U.S.-KUWAIT GULF SECURITY DIALOGUE TALKS (MARCH

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 07 KUWAIT 000337 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP, PM/RSAT (ROBINSON) DEFENSE FOR OSD (LONG) E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2023 TAGS: PREL PARM MARR MASS PTER KPAL KTFN KCIP ASEC EPET, IZ, IR, KU SUBJECT: U.S.-KUWAIT GULF SECURITY DIALOGUE TALKS (MARCH 10, 2008) REF: KUWAIT 0283 KUWAIT 00000337 001.2 OF 007 Classified By: CDA Alan G. Misenheimer for reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary: Kuwait hosted the third round of the U.S.-Kuwait Gulf Security Dialogue on March 10. During these discussions, Kuwait condemned Iran's support for terrorism, reiterated its commitment to engaging Iran diplomatically, and expressed its support in implementing UNSC resolutions 1737, 1747 and 1803. The GOK asked the USG to do more for the Palestinians and to press Israel to finalize the peace process. It also requested greater USG-Kuwait consultations in developing Iraq policy, but noted its reservations in disbursing assistance funds due to Iraqi corruption. ASD Long offered to send a U.S. delegation headed by OSD DASD Mark Kimmitt to consult with the GOK on Iraq. The GOK claims that draft counterterrorism legislation is being finalized, and that former Kuwaiti Guantanamo detainees are being closely monitored. The GOK lauded its security relationship with the USG, but has begun purchasing equipment from Russian vendors. Finally, the GOK continues to take a piecemeal, uncoordinated, and hardware-centric approach to CEIP and dismisses the need for an MOU. Kuwait's GSD head of delegation, National Security Bureau President Shaykh Ahmed Al-Fahad, failed to show. His deputy, Shaykh Thamer Ali Al Sabah, proved by comparison to be a poor interlocutor and less focused and constructive in his approach. End summary. ¶2. (S/NF) On March 10, Kuwait hosted the third round of the U.S.-Kuwait Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD) discussions. Kuwait National Security Bureau (NSB) Vice President Shaykh Thamer Ali Al Sabah co-chaired the meeting. Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Ambassador SIPDIS Stephen Mull and Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Mary Beth Long led the U.S. delegation. Both sides reiterated their commitment to a long-term U.S.-Kuwait strategic relationship and agreed to enhance cooperation on areas of mutual concern. The delegations issued a joint statement at the conclusion of the discussions (see para 19). REGIONAL SECURITY -------------- Iran 
 -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) AMB Mull said Iran is the most serious security threat facing the region, but stressed the USG's commitment to resolving its differences with the Iranian regime diplomatically, in concert with our allies. DIA Senior Defense Intelligence Officer for the Middle East, Bruce Hardcastle, provided a detailed brief of the current state of Iran's nuclear program, addressed common misperceptions concerning November's NIE, and outlined the U.S. view of Iran's regional and global strategic objectives. Shaykh Thamer condemned Iran's support for terrorism, reiterated Kuwait's resolve to pursuing a diplomatic solution to the nuclear weapons program standoff, and expressed GOK support in implementing UNSC resolutions 1737, 1747 and 1803. MFA AMB Ali Al-Sammak said that while the GOK will implement these resolutions, the GOK doubted their overall effectiveness. Shaykh Thamer cautioned that Iran is supporting Al-Qaeda, the Jaish Al-Mahdi and Hamas, and he called for a mutual strategy to address Iran's influence in southern Iraq. Israel/Palestine -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) NEA DAS Gordon Gray said the Annapolis conference and recent Presidential visits to the Middle East had given the Israeli-Palestinian peace process a good foundation for the coming year. He extended USG appreciation for Kuwait's Paris Conference pledge of USD 300 million, reiterated the Fayyad government's need for budgetary support, and he called KUWAIT 00000337 002.2 OF 007 for greater regional support for the peace process. Shaykh Thamer conveyed GOK appreciation for the USG's two-state solution policy and its support for special envoy Tony Blair, but indicated the need for clearer "on the ground" signals. Thamer also expressed confidence in Palestinian Authority PM Salam Fayyad, saying he is "the cleanest person with the money." ¶5. (S/NF) However, Shaykh Thamer noted the grave humanitarian situation of Palestinians over the past nine months, especially in Gaza, and he strongly criticized