DEMARCHE DELIVERED: ENGAGING THE ARAB LEAGUE,

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 004556 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/03/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV KU IZ DEMARCHE SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: ENGAGING THE ARAB LEAGUE, U.S. POLICY ON SUNNI OUTREACH REF: A) STATE 193767 B) STATE 194422 Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) PolCouns delivered ref A points to MFA Americas Department Deputy Director Hamed Al-Mashan. Al-Mashan said he would ensure the points are passed directly to the Foreign Minister, now traveling in France with the Emir. He said Kuwait would likely favor a strong statement of support for the GOI. ¶2. (C) PolCouns also discussed ref B points on clarifying U.S. policy on Sunni outreach. Al-Mashan said that news reports indicating a U.S. decision to "take sides" had caused significant GOK concern. He said the U.S. assurances on this count would be well-received. ******************************************** For more Embassy Kuwait reporting, see: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/cables Or Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ******************************************** LEBARON