ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL MOUSSA TO IRAQ:

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 008016

SIPDIS

BAGHDAD FOR LITT, MNF-I MG BARGEWELL

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/18/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV EG IZ
SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE SECRETARY GENERAL MOUSSA TO IRAQ:
ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON VISIT

REF: CAIRO 7963 (NOTAL)

Classified by ECPO Minister Counselor Michael Corbin for
reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) Arab League Secretary General intends to travel to
Iraq October 20-22 to spearhead renewed Arab engagement on
Iraq's political process (reftel). Moussa requested any
technical assistance that Embassy Baghdad or Embassy Cairo
was able to offer on travel and other logistics regarding the
visit. Below are additional details provided to the Embassy
October 17 by Moussa's Chief of Staff Hesham Youssef which
update original plans discussed in reftel. Post appreciates
the ongoing coordination with Embassy Baghdad on this topic.


2. (C) Youssef told Emboff that the delegation would consist
of 39 people (11-12 Arab League working staff, 10-11 Arab
League security, and 16 journalists). Additionally, a 2-3
person Arab League advance team would arrive in Baghdad from
Amman October 18 to begin liaison with the GOI. Youssef said
that Moussa and delegation were no longer planning on a
Bahraini charter flight, but would rather use "Digla"
Airlines -- an Iraqi-owned company based in Egypt that is
already flying regular, twice-weekly flights between Cairo
and Baghdad. After delivering the delegation to Baghdad, the
aircraft would fly to Irbil and wait there for additional
in-country travel, as well as the return flight to Cairo.
Youssef did not know the make or model of the Digla aircraft
but pledged to provide Post with this information if required.


3. (C) Describing Moussa's present itinerary, Youssef shared
the following: Moussa and company would depart Cairo early
Thursday, October 20 for Baghdad, and conduct meetings with
Iraqi government officials all day Thursday. Moussa intends
to meet President Talabani, Prime Minister Jafari, and senior
Ministers, among others. Moussa and delegation are planning
to spend the evening at the Mugamma al Wuzarra next to the
Green Zone. On Friday, Moussa is planning meetings with the
Muslim Ulema Council and SCIRI leader al Hakim in Baghdad at
locations yet to be determined. Moussa intends to conduct
post-Iftar meetings Friday evening at the residence of Iraqi
Foreign Minister Zebari, including a possible meeting with
U.S. Ambassador Khalilzad. Early morning Saturday, Moussa
intends to travel to Najaf, either by helicopter or by
motorcade, for meetings with SISTANI and Sadr. Youssef
shared that the United Nations was unable to provide
transportation for this movement, but that the GOI was making
necessary preparations. Returning to Baghdad from Najaf,
Moussa will fly to Irbil via the Digla charter flight later
Saturday to meet Kurdish leader Barzani. Depending on a
possible post 6 p.m. flight curfew, Youssef said, Moussa may
stay the night at Barzani's residence, or return direct to
Cairo via the Digla charter.


4. (C) Comment: Post appreciates Baghdad's assistance and
coordination on this subject, and welcomes additional
suggestions on how best to help facilitate Moussa's visit.
End comment.


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