AMBASSADOR RAISES ACS CONCERNS WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000626 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR CA/OCS (K RICHTER) AND NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/29/2022 TAGS: PREL CACS KU SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RAISES ACS CONCERNS WITH DEFENSE/INTERIOR MINISTER Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C/NF) During an April 25 meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior Shaykh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, the Ambassador raised continued concerns about the Kuwaiti police's failure to expeditiously notify the embassy when Amcits were arrested. The Ambassador stressed that notification should be immediate and recommended refresher training for police to remind them of their obligations under the Geneva Conventions. Shaykh Jaber agreed the problem existed and said he would issue an official notification to all Ministry of Interior staff outlining the proper procedures to follow when arresting Amcits. ¶2. (C/NF) The Ambassador also expressed concern about reports of physical abuse of several Amcits recently arrested by Kuwaiti police and informed the Minister that the embassy would submit an official complaint via diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Shaykh Jaber promised to address this problem and "personally punish those responsible." ********************************************* * 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/ ********************************************* * LeBaron