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