AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE PLANS TRIP TO IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 003692

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

NEA/ARP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL KISL OFDP PINR SOCI IZ KU
IRAQ-KUWAIT RELATIONS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR-DESIGNATE PLANS TRIP TO IRAQ

REF: 05 STATE 5130

Classified By: DCM Matt Tueller for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary. Kuwait's Ambassador-designate to Iraq Ali
Al-Mumin cited reciprocity issues as the most important
stumbling block to upgraded diplomatic representation in
Baghdad. He noted that issues involving security, site
location and transportation between Iraq and Kuwait needed to
be resolved prior to opening an Embassy. Al-Mumin said that
he plans to travel to Iraq soon and intends to meet with
Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki, Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, and
other Iraqi and USG officials. He also sought improved
support from U.S. military forces in Iraq for Kuwait's
humanitarian relief efforts there. End summary.


2. (C) Poloffs met September 13 with Kuwait
Ambassador-designate to Iraq and head of the Humanitarian
Operations Center Kuwait (HOC) retired General Ali Al-Mumin
on September 13. Al-Mumin plans to visit Iraq, probably soon
after the end of Ramadan (Oct. 24),and has requested USG
assistance with transportation and logistics. Al-Mumin plans
to travel to Najaf and Karbala in connection with HOC relief
projects, including a GOK-funded housing project in Najaf for
widows and orphans that would be administered by Iraq's Shia
Waqf. Mumin intends to meet with Ayatollah Sistani and
Sistani's son in Najaf, then proceed to Baghdad where he has
requested meetings with PM Maliki and other Iraqi and U.S.
officials.


3. (C) Al-Mumin said there are a number of issues blocking
further progress on an Iraq-Kuwait exchange of Ambassadors,
but made clear his view that the most significant of these is
reciprocity. "If Iraq would name an Ambassador, maybe this
would clear the way," he said. Senior Kuwaiti officials have
taken a similar line in past conversations (reftel).
Al-Mumin said security issues are important as well. He said
he was realistic about the danger, but noted that "I am a
soldier and willing to take risks." Al-Mumin cited several
requirements including ensuring adequate security for the
embassy and staff, close proximity to the U.S. Embassy and
availability of U.S. military transportation between Iraq and
Kuwait. Al-Mumin indicated that though it was important for
Kuwait to "show its face" he didn't envision being resident
in Iraq full-time. Note: In a separate conversation with
the Ambassador September 13, MFA U/S Mohammed al-Roumi
stressed security concerns as the key factor impeding the
sending of an Ambassador to Baghdad.


4. (C) PolChief encouraged Al-Mumin to consider ways to
strengthen Kuwait-Iraq ties, including the possibility of
upgrading diplomatic relations, and noted that Jordan's
Ambassador had recently presented his credentials in Baghdad.
Polchief stressed the importance of regional support for the
GOI, a point on which al-Mumin agreed. PolChief offered
assistance in coordinating al-Mumin's upcoming visit to Iraq.



5. (C) Al-Mumin also sought Embassy help with improving the
level of transportation and other assistance provided by the
U.S. military for the HOC's relief efforts in Iraq. He
complained that assistance was readily available in the past
but that now it is much more difficult to arrange, with
lengthy delays in obtaining transportation from Baghdad to
other parts of Iraq. He said the HOC remains ready to help
U.S. efforts in Iraq but that consistent U.S. support is
necessary. Al-Mumin was careful to avoid directly
criticizing tbe GOK for its declining support, but when
pressed did state that the HOC's facilities in Kuwait
(currently scattered over several locations) contribute to
its problems.
LeBaron