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