ITALIAN ADVISOR TO IRAQ SEES THE GLASS AS HALF

UNCLAS ROME 004904 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAO PREL IZ IT IRAQI FREEDOM SUBJECT: ITALIAN ADVISOR TO IRAQ SEES THE GLASS AS HALF FULL -- AND PUBLIC DIPLOMACY EFFORTS COULD HELP FILL IT UP REF: A. ROME 4696 ¶B. ROME 4130 ¶1. (SBU) Summary. Acting DCM and PolOff attended a 22 October seminar on "Iraq -- Six Months After" with Italian Ambassador Pietro Cordone, who recently left his position as Advisor to the Iraqi Minister of Culture. Cordone was extremely positive in his assessment of US efforts in Iraq, but believes the US needs to step up its public diplomacy efforts to make sure that news of the good work being done gets out. One of Berlusconi's closest advisors, who recently returned from a trip to Baghdad, echoed the need to promote the CPA's achievements. Separately, Italian officials are indicating they would welcome, and respond positively to, offers to fill other senior positions in the CPA. End summary. ¶2. (U) The seminar, subtitled "The return of civilian life -- the recovery of archeological heritage," focused on Cordone's experiences during his tenure as Iraqi Minister of Culture under the CPA and subsequently Senior Advisor to the Iraqi Minister of Culture. Cordone's presentation was extremely complimentary towards Ambassador Bremer and US efforts in Baghdad. However, he warned that the general population was not aware of what the CPA was accomplishing and that more public diplomacy officers are needed to overcome this "information vacuum." ¶3. (U) Cordone cited the fact that Iraq's Ministers are now Iraqis (with the former coalition partner "Ministers" relegated to the position of Senior Advisors) as evidence that Iraqis are beginning to take control of their own country. The US, he stressed, should promote the visibility of the IGC to overcome the perception of the CPA as an occupational authority. It was in this vein that Cordone himself refused the request of the Iraqi Minister of Culture to sit next to him at a recent press conference, which would have given the impression of foreign interference in national affairs. ¶4. (U) Cordone cited the attendance of 1,200 people -- despite the inherent security risks of such a mass public gathering -- at an Iraqi national symphony concert as a symbol of the beginning of normalization of civilian life in Baghdad (Comment. The Iraqi National Symphony has been invited to perform at the Kennedy Center on December 9. End Comment). However, he warned that the situation was more �A;difficult outside of Baghdad and strongly urged the US to increase its public diplomacy efforts outside of the capital. ¶5. (SBU) Gen. Cecchi, Head of Italy's Joint Staff for military operations, who also attended the seminar, said that most Italians are not aware that Italy, with over 2,500 troops participating in Operation Antica Babilonia, has the third largest military component in Iraq. (Comment. Italian Special Envoy to Iraq Armellini told Econ M/C and econ and pol officers that Italy also has the third largest civilian component (septel). Italy will have to keep its eye on the size of the Poles' contingent, however, if it wants to keep the bronze medal for military contributions. End comment.) DefMin Martino's Senior Diplomatic Advisor Trupiano told Pol-Mil Counselor on 24 October that Martino would like Italy to have a senior advisor on Amb. Bremer's staff. Trupiano said his government is not pushing any particular candidate ("the person could be military or civilian"),or even eyeing a specific position for now, but that Italy would like to have a "greater role" in the CPA. ¶6. (SBU) In a recent visit to southern Iraq to visit Italian troops and witness the local community's first steps toward democracy, the Defense Committees leaders of the Italian Senate and Chamber stressed Italy's determination to support the Iraqi reconstruction effort. Citing the inaugural session of Nasirya's provincial as "a first, fundamental step towards achieving a peaceful and democratic society," Chamber Defense Committee President Ramponi said, "We hope to succeed in brining peace and calm to your people with your efforts, too." ¶7. (SBU) Comment. Cordone's positive remarks towards the US and the situation in Baghdad are particularly surprising given his brush with violence on 18 September, two weeks before his scheduled departure, when US soldiers mistakenly fired upon his vehicle, killing his interpreter and grazing the Ambassador (Ref A). Indeed, Cordone never mentioned the incident during the two-hour seminar, instead praising the teamwork, expertise, and strong work ethic of his American colleagues. ¶8. (SBU) PolOff also spoke with one of PM Berlusconi's Diplomatic Advisors, Paolo Dionisi, about his recent trip to Baghdad (Ref B). Dionisi was less optimistic, although he admitted that he did not have the benefit of seeing the progress made during the six months of the CPA. Dionisi said there is an underlying tension in the air that makes it easy for minor events, such as a traffic incident or security search, to turn violent. Dionisi also, however, stressed the need for the US to spread the news of the positive developments in the capital out into the provinces, but noted that the security situation complicates these efforts. Minimize considered. SEMBLER NNNN 2003ROME04904 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED