SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000507 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR SWALKER/BSHUKAN, NEA/PPD FOR AFERNANDEZ, AND NEA/RA FOR CLAWSON E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/12/2017 TAGS: PREL KPAO PTER ETTC ASEC IZ SA SUBJECT: SAUDI MFA INFORMATION DIRECTOR ON ARABSAT TRANSMISSION OF AL-ZAWRAA TELEVISION REF: A. RIYADH 468 ¶B. SECSTATE 14149 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Saudi MFA Director of Information Osama Ahmed Nugly told PolOff on March 10 that while the Saudis are concerned about the possible transmission via Arabsat of Al-Zawraa television, the SAG cannot unilaterally take steps to block the transmission of any licensed provider's broadcasts. Nugly stressed that the SAG finds content such as that broadcast on Al-Zawraa objectionable, stating that the MFA is working with the Ministry of Information and Culture to determine if and how Al-Zawraa is being transmitted via Arabsat and what steps can legally be taken to stop it. He speculated that Al-Zawraa is being broadcast by licensed providers, noting Al-Manar specifically, whose signals are then picked up and transmitted by Arabsat. However, Nugly emphasized that he was merely guessing and did not have enough information or technical expertise to make a definitive determination. ¶2. (C) Nugly acknowledged that such broadcasts are abhorrent, but suggested that Al-Zawraa viewership is negligible. He said that the SAG is much more concerned about the overall content of such channels as Al-Manar and Al-Jazeera, which he pointed out reach a far greater audience with their negative messages than Al-Zawraa. Nugly continued that the SAG is struggling with how best to deal with these concerns. He said the Saudis recognize the risks inherent in allowing the transmission of broadcasts that carry intolerant and violent messages, but are unsure how to address these challenges within the legal framework. Noting the gradual -- but notable -- increase in media freedoms within the Kingdom, Nugly claimed that it would be very difficult to constrain the press now. ¶3. (C) Arabsat is headquartered in the Diplomatic Quarter and Saudi Arabia is the largest shareholder. (NOTE: Saudi Arabia's paid capital comprises 36.66 percent. Kuwait is the second largest shareholder with 14.59 percent paid capital. END NOTE.) Despite this status, Nugly claimed that the SAG has no special leverage over the board of directors, which he said is comprised of the ministers of information of the Arab states holding shares. (NOTE: According to Arabsat's website, the board of directors consists of five members from the main shareholders (unspecified),two "highly-ranked, recommended" members other than the five main shareholders, and two other members in good standing. END NOTE.) Nugly emphasized repeatedly that despite concerns over the approach and content of such stations as Al-Manar and Al-Zawraa, there are contractual limitations to what the board of directors can demand. He noted that Arabsat is a "business venture," therefore cannot be "compelled" by the SAG to do anything. (NOTE: Arabsat defines itself as an "inter-governmental organization. END NOTE.) Nugly insisted that Arabsat transmission of Al-Zawraa/Al-Manar would have to be addressed in both legal and political contexts, stating that it is key for the USG to continue to pressure the other Arab shareholders in Arabsat on this issue. ¶4. (C) COMMENT: Despite our repeated approaches to the MFA on Al-Zawraa and Al-Manar (reftels),as well as Nugly's assurances that the SAG continues to research the issue, it was clear that Nugly had neither the background information nor the authority to speak decisively about the SAG's position on this issue. He clearly sees this as a problem that must be resolved through legal mechanisms first and political pressure second; however, Nugly's other concern was where to "draw the line." He pointed out that the King has very aggressively pursued those who perpetuate and support extremist thinking. Nonetheless, he questioned the point at which distasteful becomes unacceptable. It is clear that there is some reluctance on the part of the SAG to address this issue proactively. We will continue to press the Saudis on this issue, but multi-lateral engagement will probably be required for success. END COMMENT. OBERWETTER