(C) DEMARCHE: UAE INVESTIGATION OF SHAYKH ISSA BIN ZAYED'S

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000423


E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/01/2019
TAGS: PREL PHUM AE
SUBJECT: (C) DEMARCHE: UAE INVESTIGATION OF SHAYKH ISSA BIN ZAYED'S
ALLEGED ABUSE

Classified by Ambassador Richard Olson, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

REF: STATE 43058


1. (C) Ambassador delivered subject demarche to Minister of State for
Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash on 30 April (Note: both Gargash and
Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah bin Zayed were out of the UAE
until 30 April). Ambassador conveyed our shock at the video,
welcomed the 29 April Statement by the UAEG promising a judicial
review, expressed our desire for transparency in the process, and
emphasized the importance of prompt follow-up. Gargash said he would
immediately convey the message to his political authorities.


2. (C) Separately, Ambassador conveyed a similar message to Khaldun
Mubarak, Secretary General of the Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs
Authority, and one of the Crown Prince's key advisors.


3. (C) During a 30 April meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Shaykh
Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan (MbZ),the delegation led by S/SAGSWA
Dennis Ross raised the issue, highlighting the need for follow up and
transparency. MbZ replied that the "the law will prevail" and that
in the UAE, "no one was above the law, no matter who he was." Also
present at the meeting were National Security Adviser Hazza bin
Zayed, Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed, MinState Anwar Gargash,
and UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al-Otaiba.

OLSON