CENTCOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL FALLON MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000503 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/20/2017 TAGS: PREL MOPS IZ MU SUBJECT: CENTCOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL FALLON MEETING WITH CHIEF OF STAFF OF OMAN'S ARMED FORCES Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d) -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (C) Admiral Fallon, Commander of USCENTCOM, received a warm welcome during his first office call with Lieutenant General Nabhani, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces (COSSAF). The COSSAF expressed a strong desire to continue Oman's close working relationship with the U.S. Armed Forces and wished Admiral Fallon success in addressing regional issues. The COSSAF noted that Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad would be visiting Oman the following week. End Summary. -------------- U.S.-OMAN RELATIONS AND REGIONAL OVERVIEW -------------- ¶2. (C) USCENTCOM Commander Admiral William Fallon, accompanied by the Ambassador and U.S. military officers, conducted an introductory office call on Lieutenant General Ahmed bin Harith Nabhani on May 9. After welcoming Admiral Fallon to Oman and congratulating him on his new job, Nabhani highlighted the long and close relationship the U.S. and Omani militaries enjoyed and expressed his desire to continue to grow and deepen this relationship. Responding to Admiral Fallon's views of regional issues, Nabhani stated that achieving progress on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict would greatly assist the U.S. and its allies in their efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in the region. ¶3. (C) Turning to Iran, Nabhani noted that Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadi-Nejad would be visiting Oman in the coming week and said he hoped Ahmadi-Nejad would listen to Sultan Qaboos, views on lowering tensions between Iran and the international community. Nabhani alluded that the Omani government would provide practical advice to help the Iranian leadership to improve relations with both regional states and the West, but did not elaborate other than to say that the Sultan would encourage Ahmadi-Nejad to "take peaceful actions." -------------- THOUGHTS ON IRAQ -------------- ¶4. (C) In response to Admiral Fallon's update on Iraq, and his appeal for regional support for Iraqi Prime Minister Malaki, Nabhani commented that Malaki was received positively by the Sultan during the Iraqi's recent visit to Muscat. Noting that the Sultan would likely elaborate on his meeting with Malaki, Nabhani stated that he hoped the USG would be able to help develop a government in Baghdad "that is for all Iraqis," and not one that allowed for factional splits. He added that the current Iraqi government appeared to favor the Shi'a, which fed sectarian violence. ¶5. (C) In closing, Nabhani stated that while their initial meeting was necessarily short, he hoped to talk with the Admiral further during the helicopter ride to meet with the Sultan, as well as later in the evening over dinner. Nabhani again welcomed Admiral Fallon to Oman, wished him success, and affirmed that the Omani Armed Forces looked forward to continuing its strong relationship with the U.S. military. -------------- COMMENT -------------- ¶6. (C) Comment: In keeping with the introductory nature of their meeting, the COSSAF kept the conversation general by design. More detailed discussions can be expected in future visits. Nevertheless, remaining true to style, Nabhani highlighted his opinion that resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is key to regional stability. End Comment. ¶7. (U) Admiral Fallon has cleared this message. GRAPPO