AMBASSADOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSS WAY AHEAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004279 SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARPI AND G/TIP E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/01/2015 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL ELAB KDEM SOCI KWMN KCRM KU TIP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER DISCUSS WAY AHEAD TO COMBAT TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS REF: A. KUWAIT 4219 ¶B. KUWAIT 4031 ¶C. KUWAIT 4007 ¶D. STATE 163401 ¶E. STATE 108156 Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) During an October 1 meeting, the Ambassador reviewed with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al-Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah the President's September 21 determination to maintain Kuwait's Trafficking in Persons (TIP) ranking as a Tier 3 country, but to waive applicable sanctions for U.S. national interests. The Ambassador acknowledged the progress Kuwait has made since the report's June release, but emphasized the need for more concrete action and encouraged Kuwait to set an example for the region. Responding to the FM's questions about measures implemented by the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in order to be ranked on the Tier 2 Special Watch List, the Ambassador said that the circumstances of each country differed and direct comparisons were not productive. He did, however, cite, the establishment of shelters and legal protections for domestic servants as positive advancements in both countries and improvements needed in Kuwait. He noted the GOK had proposed a new labor law and encouraged the Government to work closely with Parliament on passage of the bill. ¶2. (C) FM Shaykh Dr. Mohammed told the Ambassador that Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Faisal Al-Hajji was very upset by the presidential determination. Calling Al-Hajji a "true believer," the FM said Al-Hajji led the GOK effort to improve working conditions for expatriate laborers. He asserted that Kuwait was "superior" to its neighboring countries on labor issues and was implementing new programs for domestic reasons. The FM restated Kuwait's commitment to protecting its foreign labor force and welcomed a copy of the action plan (which we passed to him) to review areas of immediate concern to the U.S. (ref e). ¶3. (C) Comment: We committed to providing examples of actions taken by Qatar and the UAE that permitted their ascension to Tier 2 WL. Post would appreciate such input from G/TIP, Doha, and Abu Dhabi by e-mail to PolOff Richard Michaels (michaelsrc@state.gov or michalesrc@state.sgov.gov). The Ambassador will pass the information to the Foreign Minister. End comment. ********************************************* 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