APPEAL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ASSIST IRAQ REFUGEES:

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000245 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP, PRM/ANE E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/30/2018 TAGS: PREF PREL IZ MU SUBJECT: APPEAL FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO ASSIST IRAQ REFUGEES: OMAN REF: STATE 30028 Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d) ¶1. (U) Post delivered reftel information via diplomatic note on March 30 to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urging the government of Oman to provide humanitarian assistance for Iraqi refugees. Pol/Econ Chief also highlighted the pressing need for such assistance to Humaid al-Ma'ani, Office Director for Ministry of Foreign Affairs Secretary General Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. Ma'ani had no substantive response, but stated that Oman would consider the matter. ¶2. (C) Comment: Based on prior appeals by post to the Omani government regarding Iraq-related humanitarian needs, it is unlikely that Oman will respond affirmatively to our request. Although Oman supports efforts to foster stability and security in Iraq, it does not have the deep pockets of other GCC states and is very selective and even tight-fisted in providing foreign assistance. End Comment. GRAPPO