Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RIYADH1699
2008-11-15 14:24:00
SECRET
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
GEN PETRAEUS IN SAUDI
how-toVZCZCXRO1931 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHIHL RUEHKUK RUEHLH RUEHPW RUEHROV DE RUEHRH #1699/01 3201424 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 151424Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9549 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHHH/OPEC COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH IMMEDIATE 9857 RHMFISS/COMUSAFCENT SHAW AFB SC IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HOMELAND SECURITY CENTER WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 0266 RHRMAKS/COMUSNAVCENT IMMEDIATE RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEHRH/CHUSMTM RIYADH SA IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 RIYADH 001699
SIPDIS
WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP, CENTCOM FOR POLAD, NAVCENT AND J5, DOE
FOR KKOLEVAR AND WBRYAN, DEPARTMENT FOR P SMULL, NEA GCRETZ
AND ASTEINFELD, AND S/CT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2018
TAGS: AG ECON ENRG EPET IR IZ MARR MCAP MOPS OVP
PGOV, PK, PREL, PTER, SA, SY, YM
SUBJECT: GEN PETRAEUS IN SAUDI
REF: RIYADH 1692
Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires Sandra Muench
for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 RIYADH 001699
SIPDIS
WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP, CENTCOM FOR POLAD, NAVCENT AND J5, DOE
FOR KKOLEVAR AND WBRYAN, DEPARTMENT FOR P SMULL, NEA GCRETZ
AND ASTEINFELD, AND S/CT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2018
TAGS: AG ECON ENRG EPET IR IZ MARR MCAP MOPS OVP
PGOV, PK, PREL, PTER, SA, SY, YM
SUBJECT: GEN PETRAEUS IN SAUDI
REF: RIYADH 1692
Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires Sandra Muench
for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
1. (S) SUMMARY. CENTCOM CG GEN Petraeus met with Saudi Crown
Prince and Minister of Defense and Aviation Sultan bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior Prince Naif bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister of Defense and Aviation
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdulaziz (KBS) to discuss
regional issues. Topics included progress in Iraq, stability
in South Asia, Saudi detainees in Iraq, Yemeni instability,
Iranian threat and protection of Saudi critical
infrastructure. Atmospherics were warm and highly positive.
END SUMMARY.
2. (S) In his first visit as CENTCOM CG to the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, GEN David Petraeus, accompanied by the
Ambassador, DOE A/S Kevin Kolevar, and CENTCOM senior staff,
was warmly received by senior Saudi royals on Nov. 8 as they
discussed a wide range of security and regional issues. GEN
Petraeus met with Crown Prince and Minister of Defense and
Aviation Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior
Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister of
Defense and Aviation Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdulaziz
(KBS). Topics included progress in Iraq, Saudi detainees in
Iraq, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Yemeni instability, Iranian
threat and protection of Saudi critical infrastructure.
--------------
Prince Khalid bin Sultan
--------------
3. (S) During his meeting with KBS, GEN Petraeus provided
updates on Iraq, Iran and Pakistan that were subsequently
covered with the Crown Prince.
--------------
Crown Prince
--------------
4. (S) In his meeting with Crown Prince Sultan, GEN Petraeus
reviewed the significant progress achieved in Iraq and an
update on events in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Crown
Prince, while amicable, appeared frail and somewhat
disengaged from the conversation. While the Crown Prince was
able to voice congratulations for success in Iraq, he had
trouble speaking and often responded with just a smile. As a
sign of a softening in the Kingdom's view of the Iraqi Prime
Minister, the Crown Prince characterized Nuri al-Maliki as a
"wise man.8 The Crown Prince also spoke about &when8
rather than "if8 the Kingdom will send its ambassador to
Baghdad.
--------------
Minister of Interior - Iraq/Iran
--------------
5. (S) Prince Naif, while also frail-looking, was quite
animated and was highly engaged in his 90 minute meeting with
GEN Petraeus. After congratulations by the Prince for the
U.S. Presidential election, GEN Petraeus began with a review
of the progress in Iraq. Prince Naif concurred that security
had greatly improved in Iraq, but cautioned the U.S. should
not withdraw "too early" from Iraq. If the U.S. withdrew
prematurely, it would allow both Iran and Syria to establish
greater influence in Iraq, which would be highly
RIYADH 00001699 002 OF 003
destabilizing. Prince Naif asserted Iran was a "gateway for
terrorists and drugs." He advised the U.S. must keep a
committed presence in Iraq in order for it not to
disintegrate. Prince Naif added Saudi Arabia's outreach and
overtures to Iran had not met with success.
6. (S) GEN Petraeus observed that expanded Arab influence was
the best way to counter Persian influence in Iraq. Prince
Naif agreed. However, as the discussion moved to Saudi
Arabia re-opening its Embassy in Baghdad, Prince Naif
countered that security did not yet permit the Kingdom to
send its Ambassador back to Iraq.
