US embassy cable - 04SANAA2556

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002556 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NSC (HEFFERNAN), EB/ESC/ESP(GGLASS), S/CT (TNAVRATIL), 
NEA/ARP, IO/PHO(APEREZ), TREASURY (JZARATE) AND OFAC 
DIRECTOR (RNEWCOMB) 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/04/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, PGOV, EFIN, YM, DEMOCRATIC REFORM, COUNTER TERRORISM, TERFIN 
SUBJECT: FM QIRBI WANTS TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES TO EXPAND 
U.S.-YEMEN BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 207290 
     B. SANAA 415 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Krajeski for reasons 1.5 (b and d) 
 
1. (S) Summary: In a follow-on meeting from his recent visit 
to UNGA, FM Qirbi raised questions on BMENA process with 
Ambassador on October 4.  Noting successful and positive 
meetings in Washington, Qirbi promised to look into recent 
irritants in the bilateral relationship including recent 
setbacks over intelligence sharing agreements.  Ambassador 
broached ROYG obligations under UNSCR 1526 to freeze 
Zindani's assets.  Qirbi replied that he was still waiting 
for proof from Washington of Zindani's guilt. End Summary. 
 
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BMENA - Process Should Reflect Democratic Goals 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
 
2. (C)  Expressing surprise over the process that chose 
Morocco as the next Forum for the Future host, Qirbi 
emphasized that substance was still the most important issue 
at hand for the Broader Middle East and North Africa 
Initiative (BMENA).  Nevertheless, Qirbi complained that the 
way the decision was made and presented to the Middle East 
Ministers  (i.e. as a fait accompli) creates the "wrong 
impression among countries that were present at the outset." 
Qirbi pointed out that Morocco was among several nations who 
did not attend the Sea Island conference and suggested that a 
Forum for the Future based on democracy should have clear and 
transparent processes.  The Morocco decision, Qirbi added, 
puts Morocco in a difficult position and raises questions 
over how they will promote the USG agenda.  Ambassador agreed 
with Qirbi that substance is more important than location and 
underscored that Washington considers Yemen a regional leader 
in promoting reform. 
 
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Ambassador Calls for Consistent Cooperation 
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3. (S)  Qirbi said that his New York meetings, particularly 
with U/S Grossman were "very positive."  Ambassador took the 
opportunity to reply to Qirbi's request for expanded USG 
assistance for Yemen, ref A.  Highlighting progress in 
security, human rights and democracy, Ambassador said the 
Yemen-U.S. relationship now rests on a solid foundation. 
But, Ambassador continued, some smaller issues that have 
great resonance in Washington are complicating the overall 
relationship.  Ambassador cited recent hiccups over requests 
to expand intelligence-sharing as an example.  After 
al-Houthi was captured, Ambassador said President Saleh, MoD 
Chief of Staff Qassimi, and Minister of Interior Alimi all 
agreed to maintain the request for expanded intelligence 
sharing.  In response, USG proposed U-2 mission to gather 
intelligence requested by ROYG.  This mission was rejected by 
MoD,s General Gassemi.  Such a response, Ambassador said, 
generated some in Washington to question the overall 
relationship.  Responding that he was "surprised by changes 
in attitude," Qirbi promised to look into the matter further 
and to overcome "little obstacles" in the relationship. 
 
4. (C) Raising recent problems between Yemeni ministries 
resulting in the cancellation of US Mission in-country 
travel, Ambassador requested more coordination to ensure that 
USG teams did not waste time and money waiting for permits. 
Qirbi asked that Post consult with the relevant governors and 
appropriate ministries to ensure coordination, but added that 
he would also talk to the Ministry of Interior about these 
issues. 
 
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ROYG still not moving on Zindani 
-------------------------------- 
 
5. (S) Ambassador inquired if the ROYG had taken any action 
from the March designation of Zindani under UNSCR 1526 as a 
terrorist financier.  Qirbi replied that Zindani and his 
associates no longer travel outside of Yemen out of fear that 
they may be arrested.  Recalling earlier requests for 
complete evidence on Zindani's financial activities (ref B), 
Qirbi said that until the ROYG receives a full explanation of 
his guilt, they will not take action.  Ambassador closed by 
raising Yemen's UN obligation to freeze Zindani,s assets. 
 
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Comment 
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6. (S) FM Qirbi was clearly pleased with his Washington 
meetings and appeared willing to consider Ambassador's 
requests for more consistency in the relationship.  We will 
continue to push this theme with key ROYG officials, 
including Saleh.  While the issue of Zindani is contentious, 
the ROYG believes the ball is in our court and will likely 
not take any action to freeze his assets in the near term. 
KRAJESKI