DEMARCHE ON UNIVERSAL ELECTION STANDARDS DELIVERED

UNCLAS SANAA 001042 SIPDIS SENSITIVE PLEASE PASS TO G/NICOLE BIBBINS SEDACA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM KDEM YM DEMARCHE DEMOCRATIC REFORM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON UNIVERSAL ELECTION STANDARDS DELIVERED REF: SECSTATE 71941 ¶1. (SBU) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche and concept paper to Presidential Advisor Dr. Abdul Karim al-Iryani on April 19 in preparation for the Santiago Community of Democracies meeting. Iryani commented that the ROYG delegation would fully support the idea of universal election standards and the creation of an experts group to develop the concept following the ministerial. He also noted that he would study the matter more carefully before going to the Community of Democracies meeting in Santiago. ¶2. (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche and concept paper to Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman on April 18. Noman promised to study the paper and get back to post with a response. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: Although Iryani will not officially represent the ROYG at the upcoming Community of Democracies meeting, his statement of support, given his high rank and close relationship with President Saleh, most likely reflects ROYG support. Iryani and DFM Noman also have a close relationship and can be counted on to collaborate before and during the ministerial. Department interlocutors are encouraged to press the idea further in Santiago with both Iryani and Noman. End Comment. Krajeski