Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIYADH1047
2007-05-20 05:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR'S COURTESY CALL ON RIYADH PROVINCIAL

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR CVIS SA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0011
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRH #1047 1400502
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 200502Z MAY 07
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5409
INFO RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 8701
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001047 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR CVIS SA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S COURTESY CALL ON RIYADH PROVINCIAL
GOVERNOR PRINCE SALMAN

REF: RIYADH 651

Classified By: Ambassador Ford Fraker
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001047

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR CVIS SA
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S COURTESY CALL ON RIYADH PROVINCIAL
GOVERNOR PRINCE SALMAN

REF: RIYADH 651

Classified By: Ambassador Ford Fraker
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Riyadh Provincial Governor HRH Prince Salman bin
Abdul Aziz emphasized the importance of U.S.-Saudi Arabia
ties during Ambassador's courtesy call on May 16. The Prince
stated that Saudi Arabia has no issues with nor is it a
burden to the United States and discussed the important role
that former U.S. ambassadors to the Kingdom play in
explaining Saudi Arabia to Americans. He added that although
the U.S. and Saudi Arabia may sometimes disagree on policy
issues, their strategic ties and common interests preserve
the long-lasting and continued friendship. Prince Salman
wished the Ambassador a pleasant stay in the Kingdom and
asked that the Ambassador "be confident" that Prince Salman
will assist in any "administrative affairs."


2. (C) Prince Salman focused on regional issues, namely the
Israeli/Palestinian conflict, Iraq and Iran. He emphasized
that the Israeli/Palestinian conflict is the core problem in
the Middle East, pointing out that since 1948, various
countries -- namely Syria, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Egypt --
have used the pretext of liberating the Palestinian
territories as justification for military coups, military
interventions, and other undesirable political conquests. He
said that Saddam Hussein "raised the Palestinian flag" as a
justification to invade Kuwait, adding that today, Iran is
using the pretext of liberating the Palestinian territories
to build nuclear weapons. The Prince stressed that Iran's
stated desire to destroy Israel is false and that "dealing
with Israel is the least of its priorities." He said that
Hizbollah's Nasrallah also uses the pretext of liberating the
Palestinian territories for his actions in Lebanon. Prince
Salman concluded that once the Palestinian conflict is over--
which he believes is possible, largely through King
Abdullah's efforts in 2002 and 2006-- the Middle East will be
able to solve its individual problems more effectively.


3. (C) Prince Salman emphasized Saudi Arabia's good
relations with Iran, saying that, although he does not wish
to see the Iranians armed with nuclear weapons, he is unable
to condemn them so long as Israel is also in possession of
them. Prince Salman said that he wants the tensions with
Syria and Iran to end because "the sea of terrorism is wider
than before and if it reaches Syria in full force, then it
will continue onto Lebanon, Jordan, and Israel, becoming an
ocean of terrorism facing the international community."


4. (C) Prince Salman stated that he hopes for an end to the
Iraqi crisis. He emphasized that the U.S. should not be
involved in the Iraq conflict as much as it is, adding that
he does not want the U.S. to leave Iraq humiliated. He
pointed to Saddam Hussein's invasions of Iran and Kuwait as
the reason for the Iraq's current problems.


5. (C) Prince Salman continued that terrorism and fanaticism
have done more harm to Islam than anything else, claiming
that 9/11 inflicted the most harm to bilateral relations and
Islam. He emphasized that there are fanatics in all
religions and said extremism feeds extremism. He warned that
the Islamic extremism Saudi Arabia is facing today is similar
to what the United States will face in the future from Jewish
and Christian extremists. As such, he stated that it is
important for Saudi Arabia and the U.S. to continue to fight
terrorism together.


6. (C) Prince Salman commented on visas, stating that with
increased restrictions on obtaining U.S. visas, fewer Saudis
are choosing the United States for tourism, medical care, and
education. Acknowledging the right for the United States to
protect the integrity of its borders, he suggested that more
flexibility in the process is warranted. Prince Salman
concluded the meeting by saying that his "door and mind are
open" for the Ambassador and repeating his offer of
assistance.
FRAKER