Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05CAIRO9529
2005-12-27 15:21:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:  

IRAQ: ARAB LEAGUE CAUTIOUS ON GOVERNMENT

Tags:  PREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS EG IZ 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 009529 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS EG IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ: ARAB LEAGUE CAUTIOUS ON GOVERNMENT
FORMATION IN BAGHDAD; MFA AWAITING ELECTION RESULTS AND
CLARITY ON GOVERNMENT FORMATION

REF: A. STATE 231047


B. STATE 231032

Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 009529

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PHUM MOPS EG IZ
SUBJECT: IRAQ: ARAB LEAGUE CAUTIOUS ON GOVERNMENT
FORMATION IN BAGHDAD; MFA AWAITING ELECTION RESULTS AND
CLARITY ON GOVERNMENT FORMATION

REF: A. STATE 231047


B. STATE 231032

Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) Post delivered reftel demarches to a senior Arab
League Secretariat staff member December 26, urging the Arab
League to do all it could to support and advance the idea of
a national compact to bring Iraqis from all political groups
together. Responding to ref A demarche request to reach out
to Iraq's Sunni community and encourage active participation
in government formation negoatiations, Cabinet staff member
Talal Elamine noted that AL Secretary General Moussa was
expected to meet December 27 with a visiting Iraqi delegation
from the Sunni Tawaffuq Group. He noted, however, that
Moussa was reluctant to make public pronouncements on Iraq's
election and political process absent additional clarity on
election returns and the shape/content of a new government.
Elamine noted that the League may send two of its staffers to
Baghdad in the coming days at the invitation of the UN and
"the Canadians" to observe first-hand the IECI's review of
election fraud complaints and negotiations to form a new
government. Responding to ref B message on the current
disposition of Multi-National Forces in Iraq, Elamine
expressed appreciation for the update and promised to
promptly share both demarches with Moussa.


2. (C) During a December 27 meeting with MFA Cabinet staffer
responsible for the Iraq portfolio, Dr. Alaa Hadidi, poloff
shared reftel demarches and called for Egypt's continued
public support of Iraq's political process. After committing
to sharing the USG messages promptly with his Minister,
Hadidi said that he was following the issue of Iraqi
government formation very closely to see what coalitions will
form the new leadership in Iraq. However, he said, it was
too early to determine where things stand and what Egypt, the
Arab League, and others can do. Still, Egypt recognizes the
importance of stressing a message to the Iraqis of
inclusivity for the new government.


3. (C) Arab foreign ministers are scheduled to arrive in
Cairo December 28 and meet on the 29th, in order to address
the issue of reforming the Arab League's decision-making
process. Ministers are also expected to discuss growing
strains between Syria and Lebanon, the political situation in
Iraq, and the upcoming March Arab League Summit in Khartoum.
The Iraqi Embassy informs us that only an MFA Under Secretary
will attend in the place of Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari.
Comment: The lack of senior Iraqi representation will reduce
chances of public comments on Iraq from the Arab League
Secretary General or its members. End comment.

SIPDIS

JONES