AMIR TO PETRAEUS ON IRAQ, SALVAGE OPERATIONS AND

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 KUWAIT 000148 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 2017 TAGS: PGOV PTER MARR MOPS PBTS KU SUBJECT: AMIR TO PETRAEUS ON IRAQ, SALVAGE OPERATIONS AND SYRIA Classified By: CDA Misenheimer for reasons 1.4 b and d Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) On February 4, GEN Petraeus met separately with Kuwaiti Amir Shaykh Sabah Al Sabah; Defense Minister Shaykh Jaber Al Sabah; and Chief of Staff LTG Fahad Al-Amir. The Amir commented on the positive impact of the surge in Iraq, but again criticized the CPA's dissolution of the Iraqi military and the perceived sectarianism of Iraqi PM Al-Maliki. The Amir declared he is "ready" to send Kuwait's ambassador to Baghdad, but appealed for help to obtain a safe location. Petraeus pressed Kuwaiti interlocutors to urge Syria to act against the Abu Ghadiya network. The GOK also highlighted the need for GOI action to relocate Iraqi farmers occupying property that crosses into Kuwait. The MinDef agreed to consider GOK participation in future salvage operations in the Khawr Abdallah waterway. End Summary. Petraeus Meeting with Amir, MinDef, COS -------------- ¶2. (C) On February 4, General David Petraeus, Commanding General, Multi-National Force-Iraq visited Kuwait to meet with Amir Shaykh Sabah Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah; Minister of Defense Shaykh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al Sabah; and Chief of Staff LTG Fahad Ahmad Al-Amir. The discussions focused primarily on Kuwait-Iraq bilateral concerns. The meetings also included CDA, A/Polcouns, advisors to Petraeus, as well as Kuwaiti National Security Bureau President Shaykh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al-Ahmed Al-Jaber Al Sabah and Amiri Diwan advisors. The Amir on Iraq: "Time for Peace" -------------- ¶3. (C) The Amir stated that the region has witnessed enough war and now is the "time for peace." He was pleased with Petraeus's briefing on the reduction of violence in Iraq, but warned against too much optimism because "Iraq is Iraq" and problems in the country are very complicated. He noted that Iraq's history is replete with violence and heartache, recalling the heyday of PM Nuri Al-Said in the late 50's as the only stable period in its history. The Amir referred to the deadly bombing attacks in Baghdad earlier in the week reportedly conducted by two mentally disabled women. ¶4. (C) Amir Sabah lauded the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq and criticized regional views of the United States as an occupier. He said that the USG had accomplished its task of removing Saddam and should now look to fill a support role in Iraq's future. As on past occasions, he also cited the CPA's dissolution of the Iraqi Army as a grave mistake. The Amir also asked that Petraeus urge PM Nouri Al-Maliki not to "side with particular factions" in Iraq. ¶5. (C) The Amir expressed sympathy for the Iraqis, saying that Kuwaitis and Iraqis alike were victims of Saddam. He also praised the U.S.-Kuwait relationship and USG efforts in Iraq, and expressed sympathy for U.S. losses. He added that a hasty departure of U.S. forces from Iraq would not only devastate Iraq, but would leave the region in ruins. Syria is Key; No Kuwaiti Mediation -------------- ¶6. (S) Petraeus asked for Kuwaiti help in applying pressure on Syria to reduce the numbers of suicide bombers entering Iraq and to help locate and eliminate the "Abu Ghadiya" facilitation network. Petraeus added that the Syrian leadership does not always get the truth from its intelligence services and needs to hear clear messages from regional neighbors. The Amir agreed and said that Syria has the potential to play a positive, pivotal role in regional affairs, but stated that he did not want to find himself in the role of mediator with Syria. He commented that not President Bashir Al-Asad, but those around him, were to blame for Syria's continuing negative role. In his separate meeting with GEN Petraeus, COS Fahad offered to use his contacts with the SARG to press the need for tougher actions to stem the flow of foreign fighters. Border Demarcation/Relocating Farmers -------------- - ¶7. (C) Regarding border