IRAQ: JORDAN BRIEFED ON U.S. REACTION TO IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 007450

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/24/2007
TAGS: PARM PREL JO
SUBJECT: IRAQ: JORDAN BRIEFED ON U.S. REACTION TO IRAQ
DECLARATION

REF: SECSTATE 262235

Classified By: Political Counselor Doug Silliman for reasons 1.5 (B)(D)


1. (C) The Ambassador on December 21 summarized ref
information on the U.S. reaction to Iraq's weapons
declaration with Foreign Minister Marwan Muasher. Muasher
had little comment on the presentation, other than to say
that he had been following the subject in the press, and that
"everyone expects a war."


2. (C) PolCouns followed up on December 24 with Ali
al-Ayed, the Minister's personal aide, presented him with
copies of Secretary Powell's press statement on the
declaration, Amb. Negroponte's comments to the press, and the
U.S. fact sheet, and emphasized the lacunae in the Iraqi
document. Ayed noted the seriousness of the U.S. demarche,
and expressed thanks for the texts of the U.S. statements.
He noted that the Jordanian UN mission would be following the
issue closely in the weeks ahead.
GNEHM