SCENESETTER: APHSCT TOWNSEND VISIT TO SAUDI

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 07 RIYADH 008858

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

NSC PASS TO TODD HINNEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/24/2031
TAGS: EFIN PTER KTFN ETTC CVIS PGOV PREL SA
SUBJECT: SCENESETTER: APHSCT TOWNSEND VISIT TO SAUDI
ARABIA, 4-7 NOVEMBER 2006

REF: A. RIYADH 8395

B. RIYADH 8401

C. RIYADH 8404

D. RIYADH 8406

E. RIYADH 8407

F. RIYADH 8314

RIYADH 00008858 001.2 OF 007


Classified By: AMBASSADOR JAMES OBERWETTER FOR REASONS 1.4 (B),(D),AN
D (G).


1. (S) Ambassador Oberwetter and the entire US Mission in
Saudi Arabia warmly welcomes your visit to Riyadh. Your
visit to the Kingdom comes in the general context of
improving U.S.- SAG relations. Saudi leaders have warmly
welcomed a large number of senior USG visitors recently, and
have confirmed the strength of the bilateral relationship,
including during regular consultations that occur under the
auspices of the Strategic Dialogue.


2. (S) Counterterrorism cooperation remains strong and
effective, though we need to continue urging the government
to take more counterterrorism finance measures. Internally,
while the stream of threat intelligence continues, no bomb
has gone off since the February 24 attack on the Abqaiq oil
facility. Between 40 to 60 terrorists have been killed,
arrested or detained this year. The SAG seeks US assistance
on energy infrastructure protection and border security.
State's Diplomatic Security sent an assessment team in July
to key oil infrastructure sites, leading possibly to a
long-term partnership that would enhance international energy
security.


3. (S) On counterterrorist financing, the SAG froze the
assets and took away the passport of Mr. al-Mua'jjil, the
director of the IIRO's Eastern Province branch. The branch
is under investigation and temporarily closed. However, the
government has done nothing to establish a National
Commission for the Relief and Charitable Work Abroad, nor
issued cash declaration forms, despite our raising both
repeatedly.


4. (S) The Saudi leadership acknowledges privately that the
war on terrorism will not be won for many years. They
recognize that it is as much a campaign of ideas and
education as it is a military and law enforcement offensive.
The Government continues an ambitious media and public
education campaign to dissuade Saudis, particularly the
young, against the extremist message. However, intolerant
language remains in Saudi textbooks and youth are still
exposed to extremist ideologies through summer camps, in the
mosques and in the media.

--------------
IIRO
--------------


5. (S/NF) The IIRO Eastern Province branch has temporarily
closed its offices pending an ongoing MOI investigation. The
MOI informed U.S. intelligence sources that on approximately
July 10, 2006 Al-Mua'jjil's bank accounts were frozen and
travel restrictions were placed on him. According to the
MOI, the SAG does not have enough evidence to arrest or
detain him at this point in time. Other than freezing
Al-Mua'jjil's bank accounts and restricting his travel, the
SAG does not plan further actions.

--------------
AL HARAMAIN ISLAMIC FOUNDATION
--------------


6. (C) Suliman Al-Buthe, designated to the UN in 2004 for
ties to Al Haramain, has worked for the Riyadh Municipality,
Department of Gardens and Beautification, for over twenty
years and has control of its finances. Following his 1267
designation, the SAG has promoted Al-Buthe twice. Currently
Al-Buthe oversees a USD $8 million project for a sporting
complex in Riyadh. In 2004, the SAG enforced UNSCR 1267
sanctions by freezing Al-Buthe's assets and forcing him to
turn in his passports. However, the SAG pays his salary in
cash and is paying for the schooling of his three children in
Riyadh. In addition to working for the SAG, Al-Buthe has an
import/export business in Riyadh with his brother, who is a
textbook publisher. According to intelligence sources, the

RIYADH 00008858 002.2 OF 007


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RIYADH 00008858 003.2 OF 007


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RIYADH 00008858 004.2 OF 007


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RIYADH 00008858 005.2 OF 007



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PLEASE CANCEL RIYADH 8858 AND ALL ASSOCIATED MCNS.
POST REGRETS ANY INCONVIENCE CAUSED.

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RIYADH 00008858 006.2 OF 007



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PLEASE CANCEL RIYADH 8858 AND ALL ASSOCIATED MCNS AND MRNS.
POST REGRETS ANY INCONVIENCE CAUSED.

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RIYADH 00008858 007.2 OF 007


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POST REGRETS ANY INCONVIENCE CAUSED.

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OBERWETTER