SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: KIDNAPPING OF UAE DIPLOMAT

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 002077

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP; NEA/PPD; NEA/RA; INR/R/MR; PA; INR/NESA;
INR/B; RRU-NEA
IIP/G/NEA-SA
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE; NSC
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA
USCINCCENT FOR POLAD
LONDON FOR MCKUNE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR AE KPAO TC
SUBJECT: SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: KIDNAPPING OF UAE DIPLOMAT
IN BAGHDAD



1. Summary: The kidnapping of the UAE diplomat in Baghdad
generated extensive coverage in the UAE print and electronic
media. Regional media "Al-Arabiya" satellite channel, and
the London-based "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat" and "Al-Hayat" dailies
also featured the story. Editorials urged the perpetrators
to release Al-Nuaimi and reiterated the UAE position to
stand beside Iraq to restore its stability and integrity.
End summary


2. The kidnapping of UAE diplomat Naji Al-Nuaimi received
prominent coverage in the UAE's English and Arabic language
dailies. Reports cite a senior UAE Ministry of Foreign
Affairs source as saying that "the UAEG at the highest level
is sparing no efforts to secure the release of its diplomat
in Baghdad Naji Al-Nuaimi. Contacts have been established
with the Iraqi government and the various political factions
to secure the release of Naji and bring him back safe to his
family." The source added that "the UAE reiterates its
position to maintain the unity and integrity of Iraq and to
help to restore the country as a key regional and
international player."


3. Main headline in Dubai-based English-language daily
"Gulf News" (circulation 95,000): "UAE diplomat's family
appeals for his release. GCC officials, Arab League join
efforts to secure Naji's freedom."


4. Small, front-page headline in Dubai-based English-
language daily "Khaleej Times" (circulation 80,000):
"Brother willing to pay ransom for diplomat's safe return."
Sources told PA that the family was contacted later by UAEG
and asked not to speak to the press.


5. The unsigned editorial in Sharjah-based Arabic daily "Al-
Khaleej" (circulation 90,000) 5/18 asks:
"What do assassination, kidnapping and sabotage
professionals want as a result of their criminal deeds that
deserve only damnation? Targeting diplomats who represent
their nations to help Iraq, such as the UAE diplomat Naji Al-
Nuaimi, is a terrorist act and a crime condemned by all
religions, especially at this stage where Iraq is in dire
need of any efforts that may help it restore its natural
status as a sovereign, free and independent nation. The
UAE's role in helping Iraq is as clear as the rays of the
sun and should not be responded to with such criminal acts,
unless the perpetrators' aim is to keep Iraq drowning in a
state of chaos, killing, sabotage and occupation."


6. UAE cColumnist Nasser Al-Dhaheri wrote in semi-official
Abu Dhabi-based Arabic language daily "Al-Ittihad"
(circulation 65,000):

"It was customary among the ancient Arabs that when you send
your neighbor a basket full of the first harvest of dates,
the neighbor always returns the basket full of the fruits of
summer harvest. Because Iraq is a nation of abundant
products, a land of palm trees and pan-Arab feelings, we
hoped to get our basket back with good feelings that would
please us. We would be satisfied even if they decide to
send it back empty, but not with a head of a dear person or
bad news. We have never thought they would assault a UAE
diplomat and kill his driver, because they have never
distributed bombs, explosives or any means of killing. All
of their activities were merely humanitarian as members of a
larger team that spared no effort to maintain the unity of
Iraq and prevent its division. Because Iraq is living in a
political, security and legal vacuum, things are not clear
there, thus it is difficult to distinguish between a
diplomat who carries coloring materials and medicines and
another vicious person who does not hesitate to go to a
mosque for a suicide bombing."


7. Under the headline "Kidnappers will not deter UAE", "Gulf
News" 5/18 editorialized:

"Iraq will not be abandoned. The UAE will stand by its
commitment towards the rebuilding of the war-torn country
and the preservation of its unity. The incident is not the
first terrorist attempt against the UAE's diplomatic mission
in Iraq. Twice before, mission cars have been shot at and
two Iraqi employees were killed a few weeks ago. The
perpetrators, it is believed, are trying to drive the UAE
diplomats out of the troubled country. Other countries
whose diplomats had come under attack earlier have made an
exit. However, the UAE has always stood firm in the face of
terrorism. Its solidarity with the Iraqi people is not
negotiable. The kidnappers should release the diplomat
immediately. Their identity is not yet known, but they are
without doubt the enemies of Iraq because the UAE presence
in that country is aimed to help its unfortunate people.
The UAE Red Crescent is one of the most active organizations
there. The Iraqi government should launch a hunt for the
kidnappers of Al-Nauaimi and bring them to justice."

MINIMIZED CONSIDERED

Sison