INTERNAL SAG RIVALRIES ON CLOSING PALESTINE STREET

S E C R E T JEDDAH 000372

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

RIYADH, PLEASE PASS TO DHAHRAN; DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2016
TAGS: CMGT CVIS PGOV PREL SA PTER ASEC ABLD AMGT
SUBJECT: INTERNAL SAG RIVALRIES ON CLOSING PALESTINE STREET
DELAY RESUMPTION OF VISA SERVICES

REF: A. 05 JEDDAH 04869

B. JEDDAH 000347

Classified By: Tatiana C. Gfoeller for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) SUMMARY: As part of his research for a
SAG-commissioned report on improving the issuance of US visas
to Saudi nationals, Nawaf Al Obeid, an advisor to Saudi
Ambassador to the US Turki bin Feisal Al Saud, met with the
Consul General and Conoff on May 17. The CG emphasized that
though minor efforts to streamline the application process
may prove fruitful, the only truly effective way to ease long
visa wait times would be for the Saudi Government to close
the section of Palestine Street fronting the Consulate, per
the Ambassador's November request, thereby allowing the
resumption of visa services. Al Obeid stated that though the
decision on this rested with the King, certain members of the
government opposed the street closure because it would show
weakness in the face of American pressure. END SUMMARY

REPORT TO OFFER COSMETIC IMPROVEMENTS FOR VISA APPLICANTS


2. (S) On May 17, the Consul General and Conoff met with
Nawaf Al Obeid, the energy and security advisor to SAG
Ambassador to the US Prince Turki bin Feisal Al Saud, as part
of his research for a SAG-commissioned report on streamlining
the visa issuance process for Saudi nationals. According to
Obeid, frustration at the suspension of non-immigrant visa
services at Post (see reftel A) and long appointment wait
times at Embassy Riyadh (now currently at 16 weeks) has led
to numerous formal complaints being filed with the King and
widespread media coverage disparaging the USG. Obeid's
stated goal is to release a public report on the situation
that will not only offer suggestions for making the visa
application process more efficient but will dispassionately
describe the circumstances to dispel public recriminations.


3. (S) Summarizing his meetings at Embassy Riyadh the
previous week with representatives from the political and
consular sections as well as from the Department of Homeland
Security, Al Obeid made several informal and cosmetic
suggestions for improving the visa issuance process there.
He also acknowledged the importance of examining the visa
issue in context and recognized the USG's "legitimate"
concerns about visa reciprocity.

"THE TRAIN IS LEAVING THE STATION"


4. (S) The CG emphasized that the full resolution of the
visa issue would only occur after the SAG had closed the
block of Palestine Street which fronts the Consulate
compound, per the Ambassador's November 2005 request, and
non-immigrant visa services in Jeddah were resumed. The CG
noted the USG's continued frustration at the lack of movement
and bilateral dialogue, despite the fact that should a bomb
attack occur on the Consulate with visa services operating,
Saudi casualties would mount into the hundreds. By closing
the street, the Mission would be able to dramatically
increase the number of visa appointments as well as ensure
the protection of both its staff and the Saudi public. She
said that the urgency of the security threat was highlighted
by the May 12 shooting at the Consulate (see reftel B).
(Note: Contrary to previous SAG accounts of a lone shooter,
Obeid said the government was currently hunting for at least
four accomplices involved in the attack.)


5. (S) She further explained that time was "running out" for
the SAG to make a decision, given that the Department would
likely re-allocate resources in the near future should visa
services in Jeddah not resume. This would mean the permanent
transfer of personnel as well as a renovation of the consular
facility so it could be used more efficiently by other
sections. The CG stated in plain trms that should this
happen, it would be unlikel that the section would re-open
soon. "The trai is leaving the station," she said. Obeid
agree that the continued US-SAG dispute on the visa issu
and the closing of the sreet only served to empower elements
in the Kingdom that would welcome a rift in the bilateral
relationship.

SAUDI INTRANSIGENCE TO SAVE FACE


6. (S) Obeid explained that the unwillingness of the SAG to

address the street closure was based primarily on domestic
political considerations and had "zero to do" with any
inconvenience to Jeddawis of having to detour around the
closed block. "Absolutely no one cares about that," Obeid
said disdainfully. Instead, he said the SAG had to avoid the
appearance of "caving in" to the USG in order to save face
with its own constituency. Emphasizing that there was
significant anti-Americanism in Saudi Arabia and Jeddah
proper, he claimed that was the reason for the obstacles
faced by the Consulate General in purchasing land for a new
compound. "I understand that every time you are close to
clinching a deal, when the seller realizes who you are, he
withdraws his land."


7. (S) Obeid also hinted that a struggle for influence both
within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the group closest
to the King was at least somewhat responsible for the SAG's
delay in responding to the Ambassador's request. In
particular, he said that a group of "young and modern"
princes were working to undermine the unpopular Assistant
Minister for Consular Affairs. Similarly, Obeid remarked on
rumors that the King's advisors were split between
conservative elements opposed to compromise and more moderate
voices. Before leaving, Conoff took Obeid on a brief tour of
the consular section. Obeid was surprised by its
considerable size and remarked several times that he had not
realized how many interview windows would be available for
visa applicants should the section reopen.


8. (S) COMMENT: Though the SAG is clearly frustrated by the
public outcry at visa wait times, competing elements within
the government have obscured the fact that only the Saudis
can solve the problem. There seems to be little recognition
that closing the section of Palestine Street adjacent to the
Consulate and facilitating the search for land on which to
build a new Consulate compound are the two most effective
ways to resolve the issue. END COMMENT
Gfoeller