Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08KUWAIT835
2008-07-24 07:58:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:
GOK WARMLY RECEIVES NODEL READ; PLEDGES CONTINUED
how-toVZCZCXRO4832 PP RUEHDE RUEHDIR DE RUEHKU #0835/01 2060758 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 240758Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1913 INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 1275 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000835
SIPDIS
NEA/ARP, NEA/I
PASS H FOR CODEL REED
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2018
TAGS: PGOV OREP KDEM KU
SUBJECT: GOK WARMLY RECEIVES NODEL READ; PLEDGES CONTINUED
SUPPORT FOR IRAQ
REF: A. KUWAIT 0808
B. KUWAIT 0735 (NOTAL)
Classified By: The Ambassador; reasons 1/4 (b) and (d)
Summary:
--------------
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000835
SIPDIS
NEA/ARP, NEA/I
PASS H FOR CODEL REED
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2018
TAGS: PGOV OREP KDEM KU
SUBJECT: GOK WARMLY RECEIVES NODEL READ; PLEDGES CONTINUED
SUPPORT FOR IRAQ
REF: A. KUWAIT 0808
B. KUWAIT 0735 (NOTAL)
Classified By: The Ambassador; reasons 1/4 (b) and (d)
Summary:
--------------
1. (C) Amir Shaykh Sabah Al Sabah on July 20 warmly
received a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by
Senator Jack Reed that included Senators Chuck Hagel
and Barack Obama. Senator Obama thanked the Amir for
Kuwaiti support for USG efforts in Iraq and the Amir
responded with his appreciation to the United States
for liberating Kuwait in 1991, and pledged that
Kuwait would continue to do its part to achieve
success in Iraq. The Amir assured the delegation
that the bilateral relationship remained solid, but
cautioned that America's leaders should focus on
restoring regional trust and confidence. The Amir
confirmed the July 19 official naming of LTG (retired)
Ali Al-Mou'min as the Kuwaiti Ambassador-designate to
Iraq, but did not specify when Al-Mou'min would take
up permanent residence in Baghdad. End Summary.
Mutual Appreciation
--------------
2. (C) A bipartisan delegation, nominally led by
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and including Senators
Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Barack Obama (D-IL),passed
twice through Kuwait last week. The first stopover,
on Friday, July 18, included nearly 5 hours spent
with U.S. forces stationed at Kuwaiti Ali al Salem AFB
-- where U.S. airmen facilitate the transit of nearly
500K troops annually to Iraq and Afghanistan -- and
at ARCENT's regional headquarters, Camp Arifjan. A
putative press blackout produced front page coverage the
following day of Senator Obama shooting hoops with
the troops and the Embassy subsequently received a
diplomatic note from the MFA requesting that NODEL
Reed join the Amir and selected Kuwaiti leaders for
a meeting followed by dinner.
3. (C) The NODEL returned July 20 and was received
by the Amir at his private residence, Salwa Palace
(Note: Named for his late daughter. End Note).
During their warm introductory, fifteen minute
exchange, the Amir returned Senator Obama's gratitude
for GOK contributions to the USG efforts in Iraq by
expressing deep appreciation for the American rescue
of Kuwait in 1991 and the continued bilateral
friendship. Indeed, the Amir quipped, he considered
himself practically a U.S. citizen as he has visited
the U.S. regularly for the past 44 years and owns
a home there. The Amir commented on Kuwait's unique
role as the victim of Iraqi aggression, but pledged
his continued support in terms of hospitality to
U.S. troops and bases, and low fuel costs, to a
successful outcome in Iraq.
Increasing Security in Iraq: "I told you so!"
--------------
4. (C) As he often has in conversations with USG
officials, including with General Petraeus during the
latter's June 25 visit (reftel b),the Amir acknowledged
improved security in Iraq and attributed it to
the USG "finally" coming around to what he claimed
to have suggested as early as 3 years ago to the
senior USG leadership: "I told them to pull the
U.S. troops out of the cities and let the Iraqis
take the lead; they will then receive either the
credit or the blame from the Iraqi people (instead
of the USG)." Other than this remark, however,
the Amir did not address specific concerns over
withdrawal timetables or how to deal with Kuwait's
troublesome neighbor to the east, Iran.
Restoring Trust and Confidence
--------------
5. (C) In response to Senator Obama's question
regarding what the focus of the next administration
should be, the Amir replied that the USG must work
to restore trust and confidence in the region. In
order for this to occur, he commented, the U.S.
KUWAIT 00000835 002 OF 002
must learn to cooperate more and understand the
differences from region to region; currently the
USG makes no policy distinctions in dealing with
Europeans and Middle Easterners. When queried
directly on the U.S.-Kuwaiti bilateral relationship
the Amir quickly pronounced a clean bill of
health, but expressed dismay at how "others" in the
region viewed the United States, citing the negative
images portrayed by Aljazeera and other Arab media
outlets.
