DPM AL-JABBURI VISIT TO THE U.S.: IRAN/IRAQ ENERGY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 004035

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2015
TAGS: ECON ENRG EPET ETRD PGOV IR IZ
SUBJECT: DPM AL-JABBURI VISIT TO THE U.S.: IRAN/IRAQ ENERGY
AND POWERSHARING

Classified By: Ecnomic Minister Counselor Tom Delare for reasons 1.4 (b
) and (d).


1. (C) Summary and Action Request: Deputy Prime Minister Abd
Mutlak al-Jabburi intends to visit the US in early October to
discuss the Iraqi Constitution, human rights, security, and
economic projects, particularly the Iraq-Iran oil pipeline
proposal. Post requests guidance on potential ILSA
infractions regarding energy transfers across the Iran-Iraq
border. End Summary and Action Request.


2. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Abd Mutlak al-Jabburi is
expected to visit the US in early October 2005. His office
says he intends to discuss the Constitution, human rights,
security, and economic projects, one of which is the Abadan
oil pipeline to Iran. Al-Jabburi is a Sunni who is
reportedly opposes construction of the pipeline.


3. (U) We note press reports September 25 that Iraqi
Minister of Electricity Muhsin Shalash signed an agreement to
increase electricity imports from Iran. It is not clear
whether the deal will involve the construction of new
electrical towers in both Iraq and Iran, or which country
will be paying the initial construction costs.


4. (C) In light of al-Jabburi,s upcoming visit, Post
requests guidance on possible ILSA infractions regarding
energy transfers across the Iran-Iraq border, including both
the expanding electrical imports from Iran to Iraq (the
physical connection of transmission systems) and the
implementation of agreements to ship Iraqi crude oil to Iran
in exchange for refined oil products (the proposed Abadan
pipeline).











Khalilzad