GOA STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE IRAQI TRANSITIONAL

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000772 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ AS SUBJECT: GOA STRONGLY SUPPORTS THE IRAQI TRANSITIONAL GOVERNMENT REF: SECSTATE 79107 ¶1. (U) On May 2, Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Iraq Task Force Executive Officer Bernadette Siely. Siely noted that Foreign Minister Alexander Downer had issued a press release on May 1 welcoming the formation of the new Iraqi government and committing Australia to help the Iraqis "forge ahead" with their democratic transition. (FM Downer had also issued an April 7 press release congratulating the newly-elected Iraqi President and Deputy Presidents.) Siely told us that Prime Minister John Howard, FM Downer, and Trade Minister Mark Vaile would write to their counterparts in the Iraqi government to congratulate them on their selection/election. Siely also said that GOA Defense Minister Robert Hill would write to his counterpart once one was chosen. ¶2. (U) Baghdad minimize considered. STANTON