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