7. (S) Prince Naif then expounded at length about Saudi
detainees held in Iraq. He commented he had achieved
progress on this issue with Iraqi National Security Advisor
Mowaffaq Rubaie, but urged for continued U.S. efforts to
return all Saudi detainees in Iraq back to the Kingdom.
--------------
Minister of Interior ) Yemen
--------------
8. (S) Regarding Yemen, Prince Naif emphasized this nation
must be viewed through a tribal prism. He stated the central
government there was "in trouble" with limited capacity,
bemoaning that there is much smuggling of weapons, drugs and
illegal aliens into Saudi Arabia through Yemen's porous and
mostly ungoverned border. GEN Petraeus concurred with
Yemen's unstable state, offering that Yemen needs both Saudi
Arabian and U.S. assistance if it's security is not to
further decay. Naif responded the Kingdom was indeed
providing assistance and would continue to do so to not only
assist Yemen, but also to counter Iranian influence.
--------------
Saudi Internal Security
--------------
9. (S) GEN Petraeus congratulated MOI for its own success in
countering the internal threat from Al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized how successful the Saudi rehabilitation
program has been and how it should become a model for other
nations to handle extremist detainees.
10. (S) Turning to the protection of critical infrastructure,
GEN Petraeus pointed out how CENTCOM and DOE were working
together to support the Kingdom as it enhances the defenses
of its energy production facilities. He noted this teamwork
by pointing out that A/S Kolevar was a member of his
delegation. Prince Naif fully acknowledged
the threats against Saudi infrastructure and was grateful to
USG assistance. It was noted that contractors would be
needed to supplement the USG staff working Saudi critical
infrastructure protection and the benefits that would accrue
from using U.S. companies for this project. Prince Naif
acknowledged the high quality of U.S. companies but indicated
price will be a major factor by the SAG in which contractors
they utilize.
11. (S) COMMENT. Due to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
traveling to the U.S. at the same GEN Petraeus traveled to
the Kingdom, he unfortunately missed his primary
interlocutors - the King, Intelligence Directorate Prince
Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister for National
Security Affairs Prince Mohammed bin Naif (MBN). Still, the
Saudis provided the best engagement available. They have
RIYADH 00001699 003 OF 003
voiced before their concerns over Iran, Yemen and Syria, as
well as their acknowledgment of progress in Iraq, but
reluctance to send an Ambassador there. The Crown Prince's
apparent declining health is noteworthy.
12. (S) Prince Naif reiterated the SAG's commitment to
partnering with us to protect their critical infrastructure.
We have noted before MOI's limited capacity in this project
despite their sense of urgency (Reftel). Nonetheless,
progress is being achieved. Of note was Prince Naif's
cautionary comment that the price of contractors, not just
U.S. nationality, will be a factor in the selection process
of companies to work the protection of the Kingdom's critical
infrastructure. END COMMENT.
13. (U) GEN Petraeus has cleared this cable.
MUENCH
SIPDIS
WHITE HOUSE FOR OVP, CENTCOM FOR POLAD, NAVCENT AND J5, DOE
FOR KKOLEVAR AND WBRYAN, DEPARTMENT FOR P SMULL, NEA GCRETZ
AND ASTEINFELD, AND S/CT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2018
TAGS: AG ECON ENRG EPET IR IZ MARR MCAP MOPS OVP
PGOV, PK, PREL, PTER, SA, SY, YM
SUBJECT: GEN PETRAEUS IN SAUDI
REF: RIYADH 1692
Classified By: Charge' d'Affaires Sandra Muench
for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
1. (S) SUMMARY. CENTCOM CG GEN Petraeus met with Saudi Crown
Prince and Minister of Defense and Aviation Sultan bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior Prince Naif bin
Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister of Defense and Aviation
Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdulaziz (KBS) to discuss
regional issues. Topics included progress in Iraq, stability
in South Asia, Saudi detainees in Iraq, Yemeni instability,
Iranian threat and protection of Saudi critical
infrastructure. Atmospherics were warm and highly positive.
END SUMMARY.
2. (S) In his first visit as CENTCOM CG to the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, GEN David Petraeus, accompanied by the
Ambassador, DOE A/S Kevin Kolevar, and CENTCOM senior staff,
was warmly received by senior Saudi royals on Nov. 8 as they
discussed a wide range of security and regional issues. GEN
Petraeus met with Crown Prince and Minister of Defense and
Aviation Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Interior
Prince Naif bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister of
Defense and Aviation Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al Abdulaziz
(KBS). Topics included progress in Iraq, Saudi detainees in
Iraq, Afghanistan/Pakistan, Yemeni instability, Iranian
threat and protection of Saudi critical infrastructure.
--------------
Prince Khalid bin Sultan
--------------
3. (S) During his meeting with KBS, GEN Petraeus provided
updates on Iraq, Iran and Pakistan that were subsequently
covered with the Crown Prince.
