TFUS01: AMBASSADOR THANKS KUWAITI NATIONAL

UNCLAS KUWAIT 003961 SIPDIS SENSITIVE STATE FOR TASK FORCE 1, NEA, EB LONDON FOR TSOU STATE PLEASE PASS TO USAID/OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR EAID PREL ENRG KU US KATRINA AID SUBJECT: TFUS01: AMBASSADOR THANKS KUWAITI NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SPEAKER FOR SUPPORT TO HURRICANE VICTIMS REF: A. KUWAIT 3960 ¶B. KUWAIT 3957 ¶1. (U) Ambassador called on the Acting Speaker of the Kuwaiti National Assembly, Abdulwahab Rashid Al-Haroun on September 6 to thank him for the outpouring of sympathy and solidarity from the Kuwaiti parliament and population. The Ambassador also reiterated his public statement (carried in Kuwaiti media on Monday) thanking the Kuwaiti government for its very generous assistance package. Al-Haroun again expressed his strong support for the American people in this time of distress. ¶2. (SBU) Responding to the Ambassador's query, Al-Haroun said that the GOK had not communicated yet with the Assembly about its presentation of the request for the $400 million in petroleum products that will require Assembly approval. (Note: As previously reported, the first $100 million of the $500 million package is already in the GOK budget and does not require Assembly approval.) Al-Haroun noted that the Prime Minister is leaving for the U.S. soon for the UN meetings, but that the Sunday cabinet meeting could still take up the matter of the aid and refer it to the Assembly. He did not have any information about rumors of a special session of the Assembly. Note: Given the number of members traveling abroad at this time, we would not expect the Assembly to convene before its normal mid-October opening.) Al-Haroun expected the measure to pass easily when it is presented. ¶3. (U) Al-Haroun accompanied the Ambassador to a press stake-out after the meeting. Local print and television were present as well as Al-Hurra and wire services. Ambassador made brief remarks emphasizing U.S. appreciation of the Kuwaiti aid and noting that it is a clear manifestation of the deeply-felt mutual obligations of two close allies. ******************************************** Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ******************************************** LEBARON