VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHKU #0035/01 0191200
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191200Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4444
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHPU/AMEMBASSY PORT AU PRINCE PRIORITY 0004
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUMIAAA/CDR USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 3261
UNCLAS KUWAIT 000035
SIPDIS
FOR THE HAITI EARTHQUAKE TASK FORCE, NEA/ARP, USAID/W, FOR
DCHA/OFDA
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ECON PREF PREL YM KU
SUBJECT: KUWAIT TO PROVIDE RELIEF SUPPLIES TO HAITI
REF: A. 01/14/10 HACKETT-SAWYER E-MAIL
B. STATE 4208
C. STATE 4954
D. STATE 4807
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 6.
2. (U) Key points:
-- The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) will wire USD
800,000 to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red
Crescent Societies as early as January 19.
-- KRCS has already purchased aproximately 100 tons of relief
supplies for USD 200,000, including medicine, food, and
shelter (including 5,000 tents) that it is ready to ship to
Haiti, and is looking for transport options.
-- On January 18, Kuwait's Minister of Health approached
Ambassador to see whether U.S. military airlift assets could
be used to transport relief supplies. He said Kuwait's C-130
aircraft could carry the first 10 tons. Embassy is
coordinating with U.S. military in theater.
End Key Points.
3. (U) On January 14, Yousef Al-Merag, Director of Disaster
relief for the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) told
Econoff that KCRS planned to send USD one million in cash for
disaster relief, but was in the process of determining which
organization to send it to (ref a). In a January 18
conversation, however, Kuwaiti Health Minister Dr. Hilal
Musaed Al-Sayer told Ambassador that the GoK would be
providing 50 tons of relief supplies identified for
assistance to Haiti. Al-Sayer stated that the Kuwait Air
Force could deliver the first 10 tons with its own C-130
aircraft, but was looking for a way to provide the rest of
the assistance. He asked whether the GoK could use U.S.
military aircraft, which he understood were returning to the
U.S. empty to deliver the goods. Post's Office of Military
Cooperation contacted the U.S. Air Force Wing Commander
(386th Air Expeditionary Wing Command), who explained that
most C-17 U.S. military aircraft routing through Kuwait were
not returning to the U.S. but rather staying in theatre.
Ambassador Jones thanked the Dr. Al-Sayer for Kuwait's
efforts to support Haiti, noted the preference for cash
donations, and committed to checking on the availability of
U.S. Military Aircraft and on the modalities needed to
deliver "in-kind" assistance.
4. (U) Econcouns and Econoff followed up with Al-Merag on
January 18 and 19th. According to Al-Merag, due to the
difficulties finding transportation assets, the KRCS will be
sending $800,000 immediately to International Federation of
Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and hold the
remaining $200,000 USD worth of in-kind supplies in their
warehouse until transportation can be finalized. He stated
"we are losing time and the people of Haiti need support
immediately". Al-Merag said that KRCS had put together a
relief package in its warehouse of up to 105 tons. The
shipment (in priority order): first aid and medical supplies
(10 tons), food, 300 tents (which could be increased to 5,000
when transport is available), and blankets would be sent to
Haiti as soon as the logistics for transportation were
finalized.
5. (U) Econoff was told by KRCS that Kuwait believes the
situation in Haiti is worse than originally expected and
therefore the humanitarian supplies from Kuwait are
considered to be only an initial immediate response. The GoK
is now reviewing the situation and considering what
additional aid could be sent in the near future. Ambassador,
Econcouns, and Econoff have expressed our thanks for Kuwait's
generous planned contributions to Haiti.
6. (U) Action Request: Post would appreciate specific
guidance on coordinating with the GoK on shipping in kind
assistance to Haiti.
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For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
visit Kuwait's Classified Website at:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it
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JONES