AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH CHALDEAN PATRIARCH DELLY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 005148 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2015 TAGS: PNAT PGOV KDEM IZ KREL SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH CHALDEAN PATRIARCH DELLY REF: VATICAN 00539 Classified By: Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad for Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: In a meeting with Chaldean Patriarch Mar Emmanuel III Delly on December 22, the Ambassador expressed the importance of an inclusive, cross-sectarian Iraqi government to promote national unity. Patriarch Delly agreed that a united government and society were essential to a strong and stable Iraq. Delly expressed the Chaldean Community's concern about the inclusion in the Constitution Chapter One, Article Two, that states "no law that contradicts the established provisions of Islam may be enacted." END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Chaldean Patriarch Mar Emmanuel III Delly met December 22 with the Ambassador. The Patriarch said this has been a very difficult time for Iraqis, but that Iraq is a very rich and diverse country, one in which the Chaldean community plays a significant role. He estimated that 80 percent of Iraq's Christian community is Chaldean and said that, in Baghdad alone, there are 30 Chaldean churches, monasteries and convents. Patriarch Delly also noted the presence of significant Chaldean populations in Detroit and San Diego. ¶3. (C) Patriarch Delly told the Ambassador that the Catholic Bishops of Iraq had met to discuss the Constitution, and, although praising the efforts that went into its drafting, they were particularly concerned about Chapter One, Article Two, that states "no law that contradicts the established provisions of Islam may be enacted." The Patriarch went on to say that Sharia law prohibits the use of alcohol and also requires women to wear the hejab. Many Chaldean-owned stores sell liquor products, and these stores are being targeted because of this. Two weeks ago, he said, 14 Chaldean stores carrying liquor were closed (he did not say by whom). He added that, if this continues, many Christians and Muslims will be forced to leave Iraq. While the people of Iraq are largely Muslim, religious tenets should not be in the Constitution. The Ambassador stated that the Constitution is a living document, open to amendments, and strengthened by greater involvement of all groups. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador praised the elections as a positive step and reinforced the need for a national unity government that would strengthen Iraq. The Ambassador said sectarianism is going to destroy Iraq, and all must seek to bring people together. The Patriarch expressed an interest in having Chaldean representation in the new government but acknowledged that there was not a large interest in politics on the part of his fellow Chaldeans. ¶5. (C) The Ambassador expressed support for greater unity between religious leaders of all faiths, suggesting a convening of major religious leaders to bring the faiths closer together. The Patriarch agreed with this idea and expressed his high regard for other religious leaders in Iraq, particularly Sistani, whom he said he had met previously and whom he described as a "good man". KHALILZAD