ROYG RESPONSE: ELICITING YEMENI COOPERATION FOR

S E C R E T SANAA 001667 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP AMACDONALD E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/13/2019 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL TW YM SUBJECT: ROYG RESPONSE: ELICITING YEMENI COOPERATION FOR ARMS SMUGGLING INTERDICTION EFFORTS REF: SECTATE 72112 Classified By: Ambassador Stephen Seche for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (S) The Ambassador has raised the issue of ROYG cooperation in countering arms smuggling through Yemeni territorial waters with Foreign Minister Abubakr al-Qirbi during numerous conversations since July. The Ambassador explained the USG interest in conducting overflights of Yemeni territorial waters in order to detect illicit arms flows across the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, and proposed the visit of an interagency team to Yemen to discuss the details of prospective cooperative efforts. In an August 19 meeting, Qirbi indicated his approval of a visit but said he was waiting to receive confirmation from other ROYG officials. On August 24, Qirbi told the Ambassador that the ROYG had approved an interagency team visit after the Eid holiday (post September 26) and asked the USG to propose visit dates to the Ministry of Interior. ¶2. (S) On September 9, post received an official dipnote confirming the ROYG's willingness to receive an interagency team. Begin text: The Ministry (of Foreign Affairs) would like to advise the Embassy of the (ROYG's) agreement of the visit to Yemen by the U.S. technical delegation that wishes to visit Yemen to discuss the plan and mechanism concerning the chase and pursuit of smugglers who smuggle weapons to Somalia (sic). End Text. The dipnote also requested detailed information regarding the delegation's members and agencies represented on the team. ¶3. (S) Post requests that Washington submit proposed dates and team members for a visit to take place during the following intervals when staff can support a delegation: October 11-13, 17-21, or 24-28. SECHE