APHSCT TOWNSEND NOVEMBER 15 MEETING WITH CROWN

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 RIYADH 009083

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2016
TAGS: PTER PREL PGOV EFIN KTFN SA
SUBJECT: APHSCT TOWNSEND NOVEMBER 15 MEETING WITH CROWN
PRINCE SULTAN

Classified By: Ambassador James C. Oberwetter for reasons 1.4 (b) and (
d).


1. (S) Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and
Counterterrorism (APHSCT) Fran Townsend met on November 15
with Crown Prince Sultan, who immediately steered the
conversation to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. He noted
the ongoing violence and raised the Arab Peace Plan proposed
by King Abdullah while he was still Crown Prince as a
solution, which he claimed only Israel does not accept. The
Crown Prince said he looks forward to the day when all Arab
states recognize Israel, saying it is up to the U.S. and the
Arabs to push a solution. APHSCT Townsend conveyed the
President's commitment to peace in the Middle East, noting
that there seems to be progress towards the establishment of
a unity government. The Crown Prince expressed hope that
this issue would be resolved within the next two years.


2. (S) The Crown Prince expressed concern about the situation
in Iraq, noting the daily killings and pointing out that
Iranian interference in Iraq is dangerous and does not serve
region's interests. He emphasized that the Saudis are
following the sectarian violence closely, fearing that this
could negatively impact Shi'a-Sunni relations throughout the
world. However, he assured APHSCT Townsend that there has,
to date, been no indication of increased Iranian influence in
Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province. He said that Saudi Shi'as
are a small minority, &living well," and participate in all
facets of Saudi life. (COMMENT: The Saudi Shi'a constitutes
10-15 percent of Saudi Arabia's population, although a
significantly higher percentage in the oil-rich Eastern
Province. They suffer significant discrimination and have a
limited ability to participate in all facets of Saudi life.
END COMMENT.) He said there are some malcontents in the
Shi'a community who are dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
While there is no immediate fear of Iranian influence in the
Kingdom, the Crown Prince emphasized the fear that increased
Iranian influence in Iraq will negatively affect the security
of the entire region. APHSCT Townsend agreed, pointing out
that it has clearly impacted Syria and Lebanon. She noted
that there is growing evidence of increased Iranian
interference in southern Iraq -- including funding, training,
and assistance with explosive device technologies.


3. (S) APHSCT Townsend lauded the SAG's cooperation with the
FBI and CIA during the past four years and noted the
Mubahith's progress on its most-wanted list. APHSCT Townsend
continued that, despite this progress, there is much more to
accomplish. She expressed concern about recent discussions
with the Government of Kuwait (GOK),which she said avoids
dealing with extremist elements so as "not to stir things
up." She requested SAG assistance in pressuring the GOK to
more aggressively engage on this issue. The Crown Prince
suggested that the Kuwaitees have adopted a constitution and
democracy that are "bigger than they are." He pointed out
that there are more than 100 nationalities in Kuwait --
including some Saudis. He said the SAG, per the wishes of
the GOK, has not pressed for the return of Saudi nationals.
He indicated that the SAG would do what the Kuwaitis want in
this regard. The Crown Prince claimed that the Kuwaitis have
"more relations" with Iran, stating that, to get rid of them,
will take time and strength. He emphasized that the SAG
considers itself responsible for facilitating regional
security, development, and cooperation. He assured APHSCT
Townsend that the SAG wants "to see them (Kuwait) stable and
secure." He emphasized the need for patience, saying that
the SAG will continue on the "path of progress."


4. (S) APHSCT Townsend indicated positive bilateral
discussions relating to securing the oil infrastructure,
stating that the USG is prepared to provide to the Saudi team
a long-term, in-country expert. The Crown Prince conveyed
that this proposal has been accepted and emphasized that the
Saudis are eager to cooperate with the U.S. on these issues.
He noted that King Abdullah was also very pleased with these
discussions and hopes the results will be even better.


5. (S) The Crown Prince noted that he had called Secretary of
Defense Nominee Robert Gates and assured him of the SAG's
continued cooperation. He said he hoped that, as Secretary,
Mr. Gate's first trip would be to Saudi Arabia. The Crown

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Prince asked that APHSCT Townsend pass this request to the
new Defense Secretary as well as to the President. He
continued that he is pleased with the cooperation between the
Saudis and the U.S. and hopes the USG will reconsider its
"surveillance program" for visa holders -- especially Saudi
students. He pointed out that many Saudis are now traveling
to Europe instead of the United States. Ambassador conveyed
that Internet appointments are now being accepted and that,
despite increases in the number of applications, the waiting
times for interviews have significantly decreased.


6. (C) The Crown Prince closed by noting media reports of
threats to the SAG and instability within the ruling family.
He pointed out that, although there have never been
"succession problems," King Abdullah believes the new
Allegiance Commission will nonetheless reassure Saudis and
the rest of the world that there will always be a smooth
transition of rule. He emphasized that this transition will
now be to the "fittest," saying that it is good news for the
U.S. and Saudi Arabia's other friends. Stability,
cooperation, and continued goodwill will remain intact.


7. (U) This cable has been cleared by APHSCT Townsend.

OBERWETTER