Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05MUSCAT765
2005-05-11 13:36:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:  

ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQ TRANSITIONAL

Tags:  OPRC PREL OIIP IZ MU 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MUSCAT 000765 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR IIP/FO (PENGLAND),NEA/I, NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC PREL OIIP IZ MU
SUBJECT: ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQ TRANSITIONAL
GOVERNMENT

REF: A. SECSTATE 79107


B. MUSCAT 581

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000765

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

DEPT FOR IIP/FO (PENGLAND),NEA/I, NEA/ARPI, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC PREL OIIP IZ MU
SUBJECT: ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR THE IRAQ TRANSITIONAL
GOVERNMENT

REF: A. SECSTATE 79107


B. MUSCAT 581


1. (U) This is an action request for IIP, NEA/PPD - see para

6.


2. (SBU) Summary: Omani Foreign Minister Bin Alawi offered in
a May 11 meeting with the Ambassador to give an interview in
Muscat to the Al Hurra channel to voice public support for
the new Iraqi Transitional Government. He expressed
disappointment that the elections and new government,
however, appear not to have brought an improvement in Iraq's
security conditions, wondering if the government were strong
enough and security services adequately armed and equipped.
He reviewed some limited Omani training assistance for
Iraqis, and indicated Oman could disburse its reconstruction
assistance pledge during a future visit by the Iraqi Foreign
Minister. End summary.

--------------
Eager for Al Hurra Interview on ITG
--------------


3. (SBU) The Embassy provided ref A demarche material to the
Foreign Ministry May 3 requesting Oman's public support for
the Iraqi Transitional Government (ITG). In a May 11 meeting
with the Ambassador, Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs
Yusuf bin Alawi responded, noting that he had previously
spoken out in praise of the new Iraqi government (ref B),and
that Oman likewise publicized the letters of congratulation
that the Sultan had sent to the new Iraqi leadership. Asked
by the Ambassador if there were more Oman could do to voice
its support of the ITG, the Minister voluntarily offered to
give an interview on the topic with Al Hurra. He requested
the Embassy to pass his offer along, saying that he will "be
happy" to do the interview in Muscat. He praised Al Hurra
for its moderate tone and journalistic ethics, complaining
that the correspondents from regional networks such as Al
Jazeera and Al Arabiya seek only to "provoke" their
interviewees.

-------------- --------------
Omani Aid, Disappointment with Security Situation
-------------- --------------


4. (SBU) With regard to following through on Oman's prior
commitment to contribute up to $5 million for Iraqi
reconstruction, the Minister replied that he believes the
Cabinet has approved the amount, and said Muscat is waiting
for a future visit by the Iraqi Foreign Minister to provide
the opportune time to disburse the funds. Bin Alawi also
noted that the Ministry of Health will soon take on 5 Iraqis
to begin a 2-year medical training program. There are also
two Iraqi diplomats currently enrolled in the MFA's
Diplomatic Institute. (Note: The Iraqi diplomats attended
the Ambassador's May 10 address to the Diplomatic Institute -
septel. End note.)


5. (SBU) Asked whether Oman might pitch in with training on
the security front, Bin Alawi claimed that Egypt has offered
to train 20,000 Iraqi security personnel but thus far only
170 Iraqis have taken them up on the offer. The Minister
likewise cited increasing complaints from Iraqi military and
police personnel who claim they are not given adequate arms
and other equipment to defend themselves or protect the
public. He was disturbed that the Iraqi elections and
formation of the ITG have apparently done nothing to quell
the number of car-bombings and other violence, suggesting
that the ITG may be too weak to govern effectively. The
Minister stated frankly that he had expected more improvement
by now.

--------------
Action Request
--------------


6. (U) The Embassy requests the Department's assistance in
facilitating an interview on Al Hurra for Minister Bin Alawi.
BALTIMORE