EXPAT SHI'A DELIVER THANK-YOU FOR IRAQ LIBERATION

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 002404 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ TC SUBJECT: EXPAT SHI'A DELIVER THANK-YOU FOR IRAQ LIBERATION ¶1. Two expat Iraqi Shi'a professionals (both long resident in the UAE) called on A/DCM May 19 to deliver a letter of thanks from their community here for the liberation of Iraq. 84 self- styled "Iraqi Shi'a intellectuals" (mostly doctors and engineers) signed a letter (text in para three) expressing their appreciation for the ouster of Saddam and calling for the U.S. to remain in Iraq as long as necessary to establish a democratic government. In presenting their letter/petition, the two doctors (one an orthodontist, the other a psychiatrist) said they have been deeply disturbed by television images of angry Iraqi Shi'a demonstrating against the U.S. presence, which they felt did not represent the true feelings of the Iraqi Shi'a community. They said that the expat Shi'a community in the UAE strongly supports a democratic government with a clear separation of mosque and state -- which they argued would be the most appropriate form of government for historically secular Iraq. A/DCM thanked the two Iraqi doctors for their letter and agreed to stay in touch regarding matters of concern to their community. ¶2. Begin text: April 28, 2003 Her Excellency the American Ambassador in the UAE Dear Ms. Ambassador We the Iraqi Shi'a intellectuals in Abu Dhabi and the rest of the Emirates wish to express our views regarding the current events in our country. We begin by conveying our high appreciation through your Excellency to the American administration and the American people for having helped the Iraqi people to demolish the cruel and corrupted regime of Saddam Hussein. Further more, we think that the continued support of coalition forces is crucial until the establishment of a democratically elected permanent government. We highly respect the sacrifices made by the American and coalition forces. Were it not for their action, the criminal regime would have continued to preside over Iraq for decades to come destroying Iraqi society, its values and norms while robbing the people of their country's wealth. In spite of our respect for the Shi'a clergymen in Iraq, some of them are not representing our views. We are not in agreement with their political opinions concerning the American government and the future of Iraq. We believe that after long years of suffering under tyranny and dictatorship, Iraqis deserve a free democratic country reflecting the entire Iraqi mosaic. In this regard we seek your help in preventing some countries, Arab and non-Arab alike, from interfering with the process of building the future of Iraq and its democracy. Thank you with best regards. Yours, The Undersigned End text. Albright