Official Announcement of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Baghdad
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Senator Obama congratulated the Amir on the
July 19 official announcement of LTG (retired) Ali
Al-Mou'min as Kuwait's Ambassador-designate to Iraq.
Al-Mou'min will go soon, the Amir affirmed, but his
permanent residence there would be delayed pending
the relocation of Kuwait's Embassy to the Green Zone.
(Note: Per reftel, the GOI has yet to respond to a
GOK request to purchase and refurbish five units in the
Green Zone to house the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in
Iraq. The current facility is in Jadriyah. End note)
Amir: "We need nuclear energy."
--------------
7. (C) In response to Senator Obama's opening on the
impact of high energy costs, the Amir expressed dismay
at the current situation, noting that such downturns
in the U.S. have global ramifications, "even in
Kuwait." He said he was not happy with the rise in
oil prices, but suggested the USG, like other
governments, might be overtaxing oil imports.
Senators Obama and Hagel quickly rebuffed that
assertion. The Amir concluded by positing that
peaceful nuclear energy was necessary even for oil
dependent countries like Kuwait, and once employed,
would cut national energy costs in half.
Who's Who of GOK Officials Attend Dinner
--------------
8. (C) The Amir and senior GOK officials were
clearly eager to take the measure of Senator
Obama's "Presidential timber." Despite NODEL
requests to keep the meeting short, the GoK insisted
on a "light" dinner (read "banquet"),attended by
the following (in protocol order):
Crown Prince Shaykh Nawaf Al Sabah
Deputy Chief, Kuwait National Guard Shaykh Mish'al
Al Sabah
Prime Minister Shaykh Nasser Al Sabah
Advisor to the Amir, Shaykh Abdul Rahman Al-Atiji
Foreign Minister Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al Sabah
Minister of State, Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Haji
Bou Khaddour
Minister of Interior, Shaykh Jaber Al Sabah
National Security Bureau Director, Shaykh Ahmed
Al-Fahad
Consultant, Amiri Diwan Mohammed Abu Al-Hassan
Foreign Affairs U/S Khaled Al-Jarallah
Director, Amiri Diwan, Ahmed Al-Fahad
Amiri Protocol Chief Shaykh Khaled Al Sabah
Amiri Diwan U/S for Political/Economic Affairs Shaykh
Fawaz Al Sabah
Amiri Diwan Press Secretary Yousef Al-Roumi
The Ambassador and Poloff (notetaker) accompanied the
NODEL.
********************************************* *
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
SIPDIS
NEA/ARP, NEA/I
PASS H FOR CODEL REED
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2018
TAGS: PGOV OREP KDEM KU
SUBJECT: GOK WARMLY RECEIVES NODEL READ; PLEDGES CONTINUED
SUPPORT FOR IRAQ
REF: A. KUWAIT 0808
B. KUWAIT 0735 (NOTAL)
Classified By: The Ambassador; reasons 1/4 (b) and (d)
Summary:
--------------
1. (C) Amir Shaykh Sabah Al Sabah on July 20 warmly
received a bipartisan Congressional delegation led by
Senator Jack Reed that included Senators Chuck Hagel
and Barack Obama. Senator Obama thanked the Amir for
Kuwaiti support for USG efforts in Iraq and the Amir
responded with his appreciation to the United States
for liberating Kuwait in 1991, and pledged that
Kuwait would continue to do its part to achieve
success in Iraq. The Amir assured the delegation
that the bilateral relationship remained solid, but
cautioned that America's leaders should focus on
restoring regional trust and confidence. The Amir
confirmed the July 19 official naming of LTG (retired)
Ali Al-Mou'min as the Kuwaiti Ambassador-designate to
Iraq, but did not specify when Al-Mou'min would take
up permanent residence in Baghdad. End Summary.
Mutual Appreciation
--------------
2. (C) A bipartisan delegation, nominally led by
Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) and including Senators
Chuck Hagel (R-NE) and Barack Obama (D-IL),passed
twice through Kuwait last week. The first stopover,
on Friday, July 18, included nearly 5 hours spent
with U.S. forces stationed at Kuwaiti Ali al Salem AFB
-- where U.S. airmen facilitate the transit of nearly
500K troops annually to Iraq and Afghanistan -- and
at ARCENT's regional headquarters, Camp Arifjan. A
putative press blackout produced front page coverage the
following day of Senator Obama shooting hoops with
the troops and the Embassy subsequently received a
diplomatic note from the MFA requesting that NODEL
Reed join the Amir and selected Kuwaiti leaders for
a meeting followed by dinner.
