USG CALL FOR DONOR SUPPORT TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS: OMAN

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000017 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR EAID PGOV PREL MU SUBJECT: USG CALL FOR DONOR SUPPORT TO TSUNAMI VICTIMS: OMAN REF: A. SECSTATE 959 ¶B. SECTO 016 (SBU) On January 3, Secretary Powell discussed tsunami disaster relief (ref A) with Omani Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi in Muscat during the Secretary's transit en route to Asia. As reported ref B, the SIPDIS Minister regretted the fact that Oman does not share the wealth in natural resources that other Gulf states enjoy, and is therefore not in a position to contribute significant amounts to worthy international causes (e.g., disaster relief, Iraq reconstruction, aid to the Palestinian Administration). He pointed out, however, that Oman was providing some assistance in kind (primarily food and clothing) to both Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The government is facilitating the delivery of private contributions to those two states through the good offices of the Sultanate's embassies in Colombo and Jakarta. While the Embassy will take every opportunity to underscore the need for contributions to disaster relief, all indications are that the Sultanate will not be forthcoming with any substantial amount of aid. BALTIMORE