MGXDO1: KUWAIT OFFERS $100M IN EARTHQUAKE

UNCLAS KUWAIT 004401

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARPI SWALKER, LONDON FOR LTSOU, ISLAMABAD FOR
TWILDER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC CASC KFLO MARR PREL AMGT XD KU
SUBJECT: MGXDO1: KUWAIT OFFERS $100M IN EARTHQUAKE
ASSISTANCE

REF: STATE 187437


1. (U) On October 11, the Council of Ministers (cabinet)
announced a $100M assistance package for victims of the South
Asia earthquake. While the specific disbursal modalities
remain to be worked out, initial feedback from the GOK
indicates that the assistance will be split equally between
the Kuwaiti Red Crescent Society (KRCS) and the Kuwait Fund
for Arab Economic Development (KFAED).


2. (U) KRCS is expected to coordinate the disbursal of $50M
in relief assistance with other international aid
organizations. These funds will be in addition to the
$250,000 KRCS has already contributed through representative
offices in Islamabad. KFAED is expected to administer the
remaining $50M, either through grants or concessional loans
(to be determined),for infrastructure repair projects in the
affected areas.


3. (U) Press reports also point to broader support from
business and Pakistani expatriate associations seeking to
provide relief assistance. According to the Kuwait Times
(English daily),approximately 80 Kuwaiti businesses have
apparently contacted the Pakistani Embassy on donation
procedures and 25 local Pakistani organizations have offered
to assist with the relief effort and have set-up an
Earthquake Relief Committee, headed by a Pakistani expatriate
from the Kashmir region. Also, Pakistani International
Airlines (PIA) has apparently offered to transport gratis all
aid cargo from Kuwait.


4. (U) CENTCOM components in Kuwait are already engaged in
logistic support of relief efforts with materiel now moving
through U.S. military facilities in country to affected
areas. Post is in direct contact with CENTCOM and will
facilitate any GOK requests for assistance in delivery of
relief supplies. Post will continue to monitor and report on
these and other further developments.

LEBARON