U.S. support for Israel. He cautioned that the USG's Israel policy was undermining its standing in the Islamic world and characterized U.S. opposition to Israel's settlements policy as empty rhetoric. MFA Director of the Americas Desk AMB Ali Al-Sammak said the GOK believed the Olmert government was sincere in its desire for peace, but was too weak to deliver. Al-Sammak asked the USG to do more for the Palestinians and to press Israel to finalize the peace process. Syria/Lebanon -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) DAS Gray highlighted Syria's unhelpful role in Lebanon and encouraged Kuwait not to send a representative to the Arab League Summit in Damascus this month. He also called on the GOK to assist the Lebanese Armed Forces and internal security services in securing their border with Syria. ASD Long urged Kuwait to isolate Syria with a view to eventually returning it to the Arab fold. Shaykh Thamer said that Arab League foreign ministers have called for a quick presidential election in Lebanon. However, he accused the USG of contradicting its own call for "no outside interference" in Lebanese internal affairs. Gray noted that the U.S. has not publicly endorsed a candidate for the Lebanese presidency and contrasted USG actions with the SARG, which consistently assassinates Lebanese political figures. Kosovo -------------- ¶7. (S/NF) DAS Gray strongly encouraged the GOK to recognize Kosovo's independence and asked whether the GOK would issue a declaration during the March 13-14 Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting in Dakar. Shaykh Thamer said the OIC would be the perfect venue for this, but did not specify whether the GOK would recognize Kosovo's independence at that time. DEVELOPING A SHARED ASSESSMENT AND AGENDA ON IRAQ -------------- -------------- ¶8. (S/NF) The U.S. delegation explained the military and political achievements in Iraq over the past year, including the significant reduction in sectarian violence, the passage of the 2008 budget, and the law to ease restrictions on low-ranking former Baath party members. ASD Long advised that the U.S. would be pursuing a Status of Forces Agreement with the GOI in the coming months and would soon be entering into discussions with Iraq on the long-term strategic framework for U.S. military forces. DAS Gray thanked Kuwait for agreeing to host the April 22 Iraq Neighbors Conference and encouraged the GOK to send its ambassador to Baghdad beforehand. BG Baker echoed this and pointed out that having other Arab ambassadors in Baghdad would counter Iranian influence and help return Iraq to the Arab community. ¶9. (S/NF) Shaykh Thamer was skeptical about the potential impact of Arab ambassadors in Iraq, but said the GOK would send its ambassador to Baghdad "shortly." Thamer relayed GOK distrust for Iraqi President Al-Maliki and requested greater USG consultations on Iraq. Thamer spoke about upcoming provincial elections and requested U.S. input on who to support and influence. ASD Long offered to send a delegation headed by DOD DAS Mark Kimmitt to consult with the GOK further on Iraq policy. KUWAIT 00000337 003.2 OF 007 ¶10. (S/NF) Shaykh Thamer cited Kuwait's Madrid pledge of USD 575 million, private Kuwaitis' financial support for rebuilding mosques in Karbala and Najaf and the GOK's Humanitarian Operations Center as examples of Kuwait's material support for Iraq. However, Thamer explained that the GOK faced great challenges in disbursing foreign assistance funds for development projects due to GOI corruption. (Note: Kuwait has disbursed less than USD 21 million of the USD 575 million that it pledged at the Madrid Conference. End note.) (Comment: Post will continue to work with the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, which administers the GOK,s foreign assistance, and Embassy Baghdad, to facilitate coordination between the Iraqis and Kuwaitis on development projects.) On private Kuwaiti investment in Iraq, Thamer cited the March 12-13 British Embassy sponsored Basra Investment Conference in Kuwait (septel),but noted that the GOK has not officially encouraged greater private sector investment. COUNTERTERRORISM AND INTERNAL SECURITY -------------- ¶11. (S/NF) AMB Mull relayed USG concerns over terror financing in Kuwait and inquired on the status of Kuwaiti CT efforts, specifically: draft legislation to combat terror financing, implementation of UNSCR 1267, surveillance of former GTMO detainees and the creation of a terrorist rehabilitation program. Shaykh Thamer said draft counterterrorism legislation is "in its final stages," but downplayed the effectiveness