3. (C) The NODEL returned July 20 and was received
by the Amir at his private residence, Salwa Palace
(Note: Named for his late daughter. End Note).
During their warm introductory, fifteen minute
exchange, the Amir returned Senator Obama's gratitude
for GOK contributions to the USG efforts in Iraq by
expressing deep appreciation for the American rescue
of Kuwait in 1991 and the continued bilateral
friendship. Indeed, the Amir quipped, he considered
himself practically a U.S. citizen as he has visited
the U.S. regularly for the past 44 years and owns
a home there. The Amir commented on Kuwait's unique
role as the victim of Iraqi aggression, but pledged
his continued support in terms of hospitality to
U.S. troops and bases, and low fuel costs, to a
successful outcome in Iraq.
Increasing Security in Iraq: "I told you so!"
--------------
4. (C) As he often has in conversations with USG
officials, including with General Petraeus during the
latter's June 25 visit (reftel b),the Amir acknowledged
improved security in Iraq and attributed it to
the USG "finally" coming around to what he claimed
to have suggested as early as 3 years ago to the
senior USG leadership: "I told them to pull the
U.S. troops out of the cities and let the Iraqis
take the lead; they will then receive either the
credit or the blame from the Iraqi people (instead
of the USG)." Other than this remark, however,
the Amir did not address specific concerns over
withdrawal timetables or how to deal with Kuwait's
troublesome neighbor to the east, Iran.
Restoring Trust and Confidence
--------------
5. (C) In response to Senator Obama's question
regarding what the focus of the next administration
should be, the Amir replied that the USG must work
to restore trust and confidence in the region. In
order for this to occur, he commented, the U.S.
KUWAIT 00000835 002 OF 002
must learn to cooperate more and understand the
differences from region to region; currently the
USG makes no policy distinctions in dealing with
Europeans and Middle Easterners. When queried
directly on the U.S.-Kuwaiti bilateral relationship
the Amir quickly pronounced a clean bill of
health, but expressed dismay at how "others" in the
region viewed the United States, citing the negative
images portrayed by Aljazeera and other Arab media
outlets.
Official Announcement of Kuwaiti Ambassador to Baghdad
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Senator Obama congratulated the Amir on the
July 19 official announcement of LTG (retired) Ali
Al-Mou'min as Kuwait's Ambassador-designate to Iraq.
Al-Mou'min will go soon, the Amir affirmed, but his
permanent residence there would be delayed pending
the relocation of Kuwait's Embassy to the Green Zone.
(Note: Per reftel, the GOI has yet to respond to a
GOK request to purchase and refurbish five units in the
Green Zone to house the Kuwaiti diplomatic mission in
Iraq. The current facility is in Jadriyah. End note)
Amir: "We need nuclear energy."
--------------
7. (C) In response to Senator Obama's opening on the
impact of high energy costs, the Amir expressed dismay
at the current situation, noting that such downturns
in the U.S. have global ramifications, "even in
Kuwait." He said he was not happy with the rise in
oil prices, but suggested the USG, like other
governments, might be overtaxing oil imports.
Senators Obama and Hagel quickly rebuffed that
assertion. The Amir concluded by positing that
peaceful nuclear energy was necessary even for oil
dependent countries like Kuwait, and once employed,
would cut national energy costs in half.
Who's Who of GOK Officials Attend Dinner
--------------
8. (C) The Amir and senior GOK officials were
clearly eager to take the measure of Senator
Obama's "Presidential timber." Despite NODEL
requests to keep the meeting short, the GoK insisted
on a "light" dinner (read "banquet"),attended by
the following (in protocol order):
Crown Prince Shaykh Nawaf Al Sabah
Deputy Chief, Kuwait National Guard Shaykh Mish'al
Al Sabah
Prime Minister Shaykh Nasser Al Sabah
Advisor to the Amir, Shaykh Abdul Rahman Al-Atiji
Foreign Minister Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al Sabah
Minister of State, Cabinet Affairs Faisal Al-Haji
Bou Khaddour
Minister of Interior, Shaykh Jaber Al Sabah
National Security Bureau Director, Shaykh Ahmed
Al-Fahad
Consultant, Amiri Diwan Mohammed Abu Al-Hassan
Foreign Affairs U/S Khaled Al-Jarallah
Director, Amiri Diwan, Ahmed Al-Fahad
Amiri Protocol Chief Shaykh Khaled Al Sabah
Amiri Diwan U/S for Political/Economic Affairs Shaykh
Fawaz Al Sabah
Amiri Diwan Press Secretary Yousef Al-Roumi
The Ambassador and Poloff (notetaker) accompanied the
NODEL.
********************************************* *
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