KUWAIT REVIEW OF TITLE III SUSPENSION OF LIBERTAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 000593 SIPDIS NEA/ARP, WHA/CCA E.O. 12958: DECL: 2018 TAGS: ETRD ETTC PREL CU KU SUBJECT: KUWAIT REVIEW OF TITLE III SUSPENSION OF LIBERTAD ACT REF: SECSTATE 52541 Classified By: DCM Alan G. Misenheimer for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (U) The following is post's response to reftel on implementation of Title III of the LIBERTAD Act. ¶2. (C) Cuba has a diplomatic presence in Kuwait, but the GOK does not maintain a mission in Cuba. Relations between the two countries have been strained since the 1990-91 Gulf War when Cuba objected to UN/U.S./Coalition "interference" to liberate Kuwait. According to the Kuwait Investment Authority, there are no GOK investments in Cuba, and no known private Kuwaiti investments. Kuwait and Cuba have not signed any bilateral trade agreements, and data from the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce reveals limited trade with Cuba. The most recent data available indicates that from 1995-2004, Kuwait imported Cuban goods (mostly cigars) with a total value of 282,212 Kuwaiti Dinars (USD 903K). During that same time period, Kuwait exported goods (household appliances, electronic goods, furnishings, clothing) with a total value of 5250 Kuwaiti Dinars (USD 18K). ¶3. (SBU) There are no exchange programs between Kuwait and Cuba. The GOK does provide scholarships for Kuwaiti students to attend college abroad, but Post is unaware of any Kuwaitis enrolled in Cuban colleges. Similarly, the GOK provides for medical treatment abroad, but Post is unaware of any Kuwaitis who have sought or received medical treatment in Cuba. Post is unaware of any Cuban doctors working in Kuwait. ¶4. (SBU) The GOK has not taken any specific actions to promote the advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba. ¶5. (U) On April 14, 2008, Cuban Minister of Foreign Investment and Economic Cooperation Martha Lomas was hosted by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Other than meetings with the Kuwaiti Chamber of Commerce, Post is unaware of other private or official engagements by Minister Lomas while in Kuwait. ********************************************* * 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/ ********************************************* * JONES