A WARNING FROM MOM

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 002188

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/I, NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2009
TAGS: PREL ECON ELAB IZ MU
SUBJECT: A WARNING FROM MOM

Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III.
Reason: 1.4 (b).


1. (U) On December 14, Oman's Ministry of Manpower (MOM)
published an announcement warning citizens about employment
in Iraq. The informal translation of the announcement is as
follows (begin text):

The Ministry of Manpower has noticed the increase in
employment offers in the brotherly Republic of Iraq through
published advertisements in the press and employment offices.
In view of the current security situation witnessed in the
Iraqi scene, the Ministry of Manpower calls upon Omani
citizens not to be carried away by such monetary temptations
offered to them in return for enrollment for employment in
Iraq, in avoidance of the threats they might face until
security and stability prevail over brotherly Iraq, God
willing. (End text.)


2. (U) On December 15, coincidentally, Omani headlines were
devoted to the results of the previous day's Cabinet meeting,
chaired by Sultan Qaboos. The Sultan was reported as having
expressed hope in the meeting that "the efforts of the
interim Iraqi government and other parties concerned would
succeed in achieving stability for the brotherly Iraqi
people."


3. (C) Iraqi Ambassador-designate Abdul Rasul al-Wash told
Pol/E Chief December 15 that he was somewhat disappointed
with the Manpower Ministry's warning, but found the
sentiments entirely understandable given the prevailing
security situation in his country. He pointed out, after
all, that the State Department similarly warns U.S. citizens
from traveling to Iraq. Al-Wash confirmed that the Omani
government did not consult with him before issuing the
warning, but observed that he had not yet formally presented
his credentials.
BALTIMORE