IRANIAN INTERFERENCE IN IRAQ: TURKS SAY IRAQI

S E C R E T ANKARA 005845 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2014 TAGS: PREL IZ IR TU SUBJECT: IRANIAN INTERFERENCE IN IRAQ: TURKS SAY IRAQI SHIAS MUST SPEAK OUT REF: STATE 218335 Classified By: DCM Robert S. Deutsch for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) DCM called on MFA Director General for Middle East Tahsin Burcuoglu Oct. 13 to deliver reftel demarche. DCM emphasized that Turkey--as a neighbor to both countries and as Chairman-in-Office of the OIC--was in a key position to deliver a meaningful message to Iran on its interference in Iraq. Burcuoglu shared our concerns about Iranian activity in Iraq, and reported that Iraqi authorities he meets universally condemn Iran's interference. (Note: He added that a recent notable exception was KDP leader Masud Barzani on his recent visit to Ankara; readout on this visit reported septel. End note.) ¶2. (S) Burcuoglu reported that Turkey has in the past (most recently at the UNGA) and will in the future raise this issue with the Iranians (albeit in a non-confrontational way),but lamented that a key opportunity to do so had been lost when President Khatami canceled his planned October visit to Ankara. He said that Turkish President Sezer had been prepared to "send a strong message" to Khatami on Iraq. Burcuoglu predicted that most Gulf states would be unwilling to approach Iran on its activities, though the Saudis "might" do so. Burcuoglu did not make any commitment as to whether Turkey would work for an OIC statement/approach to Iran, but said he would pass this request on to higher authorities. ¶3. (S) However, Burcuoglu insisted, third countries will not be able to persuade Tehran to cease and desist. Only when the major Shia parties in Iraq--he named SCIRI and al-Da'wa--or major Shia leaders such as Sistani openly criticize Iranian interference will Tehran even consider backing off. Until Iraqi Shias themselves criticize Iran, the Iranians will exploit the perception that they have been invited to carry out their activities in Iraq by the country's Shias. Burcuoglu said he believes that some Iraqi Shia leaders are uncomfortable with Iran's unconstructive role, but are unwilling to go on the record with these concerns. ¶4. (U) Baghdad minimize considered. EDELMAN