US embassy cable - 05SANAA2822

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002822 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/21/2015 
TAGS: PREL, ECON, PTER, MASS, YM, COUNTER TERRORISM, ECON/COM 
SUBJECT: ROYG PRESENTS DRAFT MEMORANDUM ON BI-LATERAL 
COOPERATION 
 
REF: SANAA 2791 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
1.  (C) Summary: During a September 18 meeting with 
Ambassador, Foreign Minister Abubakr Qirbi presented a draft 
"Memorandum of Intention" establishing a framework for future 
US-Yemen cooperation (reftel).  The memorandum outlines broad 
guidelines for cooperation on counter-terrorism, political 
issues, military aid, and economic assistance.  FM hoped the 
memorandum could be signed during President Saleh's upcoming 
Washington visit.  Ambassador noted that a broad outline for 
cooperation provides a good starting point, but stressed 
preparations for Saleh's visit must focus on specific steps 
to improve US-Yemeni cooperation.  Ambassador promised to 
share a copy with Washington and report back.  End Summary. 
 
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Counter-terrorism Strategy 
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2. (C)  The memorandum calls for both countries to coordinate 
CT efforts through "diplomatic, security, and intelligence" 
means in adherence with international law and the principles 
of human rights.  Specific steps include enhancing 
intelligence cooperation and increasing USG logistical and 
technical support for counter-terrorism units and 
intelligence agencies.  In addition, it calls for joint 
training exercises and an agreed protocol on the "movement of 
security and military personnel and their equipment" for such 
exercises. 
 
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Political Cooperation 
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3.  (C) It also calls for increased coordination on 
bi-lateral issues, especially within the UN framework. 
Increased coordination would include periodic dialogues on 
various issues and USG sponsored professional training for 
MFA staff to enhance their role in "protecting national 
security." 
 
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Military Cooperation 
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4.  (C) The memorandum requests USG assistance to improve the 
Yemeni armed forces through training and provision of 
"suitable equipment" through the Foreign Military Financing 
(FMF) program.  In return, ROYG would provide facilities for 
the supply and refueling of American military aircraft and 
ships. 
 
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Economic Cooperation 
-------------------- 
 
5.  (C)  USG would agree to provide development assistance 
through the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), as well as 
additional direct assistance and special credit facilities. 
In addition, the USG would "include Yemen within the list of 
countries exempted from its debts" and help win international 
support for development assistance to reduce the "social and 
political impact of economic reforms."  Lastly, USG would 
support Yemen's bid for WTO membership. 
 
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Comment 
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6.  (C) Comment: This "Memorandum of Intention" is a broad 
outline for bi-lateral cooperation and includes few specific 
action items.  Qirbi said the memorandum, following in the 
tradition of "friendship treaties" signed with the Soviet 
Union, would be implemented through separate protocols 
covering individual issues in more detail.  The original 
draft was presented to previous Ambassador and even Qirbi 
admitted that the bi-lateral relationship had progressed 
beyond the memorandum's provisions. 
 
7.  (C) Comment: The memorandum places relatively few 
responsibilities on the ROYG and recommends  little beyond 
USG assistance already being provided, with the exception of 
forgiving Yemen's debt.  The likely goal of this document is 
to create a "deliverable" for Saleh's visit to Washington. 
Post recommends using this broad outline as a foundation for 
future discussions only and focus instead on signing the MCA 
Threshold plan as evidence of bi-lateral cooperation.  End 
Comment. 
 
8.  (C) Post will forward an electronic copy of the document 
for review. 
Krajeski