US embassy cable - 05SANAA2376

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002376 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, MASS, YM 
SUBJECT: MOD ON CONTROLLING SMALL ARMS AND EUCS 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
1. (C) Summary.  On August 13, Ambassador introduced the new 
Office of Military Cooperation (OMC) Chief during a meeting 
with Minister of Defense MG Abdallah Ali Aleiwa. Ambassador 
used the opportunity to discuss the importance of providing a 
long-range strategic security plan in order to more 
efficiently utilize U.S. military assistance and President 
Saleh,s commitment on controlling small arms and End User 
Certificates (EUC).  Aleiwa appeared receptive to the idea of 
working on a long-term plan that could be provided to the 
USG, and also asked for USG assistance in encouraging Yemeni 
neighbors to provide military assistance to Yemen.  Alaiwa 
acknowledged the importance of controlling small arms and 
EUCs, and stated that there were obstacles, but the ROYG was 
working them out in parliament. End Summary. 
 
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Long-term Strategic Security Plan 
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2.  (C)  Ambassador also discussed the importance of Yemen 
providing a long-term strategic security plan.  Instead of 
responding to individual requests on an emergency basis, 
Ambassador recommended a more comprehensive and long-range 
plan for procuring Yemen's military needs.  With the plan the 
USG could work in partnership with the Ministry of Defense 
(MOD) to maximize and focus the efforts of USG military 
assistance.  Ambassador also stated that with the foreign 
military financing program, a long-term Yemen plan was 
necessary in order to work within the military assistance 
programming cycle.   Aleiwa appeared receptive to the idea of 
providing a long-term plan.  He asked if we needed a five or 
ten-year plan and if it was necessary to have an integrated 
plan for all counter-terrorist forces, military services, and 
other ministries such as the Ministry of Interior (MOI). 
Ambassador and Chief OMC explained that an integrated plan 
would be ideal, but that the first step would be for MOD to 
provide one for the military.  They further explained that 
OMC will be making the same request from MOI, and that OMC 
would work with the MOD and MOI to coordinate efforts.  The 
MOD also requested USG support in coordinating support from 
regional countries, i.e. Saudi Arabia, and Oman.  Ambassador 
and Chief OMC stated that the first step would be to work 
with the plan and focus where USG military assistance would 
support counter-terrorist and border security efforts.  The 
next step would be to explore possibilities for regional 
coordination to support these efforts. 
 
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Controlling EUCs and Weapons Procurement Procedures 
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3. (C)  The Ambassador emphasized that President Saleh 
committed to controlling small arm weapons procurement 
procedures within official channels.  This included the need 
to ensure that the EUCs (authority to purchase weapons) were 
solely controlled by MOD.  The MOD agreed and stated that the 
Ministry of Defense was changing the weapons purchase 
process, but there were problems, which he hoped would be 
worked out through parliament. 
 
4.  (C)  Comment.  The Embassy continues to engage MOD on the 
necessity to control the weapons procurement process and 
EUCs.  The OMC office has been requesting a long-term plan 
from MOD for the past two years.  Aleiwa's response, although 
positive, still shows a lack of understanding with regard to 
strategic planning.  End Comment. 
Krajeski