KUWAIT-IRAQ BORDER TALKS CONCLUDE SUCCESSFULLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004502

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/22/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV KU IZ
SUBJECT: KUWAIT-IRAQ BORDER TALKS CONCLUDE SUCCESSFULLY

Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: Iraqi and Kuwaiti delegations both gave
positive assessments of three days of talks on border and
security issues. The two sides agreed to a compensation
scheme allowing the construction of a security road and fence
through the northern border area at Um Qasr. They also
agreed a joint mechanism to address border security incidents
and maritime border protocol issues. They began discussions
about shared oil fields, and agreed to develop technical
proposals. The Iraqi delegation, pointing to disarray in the
Prime Minister's office, noted that follow-up will not be
easy. End Summary.


2. (C) Kuwait and Iraq on November 21 finished three days
of meetings on outstanding border and security issues. The
Iraqi delegation was led by MFA U/S Mohammed Hamoud. In a
meeting with PolCouns after the talks concluded, Hamoud said
the atmosphere was positive and constructive throughout. He
said the sides were able to resolve a number of contentious
issues and made progress on others. Kuwaiti MFA U/S Khalid
Jarallah echoed that assessment in a conversation with
Ambassador, calling the talks "wonderful" and praising the
"practical" approach of the Iraqis.

Border Security, Compensation Issues Resolved
--------------


3. (C) According to Hamoud, the two sides agreed on a
border security project which includes the development of a
security road and fence through the Um Qasr area, a project
that will displace dozens of residents in the town, and will
effect several farms in outlying areas. The sides agreed on
a joint compensation scheme that would pay around USD 1.7
million to the Iraqis living in the path of the security
strip. The sides further agreed to a mechanism for regular
meetings of the existing joint border security committee to
address the type of small-scale border security incidents,
possibly connected to smuggling, that have increased over the
past several months. Maritime border issues were addressed
as well, including security and protocol procedures for
Iraqi-flagged vessels in Kuwaiti waters. Hamoud said the
protocol procedures, including the issue of flying Iraqi
flags in Kuwaiti waters, will be referred to an independent
expert for legal advice.

Joint Oil Fields To Be Addressed
--------------


4. (C) In addition to the security issues, the two sides
began discussions aimed at addressing Iraqi complaints over
Kuwaiti oil extraction from four cross-border fields,
including the Ratqa field. According to Hamoud, the Iraqis
are concerned that Kuwaiti continues production in these
fields while Iraq remains unable exploit them. Hamoud said
the sides agreed to meet again in one month with specific
technical proposals.

Follow-up Challenges: Frustration with the Prime Minister
-------------- --------------


5. (C) Both Jarallah and Hamoud separately expressed
concern about Iraqi follow-up on these agreements. Hamoud
warned the Kuwaitis that follow-up will not be easy, given
the disarray in the GOI. Hamoud told PolCouns the MFA well
understands how important the Iraq-Kuwait relationship is as
a gateway to the Gulf, and appreciates that Kuwait, perhaps
more than others in the GCC, is ready to move forward. Iraq
needs to get an Ambassador to Kuwait, he added, but
nominations remain held up in the Prime Minister's office.
Hamoud identified the PM's office as a roadblock to progress
on a host of issues the MFA needs to deal with. "There is no
leadership, and people around the Prime Minister are ignorant
- they know nothing and can do nothing," he complained.
Hamoud, a long-serving diplomat and expert on international
law, bemoaned the inability of technocrats like himself to do
their jobs, given political uncertainties in Baghdad. He
said FM Zebari's upcoming month-long travel stint during
which Hamoud will have day-to-day responsibilities for
running the MFA, will be a particular challenge: "I don't
know how I will get anything done with these people," he
said. "We will need your help in Baghdad."
LeBaron