SAUDI OFFICIAL DISCUSSES MAURITANIA COUP, AID

S E C R E T RIYADH 001232

SIPDIS

DEPT PLEASE PASS TO NEA/ARP FOR BMCGRATH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/12/2018
TAGS: PREL ASEC CASC EAID MR SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI OFFICIAL DISCUSSES MAURITANIA COUP, AID
PACKAGE

REF: A. NOUAKCHOTT 00421

B. MCGRATH E-MAIL DATED 8/8/08

Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (S) SUMMARY. A Saudi MFA official, who is responsible for
Arab League issues, confirms that the SAG condemns the
Mauritania coup. While he did not have firm information on
possible impact to the Saudi aid package for Mauritania, he
did leave open the possibility that aid could be withheld.
END SUMMARY.


2. (S) On August 10, Poloff met with Ambassador Talal
al-Malki of the Saudi MFA to discuss Mauritania. Al-Malki
confirmed that the SAG, like the U.S., condemns the coup. He
explained that the SAG follows the lead of the Arab League -
if the Arab League condemns, the SAG condemns. Al-Malki said
he would have to verify if there were any specific SAG plans
to interrupt the aid program for Mauritania. It's possible
there is scheduled aid that could be impacted, or that all
promised aid has already been disbursed. He stated that the
SAG would also follow the Arab League's lead when it comes to
suspension of aid - if the Arab League suspends aid, the
Saudis will follow. At the same time, he emphasized that the
Saudis would be cognizant of the U.S. position. If the Arab
League decides to maintain aid, but the U.S. suspends aid,
they will have to choose between the two paths.


3. (S) Al-Malki said the ideal situation is for the Arab
League to negotiate an agreement with the junta that makes
the cessation of aid unnecessary. However, Al-Malki voiced
serious doubts regarding President Abdullahi,s chances of
returning to the Mauritanian presidency. He mentioned that
President Abdullahi was not able to handle the military,
unlike, for example, President Bouteflika of Algeria, who is
able to get the military to "roll over on its back" and do as
he pleases.


4. (S) COMMENT: Al-Malki repeated several times his doubts
about President Abdullahi's return. Unstated was the hope
that a breakthrough in the situation would give the Saudis an
escape on making a difficult decision regarding aid.
Meanwhile, Mauritania has been a front page story in Saudi
press. The lead editorial in the Aug 8 edition of the
English-language Arab News harshly criticized the coup and
supported the idea of withholding aid. The editorial
recommends "coming down hard on the generals now, before any
aid bans take effect." Post will stay in contact with MFA on
the Saudis' plans for aid to Mauritania, and report as
appropriate. END COMMENT

GFOELLER