ARMED FORCES CHIEF REQUESTS ACCESS TO BETHESDA

UNCLAS SANAA 000233 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MASS YM SUBJECT: ARMED FORCES CHIEF REQUESTS ACCESS TO BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL REF: 2005 SANAA 1868 On January 18, MG Mohammed Ali Al-Qassimi, Chief of Staff for the Armed Forces, requested post's assistance to schedule a required medical check-up at Bethesda Naval Hospital. Qassimi recently returned to Yemen after six months of cancer treatment at Bethesda (ref A). The Republic of Yemen Government will pay all related costs. Post requests Department assistance in arranging a follow-up appointment on March 8. Yemen is a key partner in the GWOT and allowing Qassimi to continue treatment at Bethesda will contribute positively to our bi-lateral relationship. Khoury