UAE TRAINING IRAQI DIPLOMATS

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000846 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL IZ TC SUBJECT: UAE TRAINING IRAQI DIPLOMATS ¶1. (SBU) Nine Iraqi diplomats are currently receiving six weeks of training offered by the Emirates Institute of Diplomacy, which is an integral part of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The training, which Iraq,s Foreign Ministry requested, consists of a series of lectures on topics ranging from the historical relationship between the Gulf and Iraq to international law. All expenses related to the training, including transportation between Baghdad and Abu Dhabi, are being paid by the UAEG. ¶2. (SBU) Dr. Yousuf Al Hassan, the director of the Emirates Institute of Diplomacy, told Pol Chief on February 23 that he designed a curriculum that would professionalize the Iraqi diplomats by giving them the tools they would need to be effective in their jobs. The training includes sessions on protocol, Internet usage, and handling sensitive documents. ¶3. (SBU) Al Hassan said that he also wants to sensitize the Iraqi diplomats to some of the attitudes that exist outside Iraq, particularly in neighboring Gulf states. &Most of the trainees have never been outside Iraq8 and have no idea how they are perceived by fellow Arabs, he said. As part of the training, which began February 7, the Iraqi diplomats spend a portion of their day with UAE diplomats-in-training at the Abu Dhabi-based institute. &This experience is creating bonds of friendship that will last years,8 Al Hassan said. ¶4. (SBU) Of the nine Iraqi diplomats, two are females, Al Hassan said. Six are relatively new to the Iraqi diplomatic corps, having served three months or less. Al Hassan said that there have been no signs of enmity among the Iraqis, even though the group includes Shi,as, Sunnis, Kurds, and a Christian. While at the institute, the Iraqis also will learn about the UN, proposals for UN reforms and enlargement of the UNSC; the Arab League and proposals for its reform; political regimes in the Gulf; negotiation skills; public diplomacy; economic diplomacy; and a survey of post-election Iraq. Al Hassan said that the UAE is one of several countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Iran, and France, that are offering training to Iraqi diplomats. ¶5. (U) Baghdad minimize considered. SISON