REPORTS OF IRANIANS OPENING CONSULATES IN NORTHERN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ANKARA 005315

SIPDIS


STATE FOR EUR/SE, NEA, AND PM; OSD FOR NSC FOR BRYZA. JCS
FOR J5


E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2013
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS TU IZ PTER ASEC
SUBJECT: REPORTS OF IRANIANS OPENING CONSULATES IN NORTHERN
IRAQ


(U) Classified by Deputy Chief of Mission Robert Deutsch.
Reasons: 1.5 (B and D).


(U) Baghdad minimize considered.



1. (U) This is an action request. See para 3.



2. (C) MFA Iraq Department Head Serra Erslan telephoned us
August 20 to report that the MFA had received reports that
the Iranians recently had opened consulates in two cities in
northern Iraq -- Irbil and Suleymaniye. Erslan said that up
until recently, the Iranians had trade offices and/or other
non-diplomatic presence in Irbil and Suleymaniye. Now the
Iranians were hanging signs outside of the buildings
identifying them as consulates. Erslan requested the
Embassy's assistance in confirming the accuracy of these
reports. She noted that GOT remained interested in
re-establishing a diplomatic presence in the north, but
continued to operate under the belief that the US position
remained the "timing is not right."



3. (C) Action request: Embassy requests the Department
confirm whether Iran has opened consulates in Irbil and/or
Suleymaniye, as well as clarification of the US position on
opening diplomatic missions in northern Iraq.
EDELMAN