concerns, the Amir called on KUWAIT 00000148 002 OF 003 Petraeus to "please help us solve our problems with the Iraqis." The Amir said that the GOK has agreed with the GOI to help relocate and compensate Iraqi farmers who have occupied properties that extend across the border into Kuwait, but was waiting for the GOI to take the first step of removing the Iraqi residents. He expressed a sense of urgency to relocate the farmers due to a pending UN visit in April to maintain the border demarcation pillars, and requested assistance in terms of protecting the team. (Note: Per follow-up with USUN, Post has learned that the UN visit will not take place before September 2008). Sending Kuwait Ambassador to Iraq -------------- ¶8. (C) The Amir said that the GOK is "ready" to send Ambassador-designate Ali Al-Mou'min to Iraq, but cited security concerns as the primary delay. GEN Petraeus offered to help locate a suitable site in Baghdad to establish the Kuwaiti mission. In a subsequent conversation with the Minister of Defense, Petraeus also suggested that Kuwait send a military liaison officer to Baghdad to join LNOs from 26 other countries in working with MNF-I. Border Crossing at Bucca -------------- ¶9. (C) Petraeus raised the request to open a new border crossing in the vicinity of Camp Bucca, citing security advantages and the amount of U.S. military travel this new crossing would save. The Amir promised to give the matter due consideration. The sole drawback noted by the Amir was his concern over smuggling. To this, Petraeus responded that the border crossing would be subject to full monitoring by Kuwaiti officials. (Comment: Post will follow up directly with the Ministry of Defense to continue pressing this point, which has been under active discussion with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense and Interior for several months. End comment.) Chief of Staff LTG Fahad Al-Amir on Iraq -------------- ¶10. (C) In a separate meeting with the Kuwait COS, Petraeus briefed on how the security situation in Iraq has improved, noting that there are still "unacceptable levels of violence." He also expressed appreciation for the support that the GOK provides to MNF-I and stressed how Kuwaiti diesel fuel generates an extra hour of electricity per day for the Iraqi people. The COS showed great interest in the use and effectiveness of the 80,000 Concerned Local Citizens (CLC),Iraqis volunteering their services to assist security forces at the local and neighborhood level, but stressed his concerns about their true loyalties. Defense Minister on Iraq -------------- ¶11. (C) Like the Amir and COS, the Defense Minister acknowledged that the surge in Iraq had yielded positive results. The MinDef blamed media hype for distorting or neglecting its achievements. The MinDef said success in Iraq hinges upon the ability of Iraqi soldiers to effectively guard and control the country's borders and, echoing the Amir's remarks, said that Syria must be pressed to play a more positive role. Khawr Abdallah Salvage Operations -------------- ¶12. (C) The MinDef told Petraeus that the GOK is willing to cooperate with the GOI and MNF-I in salvage operations in the Khawr Abdallah waterway. The COS said that British Navy Chief of Staff visited Kuwait the previous day and raised the same issue, and called for the establishing a direct line of communication between the Iraqi and Kuwaiti navies. The MinDef stipulated, though, that the Iraqi Navy be properly trained in maritime law, procedures, and navigation. He pointed out that the deep channel in the Khawr Abdallah is mostly within Kuwaiti maritime borders, meaning that the Iraqi navy must traverse Kuwaiti water or risk hitting submerged wreckage in the confines of Iraqi borders. Petraeus requested GOK participation in future salvage operations, to which the MinDef and COS replied favorably. (Comment: Post is drafting a diplomatic note as well as a letter to the MinDef requesting not only GOK participation in KUWAIT 00000148 003 OF 003 salvage operations, but also GOK funding. End comment.) ********************************************* * For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/?cable s Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ ********************************************* * MISENHEIMER