KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UN 1267 SANCTIONS

S E C R E T KUWAIT 002567 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EB/ESC/TFS (BENDANA),NEA/RA (MONOSSON) S/CT (KUSHNER); TREASURY FOR TFFC (HEFFERNAN),OIA (LEVITT); AND NSC FOR HINNEN E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2016 TAGS: PTER PREL KFTN KU TERROR FINANCE SUBJECT: KUWAIT DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UN 1267 SANCTIONS AGAINST KUWAIT-BASED TERRORIST FACILITATORS REF: A. STATE 97217 ¶B. KUWAIT 2118 ¶C. KUWAIT 1687 ¶D. STATE 68050 ¶E. KUWAIT 1138 Classified By: CDA Matt Tueller for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S/NF) The Charge advised Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah on June 27 of the U.S. intent to submit to the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee the names of three Kuwaiti nationals for listing as terrorism financiers: Jaber Al-Jalahmah, Mubarak Al-Bathali, and Dr. Hamad Abdullah Al-Ali. He shared with Al-Jarallah ref A information on the three individuals, which had been previously passed to GOK officials, and asked the GOK to co-sponsor their designation. Al-Jarallah replied that the GOK is "ready to cooperate all the way," but needed sufficient evidence in order to do so. He hoped the information presented contained the specifics needed for Kuwaiti support. The CDA commented that not all available information could be used in court, but asserted that the paper contained concrete and historical examples of the activities of the three. He reviewed the UN procedures for listing terror financiers, explained that the assets of the three would be frozen upon their listing, and reiterated that Kuwaiti co-sponsorship would send a clear message about the GOK's position on terrorists and those who support them. He also welcomed the GOK's anticipated official response to USG non-papers on the Revival of the Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS) and encouraged Kuwait to respond soon (ref B). Al-Jarallah promised to review all of the papers submitted and identify steps that could be taken jointly. ¶2. (S/NF) Comment: We do not rule out the possibility of the GOK agreeing to co-sponsor designation of Jalahmah, Bathali, and Ali. However, with attention focused on domestic issues and government formation, we do not expect to hear back from the GOK by the July 15 deadline. The significance of a joint designation makes it worth taking the time to bring GOK officials to the conclusion that their interests would be served by this action. The three know they are under close surveillance and designation is unlikely to freeze significant assets. The major benefit of designation therefore would be the symbolism of joint action by the USG and GOK against Kuwaitis engaged in support for terrorism. ********************************************* * For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ********************************************* * TUELLER