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. RICCIARDONE