US embassy cable - 04KUWAIT3657

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 KUWAIT 003657 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARPI AND S/CT 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/24/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, PGOV, KWMN, PHUM, ECON, KU 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND KUWAITI PM REVIEW BILATERAL TIES, 
WITH FOCUS ON DIFFERING APPROACHES TO COUNTER TERROR 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
1.  (C)  Summary:  In an October 25 call on the Prime 
Minister, the Ambassador reviewed the main elements of the 
bilateral relationship.  The Ambassador thanked the PM for 
Kuwait's steady cooperation on security matters and generous 
support for coalition efforts in Iraq, including provision of 
fuel for OIF and termination of the ban on third country 
national drivers going into Iraq.  Ambassador noted our 
intention to work jointly with the Kuwaiti government to move 
toward a free trade agreement.  In the only extended exchange 
during the forty minute conversation, the Ambassador raised 
counterterrorism as a problem area in the bilateral 
relationship, citing the differences between the U.S. and 
Kuwaiti approaches.  Shaykh Sabah said the U.S. can count on 
Kuwait's continued support and the GOK welcomed economic 
cooperation.  On counterterrorism, the Prime Minister 
maintained that the GOK approach is successful and Kuwait 
will not suffer the attacks seen in neighboring countries. 
(End Summary) 
 
Appreciation for Support 
------------------------ 
 
2.  (C)  In his initial call on Kuwaiti Prime Minister Shaykh 
Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Ambassador LeBaron thanked 
Kuwait for its strong and continued support to U.S. security 
operations and OIF, noting the GOK decisions to continue to 
supply free fuel until the end of the year and not to enforce 
a ban on travel to Iraq of third country national convey 
drivers.  He stressed U.S. appreciation for the political 
risks Kuwait has taken in support of U.S. interests and noted 
that as a result of GOK efforts, the U.S.-GOK partnership is 
stronger than ever. 
 
Economic Ties Need Strengthening 
-------------------------------- 
 
3. (SBU) The Ambassador stated that the removal of the threat 
of Saddam Hussein opened the door in Kuwait for focus on the 
future and to advance economic ties.  Noting that he had just 
come from a meeting with the Minister of Trade and Commerce, 
the Ambassador said that he was prepared to work with the GOK 
in a sustained way on the steps necessary to advance the 
Trade and Investment Framework Agreement and eventually move 
to a Free Trade Agreement. 
 
Kuwait Is Not Immune to A Terror Attack 
--------------------------------------- 
 
4.  (C)  The Ambassador raised counterterrorism as an area in 
need of greater collaboration.  He noted some improvements in 
the flow of information from the Kuwaiti security services, 
but cautioned that the disconnect between the U.S. and GOK 
approaches to fighting terrorism should not be allowed to 
become a bigger problem in the bilateral relationship.  He 
reiterated the U.S. is not convinced that the Kuwaiti 
approach of attempting to co-opt jihadis through family, 
tribal, or social networks was effective.  Arresting, 
jailing, and using force as needed characterize the main 
elements of the U.S. approach.  The Ambassador further noted 
our deep concern about the potential for terrorist acts in 
Kuwait when hardened, experienced, and dangerous jihadis 
return home from Iraq.  The Ambassador told the PM the 
bilateral counterterrorism dialogue needs to occur at all 
levels: intelligence, security, and political. 
 
GOK-U.S. Friendship Knows No Limits 
----------------------------------- 
 
5.  (C)  Shaykh Sabah agreed that relations are on solid 
footing and asserted there are no limits to GOK support of 
and friendship to the U.S.  Commenting on the fuel agreement, 
he said the contract was a necessary way to avoid any 
embarrassment to his government or the U.S.  Parliament needs 
to see an agreement and understand its conditions.  He 
anticipated parliamentary approval of the supply of fuel 
through December, but was skeptical a future agreement with 
the same terms and conditions would pass muster.  He did, 
however, predict an FTA would sail through Parliament.  The 
PM was also certain (95% sure) legislation would pass in the 
current session of National Assembly giving women the right 
to vote and run for public office. 
 
The PM on Terrorism 
------------------- 
 
6.  (C)  Responding to the Ambassador's remarks on 
counterterrorism, Shaykh Sabah emphasized that security is 
also a priority for the GOK.  He noted that except for the 
2002 Failaka shooting of U.S. Marines and the 2003 Camp Doha 
attack by a "lunatic," there has been no serious terror 
incident in Kuwait and, "God willing," nothing will happen. 
He believed most Kuwaitis who fought in Iraq were killed 
there and those who returned to Kuwait were promptly detained 
and interrogated by security forces.  He claimed that Kuwait 
is in control of its borders and Kuwaiti jihadis entered Iraq 
from Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Syria.  He accused fringe 
elements of influencing Arab youth and had special criticism 
for Al Jazeera.  Fortunately, according to the PM, Kuwaitis 
were not as easily influenced as their neighbors.  Shaykh 
Sabah said Kuwait wanted to be a peaceful oasis and, to that 
end, was committed to the Arab and recent GCC agreements 
against terrorism.  He added Kuwait would not tolerate any 
attack against U.S. interests. 
 
Trip to the Orient 
------------------ 
 
7.  (C)  Commenting on his July trip to Asia, the PM said 
Hong Kong and Singapore were models of port and airport 
management that Kuwait hoped to copy.  When asked if there 
were elements of the Singaporean political model with 
applicability to Kuwait, the PM said he was impressed with 
Singapore's approach to fighting corruption. 
 
 
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LeBaron