US embassy cable - 05KUWAIT5003

UNCLAS KUWAIT 005003 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR NEA/ARPI AND A/OPR 
 
E.O. 12958:  N/A 
TAGS: PREL, AINT, AINF, KU 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY KUWAIT COMMENTS ON THE DEMARCHE WEBSITE 
 
1.  Embassy Kuwait applauds the creation of the Language 
Services web page where demarche translations can be 
downloaded.  We have used the site several times and it has 
helped us to deliver demarches and convey complex points in 
a timely fashion.  After months of using the site, however, 
we have identified areas for possible improvement to 
facilitate use of the web page and to encourage other posts 
to take advantage of this service: 
 
--  Highlight the link to the demarche search engine.  It is 
currently buried in the FAQ lists and first-time users have 
to search for it. 
 
--  Simplify the search feature.  Users currently must know 
the entire office symbol if not searching for a demarche or 
talking points by subject matter.  Users should be able to 
simply search by bureau, IO or PM for example. 
 
--  Make demarches available as word documents instead of 
PDF files.  At times, posts need to edit talking points/non- 
papers and when such documents are saved as PDF files, the 
user must cut and paste text, resulting in an unprofessional 
looking document to be delivered to a host government 
ministry. 
 
--  Do not translate instructions for posts.  It would be 
helpful if directions such as "if asked," "insert 
complimentary closing," or "for embassies x, y, and z" were 
left in English.  There is a risk that when instructions are 
translated, an officer having limited language skills might 
deliver to a host government the U.S. global strategy for an 
issue, thus undermining the U.S. position in international 
fora. 
 
2.  Embassy Kuwait looks forward to continued modifications 
to the site and hopes that all bureaus will take advantage 
of this resource to regularly make demarches and background 
information available in languages other than English. 
 
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Visit Kuwait's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/kuwait/ 
 
You can also access the site through the 
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website 
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LEBARON