EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MAKES POSITIVE PUBLIC

UNCLAS CAIRO 007997

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG IZ
SUBJECT: EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MAKES POSITIVE PUBLIC
STATEMENTS ON IRAQI POLITICAL PROCESS



1. (SBU) During an October 17 meeting with Egyptian Foreign
Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Ambassador requested the
minister's public support for Iraq's constitution referendum
and political process. Aboul Gheit said he had given several
press interviews earlier in the day, during which he had
remarked positively on the subject of Iraq. Turning to an
aide, the Minister ordered that the Embassy be provided with
a copy of the press statement that was given earlier that day
to the MFA press pool (text below).


2. (U) Unofficial Embassy translation of October 17 MFA
press guidance on Iraq:

Begin text:

-- You are all following closely what has been happening in
Iraq with regard to the political process that witnessed much
activity in the past few days and weeks, as well as the
efforts being exerted for the sake of reaching an agreement
on an Iraqi Constitution and mechanisms for amending it in
the future in a way that would allow all Iraqi forces to
contribute to its formulation in order to reach agreement
that in turn would lead to stability and rebirth for Iraq.

-- This activity concerns Arab League Secretary General Amre
Moussa,s coming visit to Baghdad that was agreed upon during
the meeting of the Arab Ministerial Committee on Iraq in
Jeddah (October 2) aimed at preparing a national
reconciliation conference. Hosting such a conference was
called for during the Sharm El-Sheikh meeting last November.
It is high time that this meeting proposal is implemented
since that it has been delayed for so long. But what is
important to us now - starting with Sharm El-Sheikh and
ending with Jeddah - is to work to make our efforts spare
bloodshed and achieve successful national reconciliation for
Iraq.

-- Out of this concept, we call on all to participate and
engage in dialogue to bridge gaps in positions for the sake
of a safe and stable Iraq that does not recognize
sectarianism or fanaticism especially since the sons of Iraq
have paid a dear price. We stand by every effort that leads
to supporting UN Security Council Resolution 1546 and the
evolving political process, and we stand behind and support
the choice of the Iraqi people in this political process, and
we express solidarity for them for the sake of achieving
their aspirations and hopes for living in security,
stability, and peace.

End text.


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