AMBASSADOR TELLS MFA UNDERSECRETARY THE TIME IS

UNCLAS KUWAIT 004901 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARPI AND PRM/MCE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL AORC ICRC PHUM PREF IS SZ KU SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR TELLS MFA UNDERSECRETARY THE TIME IS RIGHT TO APPROVE THE "RED CRYSTAL" REF: A. STATE 214286 ¶B. STATE 206962 (SBU) During a November 27 meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah, the Ambassador informed him of the impending signature of a memorandum of understanding between the Israeli National Society, Magen David Adom (MDA),and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (ref A). He said the agreement gives momentum to the discussions on adopting the third additional protocol to the Geneva Conventions and paves the way for resolving the longstanding issue. He added that approving the use of the "red crystal" would facilitate the humanitarian work of not only the MDA, but also of other national societies in Europe and Africa. He encouraged the GOK to review the matter and support the additional protocol at the December 5 - 6 diplomatic conference in Geneva. Al-Jarallah seemed interested in the recent developments and promised to review the issue and the GOK position. ********************************************* 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 ********************************************* TUELLER