FM UPDATE ON IRAN, PSI ATTENDANCE, AND U.S. VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 000622 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA, T, ISN/CPI, NEA/RA, NEA/ARPI NSC FOR N. RAMCHAND CENTCOM FOR CCJ2, POLAD, AND CCJ5 CJCS FOR DJ5 SECDEF FOR OSD E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/17/2016 TAGS: PREL MNUC KNNP PGOV ETRD IR XF MU SUBJECT: FM UPDATE ON IRAN, PSI ATTENDANCE, AND U.S. VISIT REF: A. MUSCAT 603 ¶B. MUSCAT 590 Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo. Reason: 1.4 (b, d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) FM Bin Alawi confirmed Omani attendance at upcoming PSI events in May and June, as suggested during the recent visit of U/S Joseph. Clarifying remarks on Iran, he said Oman harbors no illusions about Iranian actions but nevertheless cannot advocate actions that might trigger conflict. He understands Oman may eventually be forced to choose sides, but until then will deal frankly and objectively with Iran in a way that GCC neighbors cannot. The Minister looks forward to his dialogue with senior USG officials on April 21, happy with the absence of bilateral irritants and ready to promote Congressional ratification of the Free Trade Agreement. End summary. ¶2. (C) Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi met with the Ambassador on April 17 to review issues prior to his April 20 arrival in Washington for meetings with senior USG officials. In addition to his scheduled meeting with Secretary Rice, and requests to see Vice President Cheney and National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley, the Minister is now also requesting a meeting with Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. -------------- Iran - No Illusions, But Not War Advocate -------------- ¶3. (C) Further to ref A clarification of his remarks to U/S Joseph on Iran's nuclear program, the Minister reassured the Ambassador that Oman harbors no illusions about Tehran's disturbing nuclear developments and pronouncements. That said, Oman will never advocate for armed conflict, but rather will always advocate for finding a peaceful solution. Bin Alawi said Oman fully understands, however, that it might eventually be forced to pick sides. In the meantime, he noted that Oman has "no outstanding accounts" with Iran: no territorial/border disputes, no vulnerable sectarian schisms, no critical trade links, etc. with which other GCC states are saddled. Emphasizing that Oman does not seek a role as intermediary for the West, Bin Alawi nevertheless noted that Oman can be helpful in communicating with Tehran and is fully capable of dealing frankly and objectively with them. -------------- PSI - Ready to Attend Events -------------- ¶4. (C) In response to offers from visiting Under Secretary of State Robert Joseph on April 9 (ref B),Bin Alawi confirmed that Oman intends to send a representative to the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) High Level Political Meeting hosted by Poland in June. He also committed to sending a representative to the Turkish Anatolian Sun PSI exercise in May, if invited. He noted, however, that he could not guarantee that the Ministry of Defense would agree to send a representative if the exercise is primarily military in nature, but that he would lobby in favor of it. Regardless, he said Oman would have some sort of observer there even without a military representative. Regarding USG urgings that Oman publicly endorse PSI, he said the Initiative is currently undergoing inter-agency review within the Omani government. Once completed, Oman will consider issuing a public statement. (Note: Oman has never previously participated in a PSI event outside its borders. End note.) -------------- Ready for DC Dialogue -------------- ¶5. (C) Summarizing other issues, Bin Alawi is prepared to engage Congress on the Free Trade Agreement. Not intending to delve into great detail, he basically seeks to deliver the message to Congress that Oman is true to its word and will faithfully carry out every commitment it has made in the agreement and ratification process. He is eager to explain to USG interlocutors the Sultanate's approach to domestic political reform. He is likewise prepared to discuss Oman's ongoing dialogue with Israel and views on how best to deal with Hamas. The Minister is interested in getting read-outs on the state of play in Iraq and Syria. Happy there are no bilateral problems to address, the Minister is looking forward to fruitful discussions on these and other topics. GRAPPO