal, Al-Khorafi refused to engage, flatly stating, "you don't want to know." He then expressed hope that Kuwaiti women understood that voting is a privilege that comes with obligations. He encouraged women to concentrate their efforts and new power on serving Kuwaiti society, and to take a stand when required to do so. In response to the Ambassador's skepticism about women automatically following their spouses' voting instructions, Al-Khorafi pointed to the influence of Islamists in student body elections and on supermarket cooperative boards, both of which are dominated by groups such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Kuwaiti Politics Is Personal -------------- ¶3. (C) When asked whether it would be useful for an NGO such as the League of Women Voters to visit Kuwait and encourage political participation, Al-Khorafi said Kuwait's problem was not participation, rather the mindset. Kuwaitis, both the electorate and MPs, vote according to their likes and dislikes and not on issues. This preference made it hard for the Government to know how its supporters would vote on key legislation. He added that Kuwaiti politics could not continue like this and, while it was too early for the formation of political parties, they are a necessary step in Kuwait's democratic evolution. (Note: The formation of political parties is a goal in Embassy Kuwait's MPP and Democratic Reform Strategy in support of the Freedom Agenda (Ref B). End note.) Iraq Needs Kuwaiti Help and Support -------------- ¶4. (C) Turning to Iraq, Al-Khorafi asked for the U.S. assessment of the political situation and recommendations on how Kuwait could further assist. The Ambassador replied the continuing violence was disappointing, but it was important to maintain progress in the political arena, especially drafting the constitution, so that the Iraqi people feel they have a role in their future. He said a credible political process in which all Iraqis participate, as well as economic development, would lead to the marginalization of extremists and promote stability. He described the Iraqi burden as enormous and encouraged its neighbors -- Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey -- to share the load. He called on Kuwait to be more active and suggested regular interaction, including visits, between Kuwaiti ministers and their Iraqi counterparts. He cited debt relief as an area where Kuwait could be proactive, and also urged the immediate transfer of the $78-80 million in DFI assets (ref D). The Ambassador also suggested Kuwait actively participate in the U.S.-EU International Conference on Iraq (ref A),and asked Kuwait to stand as a moral voice and speak out against Iraqi-on-Iraqi violence. ¶5. (C) Al-Khorafi responded that Kuwait remained prepared to further assist the ITG, but was wary about actions that could be construed as interference. He argued Kuwait was doing a great deal, citing the GOK role at the April Istanbul Neighboring Countries Meeting and informing the Ambassador that although Iraq's debt had not yet been forgiven, the GOK was not demanding payment nor charging interest. He said France's participation in the U.S.-EU Conference presented new opportunities and confirmed Kuwaiti attendance. He further agreed that the Sunni-led violence in Iraq must cease and related a recent conversation with SCIRI leader 'Abd Al Aziz al-Hakim in which the two agreed on the need for a positive, unifying Sunni leader who could guide the Sunni in the same way Sistani led the Shi'a. He applauded U.S. efforts in Iraq and said a clear commitment that U.S. forces would not leave early would build confidence among Iraqis. He called for continued training of Iraqi security elements and encouraged the U.S. to work closely with the UK which, he contended, had useful experience in the region. Peace Process Affects All Other Issues -------------- ¶6. (C) On regional issues, Al-Khorafi said lasting peace between the Israelis and Palestinians would free the Arab world to address other problems. "Like it or not," every issue in the Arab world is linked to the peace process, he explained. The Ambassador noted the critical need to help the Gaza disengagement succeed, restated the U.S. commitment to the roadmap, reported an increase in economic assistance to the Palestinians, and advised Al-Khorafi of Mahmoud Abbas' visit to Washington. He further assured Al-Khorafi of U.S. resolve to promote open, democratic systems in the Middle East. Al-Khorafi added he was pleased Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah had a successful trip to the U.S., citing the importance of good relations between the U.S. and the SAG. He commented that the domestic situation in Saudi remained difficult, but it appeared the SAG was beginning to control the terror situation. It was now necessary to distinguish between those terrorists who sympathized with Al-Qaeda and those lashing out in response to domestic reform. Article 98, Kuwait Project, and GTMO -------------- ¶7. (C) Commenting on issues of bilateral concern, Al-Khorafi promised to investigate the status of the Article 98 agreement which had not yet made it to the floor for a vote. On the Kuwait Project (development of the northern oil fields),he said the committee had almost finished its work and the Government needed to press for immediate action. One snag was a difference of opinion between Energy Minister Shaykh Ahmad Fahd Al-Sabah and Parliament on whether one broad implementing law was needed or several laws to address various aspects of the project. It appeared Parliament would proceed with Al-Khorafi's preference and focus on drafting one law, which also had apparently been the GOK's first choice. Al-Khorafi also thanked the Ambassador for the statement on the handling of the Holy Koran at Guantanamo. He said the clarification came at the right time. He described the overall detention situation at Guantanamo as embarrassing and said it was difficult for Kuwaitis to believe in U.S. statements on human rights and the rule of law when there appeared to be one set of laws for Americans and another for everyone else. ¶8. (U) Baghdad: Minimize considered. ********************************************* Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ You can also access this site through the State Department's Classified SIPRNET website ********************************************* LEBARON