KUWAIT OFFERS $10 MILLION TO RESTORE SAMARRA

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000678 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI AND EB/FO, LONDON FOR TSOU E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID IZ KU SUBJECT: KUWAIT OFFERS $10 MILLION TO RESTORE SAMARRA MOSQUE AND OTHERS DAMAGED IN IRAQ REF: A. KUWAIT 661 ¶B. KUWAIT 634 ¶C. 05 KUWAIT 3948 ¶1. (U) According to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) and confirmed by MFA Undersecretary Khaled Al-Jarallah, on Monday, February 27, the GOK Council of Ministers (cabinet) authorized a $10 million grant for Iraq, half for the restoration of the Shrine of the Two Imams mosque in Samarra and half for other mosques damaged in the recent attacks. ¶2. (U) KUNA reports that the official GOK statement, issued on behalf of the Amir by Deputy Prime Minister and State Minister for Cabinet and National Assembly Affairs Mohammad Dhaifallah Sharar, underscored the Kuwaiti people's support for their Iraqi brethren and demonstrated Kuwait's willingness to "help the Iraqis cope with the crisis and substantiate their national unity." ¶3. (U) This donation marks the second time in recent months the GOK has responded with timely assistance to Iraqis in response to sectarian violence. In September 2005, the GOK provided immediate medical and financial assistance ($10 million) for victims of the August 31 bridge stampede in Baghdad (see ref C). ******************************************** Visit Embassy Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ******************************************** LEBARON