KUWAIT TO PROVIDE RELIEF SUPPLIES TO HAITI

UNCLAS KUWAIT 000035 SIPDIS FOR THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE TASK FORCE, NEA/ARP, USAID/W, FOR DCHA/OFDA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON PREF PREL YM KU SUBJECT: KUWAIT TO PROVIDE RELIEF SUPPLIES TO HAITI REF: A. 01/14/10 HACKETT-SAWYER E-MAIL ¶B. STATE 4208 ¶C. STATE 4954 ¶D. STATE 4807 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6. ¶2. (U) Key points: -- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) will wire USD 800,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as early as January 19. -- KRCS has already purchased aproximately 100 tons of relief supplies for USD 200,000, including medicine, food, and shelter (including 5,000 tents) that it is ready to ship to Haiti, and is looking for transport options. -- On January 18, Kuwait's Minister of Health approached Ambassador to see whether U.S. military airlift assets could be used to transport relief supplies. He said Kuwait's C-130 aircraft could carry the first 10 tons. Embassy is coordinating with U.S. military in theater. End Key Points. ¶3. (U) On January 14, Yousef Al-Merag, Director of Disaster relief for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) told Econoff that KCRS planned to send USD one million in cash for disaster relief, but was in the process of determining which organization to send it to (ref a). In a January 18 conversation, however, Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Hilal Musaed Al-Sayer told Ambassador that the GoK would be providing 50 tons of relief supplies identified for assistance to Haiti. Al-Sayer stated that the Kuwait Air Force could deliver the first 10 tons with its own C-130 aircraft, but was looking for a way to provide the rest of the assistance. He asked whether the GoK could use U.S. military aircraft, which he understood were returning to the U.S. empty to deliver the goods. Post's Office of Military Cooperation contacted the U.S. Air Force Wing Commander (386th Air Expeditionary Wing Command),who explained that most C-17 U.S. military aircraft routing through Kuwait were not returning to the U.S. but rather staying in theatre. Ambassador Jones thanked the Dr. Al-Sayer for Kuwait's efforts to support Haiti, noted the preference for cash donations, and committed to checking on the availability of U.S. Military Aircraft and on the modalities needed to deliver "in-kind" assistance. ¶4. (U) Econcouns and Econoff followed up with Al-Merag on January 18 and 19th. According to Al-Merag, due to the difficulties finding transportation assets, the KRCS will be sending $800,000 immediately to International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and hold the remaining $200,000 USD worth of in-kind supplies in their warehouse until transportation can be finalized. He stated "we are losing time and the people of Haiti need support immediately". Al-Merag said that KRCS had put together a relief package in its warehouse of up to 105 tons. The shipment (in priority order): first aid and medical supplies (10 tons),food, 300 tents (which could be increased to 5,000 when transport is available),and blankets would be sent to Haiti as soon as the logistics for transportation were finalized. ¶5. (U) Econoff was told by KRCS that Kuwait believes the situation in Haiti is worse than originally expected and therefore the humanitarian supplies from Kuwait are considered to be only an initial immediate response. The GoK is now reviewing the situation and considering what additional aid could be sent in the near future. Ambassador, Econcouns, and Econoff have expressed our thanks for Kuwait's generous planned contributions to Haiti. ¶6. (U) Action Request: Post would appreciate specific guidance on coordinating with the GoK on shipping in kind assistance to Haiti. ********************************************* ********* For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit: visit Kuwait's Classified Website at: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it ********************************************* ********* JONES