AMBASSADOR DELIVERS DEMARCHE ON REORGANIZATION OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 002935

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2013
TAGS: PREL IZ JO
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DELIVERS DEMARCHE ON REORGANIZATION OF
THE IRAQI MFA AND RECALL OF COM TO FONMIN MUASHER

REF: (A) STATE 126507 (B) AMMAN 2871

Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm. Reasons 1.5 (b,d).


1. (U) The Ambassador delivered ref A demarche to Foreign
Minister Muasher May 19 during a meeting that covered a
number of issues (other topics reported septels). (Note:
A/DCM had previously delivered the same message to Muasher's
personal assistant, Ali Al-Ayed on May 14 (ref B)).


2. (C) Muasher listened carefully to the Ambassador's
presentation and then offered the following comments: The
GOJ no longer recognizes the Iraqi Ambassador as the
representative of Iraq. However, King Abdullah has offered
him "protection" and, Muasher added, the Iraqi Ambassador has
not engaged in any activities related to the old regime since
its fall. The issue of the Iraqi Ambassador's compliance
with the order issued by the newly-reconstituted Iraqi MFA is
"an issue between him and his Ministry." If the Iraqi
Ambassador chooses to return to Iraq on his own, that's fine.
If, however, he refuses to return as ordered, then Jordan
"will have to look at what our obligations are under
international law." The Ambassador also noted ref A
instructions that the Iraqi Embassy no longer had authority
to issue visas, use consular seals or carry out other
official duties. Muasher underlined that he understood the
U.S.'s concerns and interests as the occupying power, but
said he would have to consult with his legal experts before
providing a more definitive answer.


GNEHM