DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRANIAN ACTIVITY IN IRAQ

S E C R E T SANAA 002697 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/16/2014 TAGS: PREL PTER PINR IZ IR YM DEMARCHE COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: IRANIAN ACTIVITY IN IRAQ REF: STATE 218335 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (S) On October 16 Ambassador expressed to FM Qirbi USG concerns about Iranian interference with the UN, OIC - endorsed political process in Iraq. Iran's provision of support to insurgents, including terrorists, said Ambassador, directly threatens the security of Iraq and the region. He requested ROYG join the USG in telling the GOI that its actions were unacceptable. ¶2. (S) FM Qirbi nodded, saying "I think you have a real problem." Ambassador replied "we" have a problem, noting that Yemen is on record supporting a peaceful political transition in Iraq, and that stability in Iraq and the region is in Yemen's interest. Qirbi told Ambassador that Yemen's statements at the UN call on "all parties not to interfere in Iraqi affairs and to help Iraq achieve elections and full sovereignty." Qirbi added that, in his analysis, the most difficult problem for the IIG is the presence of pro-Iranian elements inside IIG's institutions, making it difficult for PM Alawi by either opposing or shelving many IIG initiatives. ¶3. (S) Ambassador pressed Qirbi to live up to Yemeni pledges of support for the political process in Iraq by making it clear to the GOI that its efforts to undermine Iraqi security and weaken the IIG are a threat to regional interests. ¶4. (S) Pol/Econ Chief also raised this issue with Deputy Foreign Minister Noman. Noman offered that some inside the ROYG are concerned over possible Iranian support for the recently ended al-Houthi insurgency in the north. He said that the ROYG could approach the GOI "in a brotherly way," but that it has little, if any, leverage with Iran. KRAJESKI