JORDAN: KING'S COMMENTS ON IRAQ CONSTITUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 008093

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2015
TAGS: PREL KPAO IZ JO
SUBJECT: JORDAN: KING'S COMMENTS ON IRAQ CONSTITUTION


Classified By: CDA David Hale for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)



1. (U) Jordan's King Abdullah continued efforts to bolster
the Iraqi political process in an October 9
interview with Al-Rai, the leading semi-official
Arabic-language daily. The widely circulated independent
centrist Arabic daily Al Ghad, also covered the basic points
of the King's interview.


2. (U) Highlights of the King's statements follow:

--"Arab world" language, de-Ba,athification: "It is true
that there were some problems regarding the first draft of
the constitution. I have seen the amendments that were
recently introduced, such as the statement that Iraq is a
founding and effective member of the Arab League and is
committed to its charter, and is also a part of the Muslim
world. I have also seen the amendment on prohibiting the
trial of members of the disbanded Ba'th party who were not
among its leaders and who have not committed any crimes, and
they enjoy protection and equality before the law. There is
also the amendment which states that the Arabic and Kurdish
languages are the two approved languages in the Kurdistan
area. Those amendments are undoubtedly positive and a step
toward encouraging the Sunni Arab brothers to participate
in the political process and to build modern Iraq."

--Need for Sunni participation, Jordanian efforts: "I have
learned that other amendments are being discussed at present
with the various Iraqi groups. Those amendments could be
added to the constitution, and could lead to pushing the
Sunni Arabs toward participation. I recently held several
contacts with Kurdish leaders -- and particular the Kurdish
leader Mas'ud Barzani -- with the aim of supporting Sunni
demands for adding to the constitution an article stating
that Iraq is a part of the Arab and Muslim worlds. Contacts
are still continuing and, God willing, the will of the Iraqis
will ultimately triumph and security and prosperity will be
achieved. We are convinced that the Iraqis' success in
building their unified homeland and eliminating the state of
breakdown in security and the terrorism is a success for us
and for the entire region."

--Prospects for stability: "Iraq's future depends on the will
of its people. It is the Iraqis who decide Iraq's future.
Today they face a difficult test. They are more able than
anyone else to know what they want for the future of Iraq. I
as well as the government are in constant touch with the
Iraqi leaders who represent various political, intellectual,
and religious trends in Iraq. Those contacts and meetings
basically aim to urge everyone to cooperate and increase
cohesion among the sons of the same people to build a strong
and unified Iraq, God willing.


3. (C) Comment: The King's statements are the public portion
of a broader strategy to lend what support Jordan can to the
chances for a successful political process in Iraq, as
requested during the King,s recent meetings with USG
officials.
HALE