UAE EXPORT CONTROL COMMITTEE WITH MFA LEAD

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000375 DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP AND ISN/CPI E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/13/2019 TAGS: PREL PARM MNUC KNNP ETTC IR AE SUBJECT: UAE EXPORT CONTROL COMMITTEE WITH MFA LEAD REF: STATE 34777 Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: The cabinet-rank Minister of State for Foreign Affairs will chair the committee implementing the Export Control Law. Upbeat about progress yet not certain on how expertise would be consolidated into the committee (and an associated "bureau"),the MinState was adamant that MFA's political lead was vital to success. He agreed to aim for the UAEG hosting an experts meeting in May, as discussed at the CTF. End summary. ¶2. (C) The Ambassador pressed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Anwar Gargash April 13 for clarification of a recent Cabinet decision that an MFA-led committee would coordinate implementation of the UAE's Export Control Law. Dr. Gargash cited "misunderstanding" about UAEG efforts to consolidate implementation of the law into one committee, asserting that the UAE is "at a good point" in the development of a cohesive implementing structure -- the Cabinet has spoken and the committee will meet soon. ¶3. (C) Dr. Gargash said the MFA had insisted on playing a lead role in the committee to make it proactive and "driven politically" (rather than by technical experts) with the decision now made that he himself -- a cabinet rank minister -- would be the chair. (Note: Dr. Gargash wears many hats and capably chairs other federal committees as well. End note.) He said he would convene the committee in late April or early May, with technical experts from other ministries (he mentioned Interior and State Security) participating in the committee and further suggested that a "bureau" (i.e., a dedicated staff of experts) would need to be set up to run day-to-day operations. CTF Chair al-Qemzy was also advocating for such a bureau, he said; details clearly remain to be worked out. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador shared reftel non-paper and asked whether the bilateral experts meeting discussed at the March 19 CTF could meet in May. Unsure whether the UAEG would be prepared in time, Dr. Gargash nonetheless suggested a tentative goal of the end of May with the possibility of shifting to a later date if needed. Although the committee structure is still a work in progress, he insisted that "we are not starting from zero" and will build upon the good work already done. ¶5. (C) Comment: On the positive side, Dr. Gargash's designation as committee chair is a sign of the political importance the UAEG places on export control. He has already taken on difficult issues (notably, trafficking in persons),appreciates the political significance of export controls, has the backing of the Foreign Minister, and is a good manager. Moreover, he is someone who is fairly accessible to us, unlike some in the security apparatus. Less positively, he admits he is not an expert in the field and already carries multiple portfolios. Overall, this is a welcome development, but in the long run, much will depend on the creation and staffing of an Export Controls Bureau. End comment. OLSON