of legislation in combating terror finance. He said financiers are using the proceeds from illegal drug sales overseas to support terror and using foreign bank accounts to avoid domestic scrutiny. He claimed cash couriers are now moving funds from Kuwait only in small denominations. (Note: Post contacts from the Kuwaiti Cabinet Council and the Central Bank tell us that the draft CTF/AML law is nearing completion and will be presented to the Cabinet in the coming weeks. End Comment.) ¶12. (S/NF) Concerning Islamic charities, Thamer said, "We know how the money is being spent because now only Kuwaitis are running their activities in other countries." He insisted that the GOK has complied with UNSCR 1267 and frozen the assets of Kuwaiti terrorist facilitators Hamid Al-Ali, Jaber Al-Jalamah, and Mubarak Al-Bathali, although he claimed Al-Bathali had not been raising money illegally under Kuwaiti law. (Note: Post does not believe these individuals' assets have been frozen (reftel). End note.) Thamer assured the delegation that KSS is monitoring the former GTMO detainees and said the GOK has no evidence they will engage in recidivism. KSS LTC Al-Kandari criticized Saudi Arabia's terrorist rehabilitation program and said the GOK Ministry of Islamic Affairs' moderation program is Kuwait's response. (Note: Awqaf interlocutors have previously told emboffs that this program is pre-emptive only and does not deal with individuals once they become terrorists. End note.) "Our Terrorists Won't Attack Home..." -------------- ¶13. (S/NF) Note: Thamer claimed that the problem in Kuwait relates to resident foreigners vice Kuwaitis (which is untrue). He was contradictory in his remarks, downplaying terror fundraising as involving only small amounts of money, citing the lack of threat from homegrown AQ facilitators, but then expressing concern about a recent spate of bomb threats. Thamer was critical of the Saudi program of dealing with terrorists, claiming that it targets only a small number of extremists, whereas the Kuwait program focuses on the whole of society. The Kuwaiti "Wasatiya" (Moderation) program is essentially a marketing program aimed at displaying how moderate the Kuwaitis are to a foreign audience, as presented to Washington, London, and Moscow, to date. End note. KUWAIT 00000337 004.2 OF 007 ENHANCED DEFENSIVE CAPABILITIES AND COOPERATION -------------- -- ¶14. (S/NF) Brigadier Ahmed Al-Rahmani expressed Kuwait's appreciation for its strategic relationship with the U.S. and said U.S. military deterrence was important to regional stability. Shaykh Thamer revealed that Russian representatives had approached him about buying Russian-made military equipment, but said he rebuffed the overture. He speculated that Putin's overture of a new regional paradigm which would include Iran was an attempt to reintroduce the Soviet empire to the region. AMB Mull noted that we are not in strategic competition with Russia in the region and that we would welcome broader security cooperation in the Gulf with other international partners, but that the success of such cooperation would depend on mutual interests and shared values. Iran's aggressive posture in the region clearly makes it an unsuitable partner for any multi-lateral approach to regional security for now. ASD Long agreed and asked Shaykh Thamer rhetorically who is the more reliable partner and with whom the GOK wants to be interoperable. (Note: Separate post sources confirm that Kuwait recently signed a contract for USD 18 million in Russian arms for its commando brigade. Russia is aggressively marketing its weapons in Kuwait, which the GOK is accepting in lieu of Russian debt payments. End note.) ¶15. (S/NF) Commenting on individual FMS cases, VADM Miller relayed that: -- the Kuwait low altitude air surveillance system was undergoing confidence testing here in Kuwait; -- no F-18/Cs or Ds will be available for purchase and the GOK should consider an alternative solution; -- DOD is working to expedite Kuwait's AMRAAM purchase request; -- DOD will discuss options for Patriot missile upgrades with the GOK; and -- DOD has completed site surveys for the Shared Early Warning System. CRITICAL ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE PROTECTION (CEIP) -------------- --- ¶16. (S/NF) Shaykh Thamer said the GOK does not need an MOU to establish a CEIP Joint Working Group with the USG, citing Kuwait's satisfaction with its recent CEIP efforts and GOK gridlock over designating a lead CEIP agency. Oil Sector Services Company (OSSCo) Security Manager Abdullah Al-Ajmi delivered a presentation outlining Kuwaiti progress on implementing