This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ABU DHABI 002077 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/ARP; NEA/PPD; NEA/RA; INR/R/MR; PA; INR/NESA; 
INR/B; RRU-NEA 
IIP/G/NEA-SA 
WHITE HOUSE FOR PRESS OFFICE; NSC 
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA 
USCINCCENT FOR POLAD 
LONDON FOR MCKUNE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR AE KPAO TC
SUBJECT:  SPECIAL MEDIA REACTION: KIDNAPPING OF UAE DIPLOMAT 
IN BAGHDAD 
 
 
¶1.  Summary:  The kidnapping of the UAE diplomat in Baghdad 
generated extensive coverage in the UAE print and electronic 
media.  Regional media "Al-Arabiya" satellite channel, and 
the London-based "Al-Sharq Al-Awsat" and "Al-Hayat" dailies 
also featured the story.  Editorials urged the perpetrators 
to release Al-Nuaimi and reiterated the UAE position to 
stand beside Iraq to restore its stability and integrity. 
End summary 
 
¶2.  The kidnapping of UAE diplomat Naji Al-Nuaimi received 
prominent coverage in the UAE's English and Arabic language 
dailies.  Reports cite a senior UAE Ministry of Foreign 
Affairs source as saying that "the UAEG at the highest level 
is sparing no efforts to secure the release of its diplomat 
in Baghdad Naji Al-Nuaimi.  Contacts have been established 
with the Iraqi government and the various political factions 
to secure the release of Naji and bring him back safe to his 
family."  The source added that "the UAE reiterates its 
position to maintain the unity and integrity of Iraq and to 
help to restore the country as a key regional and 
international player." 
 
¶3.  Main headline in Dubai-based English-language daily 
"Gulf News" (circulation 95,000): "UAE diplomat's family 
appeals for his release.  GCC officials, Arab League join 
efforts to secure Naji's freedom." 
 
¶4. Small, front-page headline in Dubai-based English- 
language daily "Khaleej Times" (circulation 80,000): 
"Brother willing to pay ransom for diplomat's safe return." 
Sources told PA that the family was contacted later by UAEG 
and asked not to speak to the press. 
 
¶5. The unsigned editorial in Sharjah-based Arabic daily "Al- 
Khaleej" (circulation 90,000) 5/18 asks: 
"What do assassination, kidnapping and sabotage 
professionals want as a result of their criminal deeds that 
deserve only damnation? Targeting diplomats who represent 
their nations to help Iraq, such as the UAE diplomat Naji Al- 
Nuaimi, is a terrorist act and a crime condemned by all 
religions, especially at this stage where Iraq is in dire 
need of any efforts that may help it restore its natural 
status as a sovereign, free and independent nation.  The 
UAE's role in helping Iraq is as clear as the rays of the 
sun and should not be responded to with such criminal acts, 
unless the perpetrators' aim is to keep Iraq drowning in a 
state of chaos, killing, sabotage and occupation." 
 
¶6. UAE cColumnist Nasser Al-Dhaheri wrote in semi-official 
Abu Dhabi-based Arabic language daily "Al-Ittihad" 
(circulation 65,000): 
 
"It was customary among the ancient Arabs that when you send 
your neighbor a basket full of the first harvest of dates, 
the neighbor always returns the basket full of the fruits of 
summer harvest. Because Iraq is a nation of abundant 
products, a land of palm trees and pan-Arab feelings, we 
hoped to get our basket back with good feelings that would 
please us.  We would be satisfied even if they decide to 
send it back empty, but not with a head of a dear person or 
bad news.  We have never thought they would assault a UAE 
diplomat and kill his driver, because they have never 
distributed bombs, explosives or any means of killing.  All 
of their activities were merely humanitarian as members of a 
larger team that spared no effort to maintain the unity of 
Iraq and prevent its division. Because Iraq is living in a 
political, security and legal vacuum, things are not clear 
there, thus it is difficult to distinguish between a 
diplomat who carries coloring materials and medicines and 
another vicious person who does not hesitate to go to a 
mosque for a suicide bombing." 
 
¶7. Under the headline "Kidnappers will not deter UAE", "Gulf 
News" 5/18 editorialized: 
 
"Iraq will not be abandoned.  The UAE will stand by its 
commitment towards the rebuilding of the war-torn country 
and the preservation of its unity. The incident is not the 
first terrorist attempt against the UAE's diplomatic mission 
in Iraq.  Twice before, mission cars have been shot at and 
two Iraqi employees were killed a few weeks ago.  The 
perpetrators, it is believed, are trying to drive the UAE 
diplomats out of the troubled country.  Other countries 
whose diplomats had come under attack earlier have made an 
exit. However, the UAE has always stood firm in the face of 
terrorism.  Its solidarity with the Iraqi people is not 
negotiable. The kidnappers should release the diplomat 
immediately. Their identity is not yet known, but they are 
without doubt the enemies of Iraq because the UAE presence 
in that country is aimed to help its unfortunate people. 
The UAE Red Crescent is one of the most active organizations 
there.  The Iraqi government should launch a hunt for the 
kidnappers of Al-Nauaimi and bring them to justice." 
 
MINIMIZED CONSIDERED 
 
Sison