UAE TRAINING IRAQI DIPLOMATS

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 000846

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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