the USG's CEIP recommendations. According to the presentation, the GOK has fully completed land and seaside perimeter fence upgrades, installation of perimeter camera systems, construction of observation towers, and the purchase of additional patrol vehicles. However, more complex projects such as the creation of an integrated Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence (C4I) architecture; improved refinery access control systems; establishment of a coastal protection force; construction of breakwaters with installed surveillance equipment; and deployment of marine security barriers are either still on the drawing board or contracts have not yet been tendered. AMB Mull suggested an exchange of letters to formalize bilateral cooperation with an eye toward continuity through ¶2009. ¶17. (S/NF) Comment: The GOK continues to take a piecemeal, uncoordinated, and hardware-centric approach to CEIP. It has done little to improve incident response and crisis management capabilities, or coordination at the planning level or operational level between oil sector entities and other government agencies. We should continue to press for a formal agreement as a means of pressuring the GOK to appoint a single entity to oversee all GOK CEIP activities. End comment. KUWAIT 00000337 005.2 OF 007 COUNTER-PROLIFERATION -------------- ¶18. (S/NF) AMB Mull outlined Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) objectives and cited recent examples of its practical implementation. Shaykh Thamer said the GOK does not understand or have the capabilities to implement PSI monitoring requirements and asked the USG to send a delegation to brief the MFA. Thamer admitted to not knowing where the GOK stands on ratifying the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) or implementing its supporting legislation, commenting that this was "all up to Parliament." (Note: The CWC MOU is currently with the MFA Legal Department for review and translation. End note.) He also had no input on Kuwait's stance vis-a-vis the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism. AMB Mull congratulated the GOK for being the first Arab country to sign an IAEA nuclear energy safeguards agreement. Thamer reiterated Kuwait's support for the IAEA and its intention to investigate developing a peaceful nuclear energy program. Comment -------------- ¶19. (S/NF) NSB President Shaykh Ahmed Al-Fahad Al Sabah was scheduled to lead the GOK delegation, but failed to appear at the discussions and offered no excuse for his absence. Shaykh Thamer Al Sabah, his deputy, proved by comparison to be a poor interlocutor and less focused and constructive in his approach. He grandstanded and digressed on Iraq and Palestine, and he came across as naive or uninformed on other topics, such as CT or infrastructure protection. End comment. U.S.-Kuwait Gulf Security Dialogue Joint Statement -------------- -------------- ¶20. (U) Begin text of joint statement: "Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Ambassador Stephen D. Mull, Assistant Secretary of Defense Mary Beth Long, and Vice President of Kuwait National Security Bureau Sheikh Thamer Ali Al Sabah today co-chaired the third round of the United States-Kuwait Gulf Security Dialogue (GSD). The talks reflected the mutual U.S.-Kuwaiti commitment to regional security and cooperation on shared concerns, including Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts, the situations in Iraq and Lebanon, Terrorism, Counterproliferation, and Infrastructure Security. During today's meetings, Assistant Secretaries Mull and Long reiterated that the GSD provides a firm example of President Bush's State of the Union pledge that "We will stand by our allies, and we will defend our vital interests in the Gulf." Both sides reaffirmed their respective commitments to the long-standing U.S.-Kuwaiti strategic relationship, and to continue cooperation in support of regional peace and security against emerging threats. They pledged to continue to work toward the shared goal of a unified, democratic, and stable Iraq at peace with its neighbors and itself. They also reiterated their commitment to support Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts. Kuwait expressed its appreciation for the efforts exerted by the U.S. administration for a two state solution and offered its full support towards reaching that goal. Both delegations expressed their shared concerns over Iran's nuclear program and called upon Iran to adhere to the requirements outlined in UNSCR 1737, 1747 and 1803, and reaffirmed their commitment to a diplomatic solution. They also stressed the