US embassy cable - 04SANAA2836

UNCLAS SANAA 002836 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PLEASE PASS TO R, IIP, PA, AND DRL/IRF 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, OIIP, KPAO, KIRF 
SUBJECT: YEMEN 2004 RAMADAN STRATEGY 
 
REF: SECSTATE 219905 
 
1. Per reftel, Post reports the following Ramadan programming 
for 2004. 
 
2. Third Annual PD Iftar.  Post,s major event was its annual 
Iftar dinner on 11/03. Invitees included ROYG officials, NGO 
heads and representatives, media and cultural contacts, as 
well as embassy staff.  The Ambassador conveyed Ramadan 
greetings from the President.  In light of the Iftar,s 
theme,"Respect for Islam in the US," an Arabic translated 
version of "Muslim Life in America" was also presented. 
 
3. Embassy Iftar Dinners for the Needy.  On 11/06-11/07, the 
Ambassador sponsored two Iftar dinners for the 
disenfranchised through the Sada Society, a Yemeni NGO. The 
Iftar dinners were billed "from the American people." 
 
4. FSN Iftar.  The FSNs sponsored a post-wide Iftar on 11/05. 
 Several members of the embassy community fasted in a 
demonstration of solidarity with observing embassy staff. 
The FSN community provided food and entertainment in the 
spirit of Ramadan. 
 
5. Ambassador's attendance at a locally hosted "diwaniya." 
PD is examining the possibility of the Ambassador,s 
attendance at a local Ramadan tent, known regionally as a 
"diwaniya" or "mafraj," where Yemenis gather after Iftar to 
listen to music and discuss the day,s events. No date has 
been set. 
 
6. All PD sponsored Ramadan events emphasize respect for 
Islam and the Muslim people.  Post will keep Department 
informed should additional events be planned or implemented. 
KRAJESKI