OMAN WILL CONSIDER PARTICIPATION IN IRAQI WMD

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000595

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP AND ISN/CTR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2017
TAGS: PARM PINR PINS PREF PREL PTER IZ MU
SUBJECT: OMAN WILL CONSIDER PARTICIPATION IN IRAQI WMD
SCIENTIST REDIRECTION PROGRAM

REF: STATE 80326

Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d)


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.


2. (S) The Ambassador delivered reftel information on June
11 to Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusef bin
Alawi and requested that the Omani government agree to accept
Iraqi WMD/missile scientists for one-year professional
development fellowships at USG expense. Bin Alawi replied
that he agreed "in principle" that Oman should accept some of
the identified scientists and said that the government would,
accordingly, strongly consider participation in the program.
He noted that he would have to discuss the issue with other
Omani officials before confirming a positive response,
however, and inquired about the number of scientists that
proposed for temporary relocation in Oman. Bin Alawi also
stated that Oman would need "comprehensive background
information" on relocation candidates and emphasized that
these individuals should have "strong professional
qualifications" so that they could be properly placed at a
university or other appropriate institution.


3. (S) Action Request: In response to bin Alawi's comments,
post requests further guidance on the number of Iraqis
proposed for relocation to Oman under the program. Post also
requests background information and security assessment
evaluation results that could be shared with the Omani
government for each individual relocated to the Sultanate.
The Omanis are especially interested in the Iraqis'
professional qualifications so that they may be placed in an
appropriate position. End Action Request.


4. (U) Post's contacts for the Iraqi scientist redirection
program follow:

-- Pol/Econ Chief Eric Carlson: CarlsonEJMS@state.sgov.gov
(classified e-mail); CarlsonE2@state.gov (unclassified e-mail)
-- Economic & EST Officer Brian Grimm:
GrimmBM@state.sgov.gov (classified e-mail); GrimmBM@state.gov
(unclassified e-mail)
GRAPPO