Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANAA2791
2005-09-20 12:15:00
SECRET
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

FM QIRBI DISCUSSES IRAN, SALEH VISIT, CT ISSUES

Tags:  PREL PTER KNNP KAWC YM COUNTER TERRORISM 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002791 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER KNNP KAWC YM COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: FM QIRBI DISCUSSES IRAN, SALEH VISIT, CT ISSUES
WITH AMBASSADOR

REF: A. SANAA 2767

B. HQ MACDILL AFB FL 161738Z

C. STATE 92662

D. STATE 105271

E. SANAA 2699

Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d.

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002791

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER KNNP KAWC YM COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: FM QIRBI DISCUSSES IRAN, SALEH VISIT, CT ISSUES
WITH AMBASSADOR

REF: A. SANAA 2767

B. HQ MACDILL AFB FL 161738Z

C. STATE 92662

D. STATE 105271

E. SANAA 2699

Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d.


1. (S) Summary: In a September 18 meeting with Ambassador,
Foreign Minister Abubakr Qirbi discussed potential IAEA
action against Iran and Saleh's November visit to Washington.
Discussions also focused on several counter-terrorism
issues, including support for the extradition of an Iraqi
former regime member, GTMO detainees and possible Ramadan
amnesty releases. End Summary.

-------------- --------------
Iran/IAEA: "Nothing Against the Resolution, but...
-------------- --------------


2. (C) Ambassador stressed that Iran must cease uranium
enrichment activities and begin cooperating fully with the
IAEA Board of Governors. He urged Yemen to vote to refer
Iran to the Security Council for discussion and potential
action. Yemen reportedly intends to vote against such a
resolution, Ambassador added, and urged the ROYG to
reconsider its position and vote alongside the members who
are committed to holding Iran to its NPT obligations.


3. (C) Qirbi would neither confirm nor deny ROYG's position
on the Iran vote, but replied "we have nothing against the
resolution," but are consulting with the Arab League on a
separate resolution. "Yemen is committed to a nuclear free
Middle East," Qirbi said, adding that any resolution against
Iran should demand Israel abandon their nuclear program as
well. Ambassador replied that Iran's clear violation of its
NPT obligations is the issue, not a possible Israeli nuclear
program. The USG supports a nuclear free Middle East as
well, Ambassador stressed, and referring Iran to the Security
Council would help achieve that goal.

--------------
Saleh's Visit
--------------


4. (C) Ambassador informed Qirbi that specific topics for
Saleh's November meeting with Bush would soon be finalized.
Focus would be on security cooperation, economic development,
and democracy building. Ambassador hoped to soon receive an
official presentation of ROYG views on these issues, as

promised by Saleh. From the USG perspective, continued
Ambassador, expect concerns over press freedoms as well,
including the recent detention of several journalists by
government authorities (septel). He also mentioned the
disturbing news of the abduction and beating of one
journalist (ref A),with possible assistance from security
authorities, for alleged ties with the US Ambassador.


5. (C) Qirbi provided no additional information on ROYG
views for the November visit. He did present, however, a
draft "Memorandum of Intention" establishing a framework for
future US-Yemen cooperation. Qirbi explained that the
memorandum outlined broad guidelines for cooperation on
counter-terrorism, military issues, and economic assistance.
Ambassador promised to share a copy with Washington and
report back. A broad outline for cooperation provides a good
starting point for strengthening our bi-lateral relationship,
said Ambassador, but preparations for Saleh's visit must
focus on specific steps to improve US-Yemeni cooperation.

-------------- --------------
CT: Extradition of Iraqi, Security Detainees, and Zindani
-------------- --------------


6. (S) Moving on to CT issues, Ambassador informed Qirbi
that the Iraqi government issued an arrest warrant for Umar
Sabawi, Saddam Hussein's nephew and insurgency leader, and
would soon approach ROYG with an extradition request (ref B).
"Are you sure he's still here?" replied Qirbi. Sabawi is in
Yemen, replied Ambassador, stressing that USG will fully
support Iraq's request and suggested ROYG immediately freeze
his assets and detain Sabawi for extradition. Ambassador
said he would seek approval for releasable intelligence for
MFA on Sabawi's activities to facilitate his extradition.



7. (C) On GTMO detainees, Ambassador expressed concern for
the delay response on the pending transfer of six former
enemy combatants (ref C and D) and urged the ROYG to accept
the return of its own citizens. He requested an official
answer, either affirmative or negative, in writing.


8. (C) On security detainees in Yemen, Ambassador
anticipated ROYG would once again release prisoners during a
Ramadan amnesty (ref E). Early communication and
transparency before release, stressed Ambassador, would avoid
last minute tension over terrorism related detainees,
especially in advance of Saleh's post-Ramadan visit.


9. (C) Qirbi provided no substantive response to Sabawi's
extradition or GTMO detainees, but did provide Ambassador
with a written request for detailed intelligence on Abdul
Majeed Zindani's financial support to terrorist groups.
Ambassador accepted the letter, but replied that
nevertheless, Zindani's inclusion on the UN terrorist
financing list required ROYG to freeze his assets and
prosecute any illegal financial activities.


10. (C) Comment: ROYG is hesitant to move against Zindani
given the Sheikh's relative popularity and his role during
the 1994 Yemeni Civil War of rallying "Arab Afghanis" to
fight alongside northern forces. Zindani recently gave a
public interview requesting President Saleh to "take up his
case" on the terrorist financing designation, which
apparently he has. End Comment.
Krajeski