Cablegate: Saudi Modalities for Unhcr Yemen Relief Ops

VZCZCXRO1991
PP RUEHDE RUEHDH RUEHDIR
DE RUEHRH #1331 2781527
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 051527Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1664
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHYN/AMEMBASSY SANAA PRIORITY 1681
RUMICEA/USCINCCENT INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0044
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA PRIORITY 0741

UNCLAS RIYADH 001331

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS)

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: MCAP MOPS EAID PHUM YM SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI MODALITIES FOR UNHCR YEMEN RELIEF OPS

REF: SECSTATE 103150

1. (SBU) On Oct. 3, the regional UNHCR rep provided Econoff
with a breakdown of how various Saudi government bodies will
be involved in UNHCR's efforts to provide aid to internally
displaced persons (IDPs) in Yemen. These details were worked
out at a meeting between UNHCR and Saudi authorities on Oct.
3.

2. (SBU) The breakdown is as follows:

-- Ministry of Interior (Border Guards): Will be the focal
point for UNHCR activities in Khamis Mashayit and the border
area.

-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Will arrange for visas for
UNHCR staff, will grant permission for specific UNHCR
missions, will arrange for warehouse facilities, and will
arrange for UNHCR personnel's security escort.

-- Ministry of Finance: Will arrange for customs clearance
(in coordination with the MFA) for incoming relief supplies.

-- Saudi Red Crescent: Will function as UNHCR's local
partner for the actual provision of humanitarian relief in
Yemen (including providing "facilities and operational
capabilities").

-- Ministry of Culture and Information: Will facilitate
local and international media coverage.

3. (SBU) In addition, the regional rep informed us that two
UNHCR staff will be placed in the border city of Khamis
Mashayit to coordinate activites with the Border Guards. The
MFA intends to provide the UNHCR with a check for $1 million
per the Saudis previously announced pledge.
SMITH

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