C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000803

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/16/2018
TAGS: MOPS PBTS PTIA IZ KU
SUBJECT: MFA U/S HAMOUD ON THE KHWAR ABD ALLAH WATERWAY
PROJECT

REF: A. REF: KUWAIT 294


B. KUWAIT 238

C. KUWAIT 207

D. KUWAIT 177

E. KUWAIT 131

F. KUWAIT 112

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker. Reasons: 1.4 (b) & (d).


1. (C) Deputy PolMil Counselor passed to MFA Undersecretary
Hamoud on March 15 proposed points for inclusion in an
Iraqi-Kuwaiti MOU on the salvage operation related to the
Khwar Abd Allah waterway project. Also conveyed was the
information contained in ref A regarding Kuwaiti willingness
to meet with GOI counterparts and the Kuwaiti offer to
finance the salvage operation. Hamoud cautioned that the
unresolved boundaries issue could complicate forward movement
on the salvage operation. Deputy PolMil Couns noted that the
focus of the MOU was proposed steps forward by the parties to
complete the salvage operation. Signature of the MOU would
not prejudice subsequent discussions on maritime boundaries
issues.


2. (C) Hamoud welcomed the points and said he would review
them upon his return to Iraq from the Neighbors Refugee
Working Group conference in Amman March 17/18.
CROCKER