SAUDI MODALITIES FOR UNHCR YEMEN RELIEF OPS

UNCLAS RIYADH 001331 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MCAP MOPS EAID PHUM YM SA SUBJECT: SAUDI MODALITIES FOR UNHCR YEMEN RELIEF OPS REF: SECSTATE 103150 ¶1. (SBU) On Oct. 3, the regional UNHCR rep provided Econoff with a breakdown of how various Saudi government bodies will be involved in UNHCR's efforts to provide aid to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Yemen. These details were worked out at a meeting between UNHCR and Saudi authorities on Oct. ¶3. ¶2. (SBU) The breakdown is as follows: -- Ministry of Interior (Border Guards): Will be the focal point for UNHCR activities in Khamis Mashayit and the border area. -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Will arrange for visas for UNHCR staff, will grant permission for specific UNHCR missions, will arrange for warehouse facilities, and will arrange for UNHCR personnel's security escort. -- Ministry of Finance: Will arrange for customs clearance (in coordination with the MFA) for incoming relief supplies. -- Saudi Red Crescent: Will function as UNHCR's local partner for the actual provision of humanitarian relief in Yemen (including providing "facilities and operational capabilities"). -- Ministry of Culture and Information: Will facilitate local and international media coverage. ¶3. (SBU) In addition, the regional rep informed us that two UNHCR staff will be placed in the border city of Khamis Mashayit to coordinate activites with the Border Guards. The MFA intends to provide the UNHCR with a check for $1 million per the Saudis previously announced pledge. SMITH