Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
09ABUDHABI578 | 2009-06-10 07:13:00 | SECRET//NOFORN | Embassy Abu Dhabi |
1. (S/NF) Summary: During a June 6 meeting with Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ) pledged an additional USD 30 million for Pakistani displaced persons and commended Pakistan's decision to shift troops to the Afghan border areas. MbZ said Morocco had declined to join an Arab military force for Afghanistan, but that Bahrain was supportive and Tunisia hadn't said no. On Afghanistan, MbZ said the UAE intends to send Emirati doctors to work in civilian hospitals. End Summary. 2. (S/NF) During an opening meetiQ attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Chief of State Security Sheikh Hazaa bin Zayed, UAE Armed Forces Chief of Staff Hamad Al Thani Al Romaithi, Abu Dhabi Executive Council Secretary General Mohammed Al Bowardi, Abu Dhabi Executive Affairs Authority Chairman (and Mubadala CEO) Khaldoon Al Mubarak, and MbZ's son Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed of the State Security Department, MbZ told Amb. Holbrooke that Pakistan is "very important," and that we must learn from past mistakes. He commended the Pakistani decision to shift troops from the Indian to the Afghan borders, noting that he imagined this was a difficult decision. MbZ said he expected India "would deliver" on its support for Pakistan's efforts. (Note: Sheikh Saif does not usually attend such meetings, and his presence may be another indicator of his ascendance in Abu Dhabi policy circles. End Note.) ARAB FORCE -------------------------- 3. (S/NF) In a separate hour-plus private meeting, MbZ (joined by Al Mubarak) told Ambs. Holbrooke and Olson that his pitch to the Moroccans to join an "Arab Force" in Afghanistan did not work, the King was nervous about sending troops to Afghanistan. MbZ implied the King might come around eventually, but not in time for the Afghan elections. The Tunisians have not yet said yes, but have not said no either; MbZ seemed more optimistic about their participation. Amb. Holbrooke said the Bahrainis told him just prior to his arrival in the UAE that they were prepared to send a Company. MbZ said UAE is preparing to send a full battalion of its own. MbZ expressed his strong commitment to the idea of the Arab force in Afghanistan, saying it fulfilled short and long term political purposes that went beyond questions of military utility. The short term objective was to have an Arab/Islamic force in Afghanistan (i.e., helping with the international legitimacy of the force). The longer term objective was that such a force would encourage and motivate the Afghans in their fight against the Taliban and Al Qaida. PAKISTAN PLEDGE -------------------------- 4. (S) MbZ pledged an additional USD 30 million to support Pakistani displaced persons (reftel) and asked for advice on how to disburse these funds effectively. MbZ seemed inclined to provide half the money to UNHCR and half directly to Pakistan. MbZ told Ambassador Holbrooke that he would like to deploy officials to Pakistan under the UNHCR "umbrella." MbZ said he was planning to send about 10 officials from the Khalifa bin Zayed Foundation, a quasi-official charitable organization. MbZ said that Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed (AbZ) will be contacting UNCHR to follow up. AFGHAN HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT -------------------------- 5. (S/NF) MbZ told Amb. Holbrooke that the UAE is recruiting Emirati doctors to serve in civilian hospitals in Afghanistan. They have identified 500 volunteers, are working to prepare to send a first team of 50. They want to partner with the US, and also other ISAF nations (he mentioned Germany and the Netherlands). The idea is that the Emirati doctors would be embedded in civilian hospitals working with Afghan citizens, with whom there would be enhanced cultural affinity. ABU DHABI 00000578 002 OF 002 6. (C) Warming to the theme, MbZ told Holbrooke that Arab countries needed to instill a sense of community service as in the West. To that end, he had created a program under the Emirates Foundation for teenagers to volunteer in hospitals and schools. Two of MbZ's daughters participate in the program. Strategically this sort of thing was important, because the "salafists and Muslim Brotherhood" were "hunting" for youth, and young Muslims needed other alternatives. 7. (SBU) Ambassador Holbrooke has cleared this message. OLSON |