--------------
Crown Prince
--------------
4. (S) In his meeting with Crown Prince Sultan, GEN Petraeus
reviewed the significant progress achieved in Iraq and an
update on events in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The Crown
Prince, while amicable, appeared frail and somewhat
disengaged from the conversation. While the Crown Prince was
able to voice congratulations for success in Iraq, he had
trouble speaking and often responded with just a smile. As a
sign of a softening in the Kingdom's view of the Iraqi Prime
Minister, the Crown Prince characterized Nuri al-Maliki as a
"wise man.8 The Crown Prince also spoke about &when8
rather than "if8 the Kingdom will send its ambassador to
Baghdad.
--------------
Minister of Interior - Iraq/Iran
--------------
5. (S) Prince Naif, while also frail-looking, was quite
animated and was highly engaged in his 90 minute meeting with
GEN Petraeus. After congratulations by the Prince for the
U.S. Presidential election, GEN Petraeus began with a review
of the progress in Iraq. Prince Naif concurred that security
had greatly improved in Iraq, but cautioned the U.S. should
not withdraw "too early" from Iraq. If the U.S. withdrew
prematurely, it would allow both Iran and Syria to establish
greater influence in Iraq, which would be highly
RIYADH 00001699 002 OF 003
destabilizing. Prince Naif asserted Iran was a "gateway for
terrorists and drugs." He advised the U.S. must keep a
committed presence in Iraq in order for it not to
disintegrate. Prince Naif added Saudi Arabia's outreach and
overtures to Iran had not met with success.
6. (S) GEN Petraeus observed that expanded Arab influence was
the best way to counter Persian influence in Iraq. Prince
Naif agreed. However, as the discussion moved to Saudi
Arabia re-opening its Embassy in Baghdad, Prince Naif
countered that security did not yet permit the Kingdom to
send its Ambassador back to Iraq.
7. (S) Prince Naif then expounded at length about Saudi
detainees held in Iraq. He commented he had achieved
progress on this issue with Iraqi National Security Advisor
Mowaffaq Rubaie, but urged for continued U.S. efforts to
return all Saudi detainees in Iraq back to the Kingdom.
--------------
Minister of Interior ) Yemen
--------------
8. (S) Regarding Yemen, Prince Naif emphasized this nation
must be viewed through a tribal prism. He stated the central
government there was "in trouble" with limited capacity,
bemoaning that there is much smuggling of weapons, drugs and
illegal aliens into Saudi Arabia through Yemen's porous and
mostly ungoverned border. GEN Petraeus concurred with
Yemen's unstable state, offering that Yemen needs both Saudi
Arabian and U.S. assistance if it's security is not to
further decay. Naif responded the Kingdom was indeed
providing assistance and would continue to do so to not only
assist Yemen, but also to counter Iranian influence.
--------------
Saudi Internal Security
--------------
9. (S) GEN Petraeus congratulated MOI for its own success in
countering the internal threat from Al-Qaeda in Saudi Arabia.
He emphasized how successful the Saudi rehabilitation
program has been and how it should become a model for other
nations to handle extremist detainees.
10. (S) Turning to the protection of critical infrastructure,
GEN Petraeus pointed out how CENTCOM and DOE were working
together to support the Kingdom as it enhances the defenses
of its energy production facilities. He noted this teamwork
by pointing out that A/S Kolevar was a member of his
delegation. Prince Naif fully acknowledged
the threats against Saudi infrastructure and was grateful to
USG assistance. It was noted that contractors would be
needed to supplement the USG staff working Saudi critical
infrastructure protection and the benefits that would accrue
from using U.S. companies for this project. Prince Naif
acknowledged the high quality of U.S. companies but indicated
price will be a major factor by the SAG in which contractors
they utilize.
11. (S) COMMENT. Due to King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud
traveling to the U.S. at the same GEN Petraeus traveled to
the Kingdom, he unfortunately missed his primary
interlocutors - the King, Intelligence Directorate Prince
Muqrin bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and Asst. Minister for National
Security Affairs Prince Mohammed bin Naif (MBN). Still, the
Saudis provided the best engagement available. They have
RIYADH 00001699 003 OF 003
voiced before their concerns over Iran, Yemen and Syria, as
well as their acknowledgment of progress in Iraq, but
reluctance to send an Ambassador there. The Crown Prince's
apparent declining health is noteworthy.
12. (S) Prince Naif reiterated the SAG's commitment to
partnering with us to protect their critical infrastructure.
We have noted before MOI's limited capacity in this project
despite their sense of urgency (Reftel). Nonetheless,
progress is being achieved. Of note was Prince Naif's
cautionary comment that the price of contractors, not just
U.S. nationality, will be a factor in the selection process
of companies to work the protection of the Kingdom's critical
infrastructure. END COMMENT.
13. (U) GEN Petraeus has cleared this cable.
MUENCH