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