C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002770

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2013
TAGS: PREL IZ YM UN
SUBJECT: ORAL MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY ON IRAQI POLITICAL
TRANSITION DELIVERED TO YEMENI FM QIRBI

REF: A. USUN 2953


B. SECSTATE 321138

Classified By: CDA Alan G. Misenheimer. Reason: 1.5(b,d)


1. (C) On November 22, Charge, accompanied by Pol/Econ Chief,
called on FM Qirbi to deliver ref b oral message. Qirbi said
he was "very encouraged" by the U.S. statements on Iraq, and
that he viewed the program for transition as a "preliminary
roadmap" that he hoped would gain momentum and shift the
focus in Iraq from the military sphere to the political.


2. (C) FM Qirbi recommended that the U.S. provide logistical
support for the Iraqi Governing Council to control the
security situation, as Iraq could enlist the help of other
Arab and Muslim states if it were clear that Iraqis had
assumed responsibility for maintaining security. He added
that he would like to see a clearer role for the United
Nations. In that regard, Charge promised to send Qirbi text
of AMB Negroponte,s excellent 11/21 statement (ref a).
MISENHEIMER