OMANI MFA SECRETARY GENERAL RECOGNIZES NEED FOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000576 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR D, G, NEA/ARP AND G/TIP E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/13/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL ELAB SMIG MU SUBJECT: OMANI MFA SECRETARY GENERAL RECOGNIZES NEED FOR NEW MEASURES TO RECIPROCATE CHANGE IN TIP STATUS REF: A. MUSCAT 0549 ¶B. STATE 079719 Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo for Reasons 1.4 (b, d) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador called on MFA Secretary General Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamud Al Busaidi on August 13 to discuss recent developments regarding trafficking-in-persons (TIP), as well as other issues (septel). The Ambassador noted that Washington expected the announcement of the move of Oman from Tier 3 to Tier 2 Watch List would take place sometime after Labor Day in conjunction with changes in the ranking of other countries. Sayyid Badr asked that the announcement not call special attention to Oman other than noting its move in the tier rankings and further requested as much advance notice as possible to set the stage on the Omani side. He added it was important that the announcement not detail any specific conditions for the change in Oman's status, implying that the absence of public conditionality would smooth the way for Oman's next steps to combat TIP. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador explained that the U.S. hoped and expected Oman would reciprocate this extraordinary measure. Sayyid Badr responded forcefully: "You have doubts?" The Ambassador emphasized the importance of reassuring those who took the political risks to support the change in status, and asked about the timetable for passage of Oman's pending anti-TIP legislation. Sayyid Badr said he believed that the legislation would be on the agenda for the Council of Ministers when it reconvened in September. He expected quick action. ¶3. (C) Comment: While Sayyid Badr clearly sought to convey his conviction that the government has an obligation to reciprocate the U.S. move on Oman's TIP ranking, he cannot speak for the Council of Ministers. The Embassy will continue to encourage Oman to take positive steps against TIP and make clear our expectations. End Comment. GRAPPO