MLAT NEGOTIATION DATE STILL TBD

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000833 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA/ARP, L/LEI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS CJAN SNAR KTIA KCRM PTER KU SUBJECT: MLAT NEGOTIATION DATE STILL TBD REF: A. STATE 68941 ¶B. KUWAIT 686 ¶C. KUWAIT 774 ¶1. (U) On August 20, Kuwait's MFA formally informed post, via Diplomatic Note, that "the concerned Kuwaiti authorities are currently studying the draft MLAT agreement submitted by the American side. Regarding the visit invitation, we shall provide you with the proposed date at a later time." This follows on earlier comments (ref b) by Zakaria Al Ansari, Director of International Relations, Ministry of Justice (MOJ) that the Ministry intends to form a working group to review the MLAT text after the September 20-22 (approx) Eid holiday. ¶2. (SBU) Comment: This formal response is consistent with what the GoK has previously told us. Given that the Ministry of Justice has already indicated it won't be able to focus on the MLAT until after the Eid holiday, it is highly unlikely that the GoK will be able to come to the U.S. for October negotiations, although the November dates remain an outside, though unlikely, possibility. Post will follow-up with MOJ and MFA after the Eid, and suggests consideration be given to a date later in the Fall. End Comment. ********************************************* ********* For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: visit Kuwait's Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it ********************************************* ********* WILLIAMS