importance of ending the ongoing political stalemate in Lebanon by encouraging all parties to play a positive role and pushing for democratic elections of a new Lebanese president in accordance with the Arab Initiative. The United States and the State of Kuwait agreed to expand KUWAIT 00000337 006.2 OF 007 and enhance cooperation on counterproliferation and counterterrorism issues. Kuwait agreed to consider participating in future Proliferation Security Initiative exercises and activities. The United States expressed its satisfaction with the continuing and productive cooperation in the field of Critical Energy Infrastructure Protection. Both sides agreed to increase their bilateral dialogue on Iraq. Both delegations expressed their deep satisfaction with the third round of the GSD, and they look forward to continuing this important dialogue between the two countries. The next GSD meeting will take place in Washington, D.C. this Fall." End text. Participants -------------- ¶21. (SBU) United States: - Ambassador Stephen D. Mull, Acting Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Department of State - Mary Beth Long, Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security, Department of Defense - Gordon Gray, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Near Eastern Affairs, Department of State - Alan G. Misenheimer, Charge d'Affaires, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - Bruce Hardcastle, Senior Defense Intelligence Analyst, Middle East, Defense Intelligence Agency - RADM John Miller, Deputy Director, Policy and Planning Office, U.S. Central Command, Department of Defense - BG Robin Rand, Principal Director for Middle East Policy, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense - BGen Charles Hudson, Chief, Office of Military Cooperation - Kuwait, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - BG Ralph Baker, Deputy Director Political Military Affairs (J-5) - Middle East, The Joint Staff, Department of Defense - COL Russell Barnes, Chief, Policy Division, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense SIPDIS - LTCOL Reginald O. Robinson, Military Advisor, Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Department of State - LTCOL Charles "Tony" Pfaff, Defense Attache, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - Joe Forcier, Chief, Political Military Section, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - Roger Pena, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Department of Defense - MAJ Christine Klink, Arabian Peninsula Desk Officer, the Joint Staff, Department of Defense - Thomas Rosenberger, Acting Political Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - Steven Conlon, Acting Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait - Jason Khile, Political Officer, U.S. Embassy, Kuwait Kuwait: - Shaykh Thamer Ali Al Sabah, Vice President, National Security Bureau - Ambassador Khalid Al-Magahmis, Director of Coordination and Follow Up, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Ambassador Ali Hussain Al-Sammak, Director of the Americas Desk, Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Brigadier Younis Al-Bannai, Kuwait Armed Forces Air Defense Brigade Commander, Kuwait Ministry of Defense - Brigadier Ahmad Mahmoud Al-Rahmani, Kuwait Armed Forces Director of Joint Operations, Ministry of Defense - COL Abdulrahman Al-Hadhoud, Kuwait Ministry of Defense - COL Mohammad Al-Farsi, Committee on Security Decisions and Follow Up, Kuwait Council of Ministers - LTCOL Abdullah Al-Kandari, Director of Counterterrorism, Kuwait State Security, Ministry of Interior - Ali Ahmad Al-Obaid, Acting President, Oil Sector Services KUWAIT 00000337 007.2 OF 007 Company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation - Abdullah Mohammad Al-Ajmi, Manager of Support Services, Oil Sector Services Company, Kuwait Petroleum Corporation - Fahad Al-Dihani, Manager for Health, Safety and Environment, Kuwait National Petroleum Company - Shaykh Fawaz Mishaal Al Sabah, Manager of International Relations, National Security Bureau - Shakyh Sabah Shamlan Al Sabah, National Security Bureau - Shaykh Sabah Bader Al Sabah, National Security Bureau - Shaykh Khaled Al Sabah, National Security Bureau - Salah Al-Fahad, National Security Bureau - Abdulaziz Al-Salem, National Security Bureau - Fawaz Al-Othman, International Relations Department, National Security Bureau - Lulu Al-Qattan, International Relations Department, National Security Bureau ¶22. (U) The GSD delegation cleared this cable. ********************************************* * 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