ADDITIONAL BORDER CROSSING REQUEST GAINS TRACTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 001747

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP
BAGHDAD FOR M. RIES

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2017
TAGS: MOPS PREL KU IZ
SUBJECT: ADDITIONAL BORDER CROSSING REQUEST GAINS TRACTION

REF: A. KUWAIT 1742


B. KUWAIT 1706

C. BAGHDAD 3174

Classified By: CDA Alan Misenheimer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Following contacts reported reftels, CDA on December
17 had multiple telcons on the border crossing request with
GEN Saleh Al-Humaydhi in absence of Defense Minister Shaykh
Jaber Mubarak Al Sabah. At Al-Humaydhi,s request, he
subsequently had two telcons with GEN Khaled Al-Jarrah (J2).


2. (C) Al-Jarrah was briefed on the U.S. request, favorably
disposed, and had only a few specific queries on border
control modalities. In particular, he sought confirmation
that any "new" crossing point would be controlled by GOK
personnel, and would be used exclusively in connection with
the supply of Camp Bucca. Charge replied in the affirmative
on both points.


3. (C) Al-Jarrah said he supports the U.S. request and will
make a positive recommendation to the Defense Minister in a
meeting scheduled for December 19. He undertook to convey
the Minister,s response - likely to be either approval or a
request for some further clarification or assurance - without
delay.


4. (C) Post will report Al-Jarrah,s response, and any other
developments relative to this issue, as received.

********************************************* *
For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s

Visit Kuwait's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/
********************************************* *
MISENHEIMER