SRAP HOLBROOKE'S MEETING WITH OMAN FM YUSUF BIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 041287 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/24/2019 TAGS: AF PK ZR IAEA MNUC PGOV PREL PARM SUBJECT: SRAP HOLBROOKE'S MEETING WITH OMAN FM YUSUF BIN ALAWI Classified By: Richard Holbrooke, Reasons 1.5 B and D. ¶1. (C) Summary: During an April 21 meeting at the Department, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke and Oman Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi discussed the current situation in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and how the U.S., Oman, and the international community could work together to enhance regional stability. Alawi said Pakistani political leaders, refusal to reconcile with each other threatens Pakistan's stability and U.S. chances of success in Afghanistan. Alawi encouraged the U.S. to lead international efforts to reduce political tensions in Pakistan as part of its comprehensive approach to the region. Amb. Holbrooke noted Alawi's recent meeting with Iranian FM Mottaki, and asked about Iranian readiness to discuss the nuclear issue. According to Alawi, the Iranians "accept" Western concerns about Iranian acquisition of nuclear weapons technology, and might be willing to "accommodate" the West in exchange for assistance with peaceful nuclear technology. Alawi shared that he would be meeting with FM Mottaki after his visit to Washington, and offered to convey Amb. Holbrooke's message that "the door was still open" for first steps toward a U.S.-Iran dialogue. End Summary. ¶2. (U) Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke met April 21 at the Department with Oman Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi. Oman Ambassador to the U.S. Hunaina Sultan Ahmed al Mughairy also attended, as did NEA/ARP Steinfeld. Alawi met separately with Amb. Dennis Ross. ¶3. (C) FM Alawi told Amb. Holbrooke he had been instructed to deliver one important message: Oman wished to support U.S. efforts to stabilize the Afghanistan-Pakistan region. Afghanistan and Pakistan are inextricably linked, Amb. Holbrooke replied, and stability in one nation is dependent upon success in the other. True, said Alawi, noting Pakistan is the more "important" country. The political infighting among President Zardari, retired General Pervez Musharraf, and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has gone beyond a "safe" political battle, and now threatens to destabilize Pakistan and diminish chances for U.S. success in Afghanistan. Alawi urged the U.S. and the international community to push Pakistan's political leaders to reconcile to stave off possible disintegration. ¶4. (C) Amb. Holbrooke highlighted broad international support for Pakistan at the Tokyo Donors' Conference, noting significant pledges from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and even Iran. Amb. Holbrooke expressed his disappointment Oman did not attend. Oman has an active assistance program in Pakistan, Alawi replied, building schools, clinics, and transportation facilities, especially in areas hardest hit by recent earthquakes. Oman also has an extensive commercial development program in Pakistan, begun during Musharraf's tenure as president. ¶5. (C) Noting FM Alawi met with Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki shortly before coming to Washington, Amb. Holbrooke asked whether Iran was ready to discuss the nuclear issue. Alawi said he did not discuss Iran's nuclear program during his most recent visit to Iran. However, based on his previous conversations with the Iranian leadership, Alawi said the Iranians "accepted" Western concerns about Iranian attempts to acquire nuclear weapons, and might be willing to "accommodate" the West in exchange for assistance with nuclear power technology. Amb. Holbrooke told Alawi Secretary Clinton had instructed him to reach out to Mottaki at the Hague, and the "door was still open" despite Mottaki,s non-engagement. Alawi said he planned meet with Mottaki after returning to Oman, and would be willing to deliver that message. CLINTON