MFA U/S: TERRORIST THREAT HITS HOME; KUWAIT HOLDS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 000822 SIPDIS NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2019 TAGS: PGOV PTER PREL IZ KU SUBJECT: MFA U/S: TERRORIST THREAT HITS HOME; KUWAIT HOLDS THE LINE ON 833 REF: KUWAIT 793 Classified By: CDA Tom Williams for reasons 1.4 b and d ¶1. (C) Summary: MFA U/S Khaled Al-Jarallah told CDA August 18 that Kuwait desired closer CT cooperation with the USG, "particularly now that it is clear Al-Qaeda has begun to target Kuwait." CDA expressed appreciation for Kuwaiti action in thwarting the terrorist plot against US military personnel at Camp Arifjan and welcomed even closer cooperation and coordination on CT issues. Reviewing the Amir's recent visit to Washington, Jarallah emphasized Kuwaiti willingness to discuss any concerns over maritime procedures with Iraq and the UN under the existing UNSCR 833 framework, but noted there were Iraqi obligations that needed attention as well, such as maintenance of land boundary markers and removal of Iraqi farms from the Kuwaiti side of the border. CDA urged flexibility in the Kuwaiti approach, noting reintegration of Iraq into the region would promote Kuwait's own interest in regional stability. Jarallah agreed, saying for this reason Kuwait would again be sending a strong team to UNGA, led by PM Shaykh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al Sabah, and including FonMin Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al Sabah and Amiri Advisor Mohammed AbulHassan, and expected to have productive discussions in New York with the Iraqi delegation, as well as members of the Council, in an effort to move forward on these issues. End Summary. -------------- Future CT Cooperation -------------- ¶2. (C) Jarallah noted that the arrest of a terrorist cell in Kuwait planning attacks against US and Kuwaiti targets (reftel) made it clear that Kuwait is "no longer off Al-Qaeda's target list." As a consequence, Kuwait would seek greater cooperation with the USG and GCC neighbors on CT issues. CDA welcomed Jarallah's remarks, expressed appreciation for Kuwaiti efforts in thwarting the recent plot, and encouraged greater coordination against the shared terror threat. -------------- Amir's Visit: Iraq and more Iraq -------------- ¶3. (C) In reviewing Kuwaiti take-aways from the August 3 meeting between POTUS and the Amir, Jarallah gave primacy to Iraq-Kuwait issues, mentioning GTMO and Iran only in passing. Jarallah emphasized that Kuwait had been surprised that the issue of maritime procedures had been raised by the U.S. side, as Iraq had not previously indicated there were any concerns in that department. Nonetheless, Jarallah reiterated that Kuwait is willing to discuss maritime modalities with Iraq and the UN within the existing framework of UNSCR 833. Since UNSCR 833 is a fact, Kuwait saw little value in seeking written or oral reaffirmation of its terms from the Iraqi side, but would welcome Iraq taking concrete steps to carry out its obligations under that resolution, such as by agreeing to maintain boundary markers and remove Iraqi farms from the Kuwait side of the border. Jarallah down-played the compensation issue, saying the allocated percentage was a decision for the Security Council, and Kuwait would of course abide by whatever the UNSC decided. Kuwait had earlier suggested to Iraq that funds could be invested in Iraqi projects, but had not received a definitive response from Baghdad. There were also other issues to be resolved, such as debts and accounting for Kuwaiti MIAs. CDA noted that the USG is fully committed to UNSCR 833 and encouraged Kuwaiti flexibility in dealing with other issues, since helping Iraq emerge from Chapter Seven SANCTIONS would promote regional reintegration and stability. Jarallah did not disagree, but observed that from a Kuwaiti perspective, the most important element to ensuring stability was to see UNSCR 833 implemented fully on the ground, as the boundary had long been a cause of regional tension. -------------- Upcoming UN Delegation -------------- ¶4. (C) U/S Jarallah concluded by saying Kuwait hoped the upcoming UNGA would provide an opportunity to make progress on many issues, particularly Iraq-Kuwait concerns. He noted that the Amir had again directed PM Nasser Al-Mohammad Al Sabah to lead the Kuwaiti delegation, assisted by FonMin Shaykh Dr. Mohammed Al Sabah, and the Amir's senior foreign KUWAIT 00000822 002 OF 002 policy advisor, Mohammed AbulHassan. Jarallah said the Kuwaiti delegation sought fruitful discussions with the Iraqis during UNGA, and with the members of the Security Council as well. ********************************************* ********* For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: visit Kuwait's Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it ********************************************* ********* WILLIAMS