REQUEST FOR SUMMER 2007 TDY SUPPORT FOR EMBASSY KUWAIT

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000194 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/EX/HR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: APER AMGT AFIN KU SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR SUMMER 2007 TDY SUPPORT FOR EMBASSY KUWAIT ECONOMIC SECTION ¶1. Due to an anticipated severe shortage of personnel during the summer transition in 2007, the Economic Section at Embassy Kuwait requests TDY support for the period June 15-August 15, 2007. ¶2. Embassy Kuwait's Economic Section has a Section Chief, three officers, and one OMS. Due to the departure of both the Ambassador and DCM this summer, the Section Chief will likely begin providing coverage for the Front Office in mid-June. Two of the economic officers will depart post this summer, and their posts of onward assignment have requested arrival by June 4 and August 1, respectively. The third economic officer is slated to be on paternity leave for most of the month of July. Incoming economic officers are not currently scheduled to arrive at Post until late August and mid-October. ¶3. We are working with both the departing and arriving officers to minimize potential gaps and have not authorized departure dates for outgoing staff. Even under best-case scenarios, however, we are almost certain to have at least a three-week period in July in which no officer will be available to staff the Economic Section. ¶4. Embassy Kuwait's Political Section will be down to two officers for much of the summer as well, making it impossible for that section to provide resources to the Economic Section during this period. Compounding the situation is the anticipated June departure of the Senior Commercial Counselor, with no successor yet identified. The Economic Section typically backstops the Commercial section in the Counselor's absence. ¶5. Given the central role that Embassy Kuwait plays in supporting USG operations in Iraq, and in light of a projected increase in official visits during the spring and early summer, Embassy Kuwait requests an officer to provide TDY support for the period of June 15 - August 15, ¶2007. July is the most critical month. While post would strongly prefer a candidate at the 02 level or above with a background in economic affairs, post would accept a more junior officer. Arabic language proficiency is not required. ¶6. Lodging is available and will be provided by post. ¶7. Embassy Kuwait appreciates the Department's continued support for Post operations at a critical time in the NEA region.