Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ABUDHABI1206
2007-07-19 08:49:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Cable title:  

SATELLITE COOPERATION AGREEMENT - INFORMAL UAE

Tags:  ETTC KSTC PARM PREL SA QA AE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHAD #1206 2000849
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
P 190849Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9382
INFO RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA 1381
RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 1666
RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 0346
S E C R E T ABU DHABI 001206 

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, ISN/CATR - KESSLER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2017
TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL SA QA AE
SUBJECT: SATELLITE COOPERATION AGREEMENT - INFORMAL UAE
VIEWS

REF: STATE 80346

Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

S E C R E T ABU DHABI 001206

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, ISN/CATR - KESSLER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2017
TAGS: ETTC KSTC PARM PREL SA QA AE
SUBJECT: SATELLITE COOPERATION AGREEMENT - INFORMAL UAE
VIEWS

REF: STATE 80346

Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (S/NF) DATT met with UAE Air Force Intelligence Chief
Colonel Mahash Al-Hameli on July 16 to follow-up on our
previous approaches on the draft U.S. - KSA, UAE, and Qatar
Satellite Cooperation Agreement (SCA). Col Mahash said he
preferred a bilateral agreement with the USG on this subject.
The GCC, he argued, is not an effective military entity, but
an outlet for politicians to talk. With regard to this
agreement, he stated, he did not believe the Saudis would
act.


2. (S/NF) Col Mahash stated the SCA was with UAE Chief of
Staff Lt. General Hamad Mohammed Thani Al-Rumaithy for reply.
He told DATT that LTG Al-Rumaithy had asked for his input,
which he had provided. He thought a formal response would be
coming "soon."


3. (S) Since we approached the UAEG (Ministry of Foreign
Affairs and the UAE Military) in June, Raytheon has also met
with Col Mahash about the HudHud satellite system and
received a similar message about Mahash's preference for a
bilateral agreement. We will continue to seek a formal reply
on the SCA and advocate on behalf of the Raytheon-led U.S.
consortium.


4. (C) Bio Note: Colonel Mahash is departing the UAE in
August for vacation in Switzerland followed by attendance at
the NATO staff college in Rome. The college is to fulfill
requirements for promotion to Brigadier. DATT expects
Mahash's promotion to Brigadier in December. As a Brigadier,
Mahash will play an important and more prominent role in the
UAE AF & AD.
SISON