MFA U/S AL-JARALLAH ON IRAQ ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000294

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/12/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS KTIA KU IZ
SUBJECT: MFA U/S AL-JARALLAH ON IRAQ ISSUES

REF: A. KUWAIT 238 B. KUWAIT 207 C. KUWAIT 177 D.
KUWAIT 131 E. KUWAIT 112

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, Alan G. Misenheimer for reason 1.4 (b
) and (d)


1. (C) SUMMARY: On March 4, CDA met with MFA U/S
Al-Jarallah and discussed a new border crossing with Iraq,
sending a Kuwaiti ambassador to Iraq and Khor Abdullah
salvage operations. Jarallah was receptive to a visit to the
proposed border area near Camp Bucca and told CDA that the
GOK would reciprocate when the GOI names its ambassador to
Kuwait. In addition, Jarallah told CDA that the GOK is open
to a possible memorandum of understanding governing salvage
operations in the Khor Abdullah, including possibility of
Kuwaiti funding. Discussions on Lebanon/Syria, TIP and
recognition of Kosovo reported septel. END SUMMARY.

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READY TO VISIT BORDER AREA
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2. (C) On March 4, CDA reiterated to MFA U/S Khaled
Al-Jarallah the critical need for a new border crossing near
the Camp Bucca detention facility in Iraq. CDA told Jarallah
that a presentation of the proposal for a crossing was given
to Kuwaiti Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Fahad Al-Amir, on
March 3 and that the USG hoped to give the presentation to
the Minister of Defense, Shaykh Jaber Al Sabah as soon as
possible. CDA outlined the details of the border crossing
and re-extended an invitation to Jarallah to visit the
proposed border area (reftels). Jarallah welcomed the
invitation and said he would inform CDA when he would be
available to make the visit.

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READY TO RECIPROCATE ON AMBASSADORS
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3. (C) Following up on previous discussions, CDA inquired
when the GOK would be sending an ambassador to Baghdad.
Jarallah replied that the GOK would send its ambassador to
Baghdad when the GOI nominated its ambassador to Kuwait. He
noted that there is no reason for the GOI not to send an
ambassador to Kuwait and that "as soon as they do, we will
send ours."

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KHOR ABDULLAH SALVAGE OPERATION - GOK OPEN TO MOU
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4. (C) CDA also discussed the resumption of salvage
operation in the Khor Abdullah waterway. He told Jarallah
that a logical next step would be GOK-GOI agreement on an MOU
and noted that Embassy Baghdad is currently working with the
GOI to develop a text. Jarallah asked CDA if the GOI would
approach the GOK once the MOU is complete and stated that the
GOK is ready to speak with the Iraqis on this issue at
anytime, and also welcomed USG involvement/mediation in
working out such an agreement. Jarallah also expressed
Kuwaiti willingness to finance the operation, subject to
development of a clear scope of work and necessary
coordination within the GOK.

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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/
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Misenheimer