DFM SHARES VIEWS ON SALEH VISIT, FORUM FOR THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 003287 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/19/2015 TAGS: PREL KDEM YM SUBJECT: DFM SHARES VIEWS ON SALEH VISIT, FORUM FOR THE FUTURE REF: A. STATE 207948 ¶B. STATE 206372 ¶C. SANAA 3187 Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (C) During a November 14 meeting with DCM, Deputy Foreign Minister Mohiedeen Al-Dhabi shared his views on President Saleh's visit to Washington and the recent Forum for the Future conference in Bahrain. Al-Dhabi was optimistic about Saleh's meetings with President Bush and others, saying the visit reflected both countries' "political will for close cooperation." Al-Dhabi also expressed satisfaction over the Forum for the Future meeting, despite the absence of a final communiqu, calling it "an important step" toward democratic development in the region. -------------- Saleh's Visit: Could Have Been Worse -------------- ¶2. (C) Although President Saleh had not yet returned to Yemen at the time of the meeting, Al-Dhabi said the ROYG's initial impressions were positive. "We're very happy with the visit," he said, "it went much better than expected." Al-Dhabi hoped that bilateral cooperation would continue in an "open and frank" manner to address the specific areas of concern discussed during Saleh's visit, including security cooperation and political reform (ref A). He credited the extensive preparations conducted by both sides for giving Saleh a "clear message" on USG concerns over bilateral security cooperation. ¶3. (C) DCM stressed the importance of maintaining momentum from the visit and implementing specific and substantive initiatives to address problems, especially in relation to Yemen's suspended threshold program for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) (ref B). Before Yemen could be reconsidered for participation in MCA, he continued, clear steps must be taken to address governance issues, including the recent deterioration of press freedoms (ref C) and continued problems with corruption. DCM also emphasized the importance of institutionalizing security cooperation and developing stronger, more regularized relations between ROYG and USG officials on counter-terrorism issues. The DFM agreed and hoped that President Saleh would use the ruling party's conference in mid-December to announce specific reform initiatives. -------------- Forum for the Future: At Least We Are Talking -------------- ¶4. (C) Despite the absence of a final communiqu, Al-Dhabi considered the recent Forum for the Future meeting in Bahrain an "important gathering" and a "political success," as the event marked the first formal gathering between senior government officials and NGO representatives. While meeting together is an important first step, he acknowledged that many governments are still wary of developing civil society for fear that "it might actually lead to democracy." Al-Dhabi said the ROYG was proud of its role in the Forum and hoped their participation could continue in the newly established Foundation for the Future, despite their inability to provide the requested allocation of USD one million. DCM agreed that the lack of a final communiqu did not indicate failure and encouraged Dhabi to work informally on reform issues with other countries between Forum meetings. Al-Dhabi expressed the ROYG's aspirations to be a leader on NGO development, including the possible establishment of a regional NGO training center in Yemen. ¶5. (C) Comment: Al-Dhabi appeared unaware of Yemen's MCA suspension and likely has not received a full brief on Saleh's visit. The ROYG delegation returned on November 16 and post will follow-up with officials to ascertain ROYG impressions of the visit and planned steps to address the problems discussed in Washington. Krajeski