INDIA CONGRATULATES NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT

C O N F I D E N T I A L NEW DELHI 003479

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/10/2015
TAGS: PREL EAID IZ IN
SUBJECT: INDIA CONGRATULATES NEW IRAQI GOVERNMENT

REF: NEW DELHI 3402

Classified By: PolCouns Geoffrey Pyatt, for Reasons 1.4 (B, D)


1. (SBU) In its first official statement about Iraq since
the January 30 elections, on May 7 the GOI released a summary
of PM Manmohan Singh's message to Iraqi PM Al-Jaafari, which
welcomed the formation of the new transitional government and
offered to assist the country's reconstruction in areas of
mutual interest (text in para 3). The MEA did not release a
copy of the letter, and the Iraqi Charge told PolMilOff on
May 9 that he had not seen it, but welcomed the sentiment it
contained.

Comment
--------------


2. (C) This is a small, but positive step. With the
exception of references to Iraq in some of the Foreign
Minister's recent press appearances, the GOI has been quiet
about Iraq since the January elections. We believe the
Charge's April 30 demarche to MEA Joint Secretary (Americas)

S. Jaishankar played a role in the statement, especially in
light of the MEA Gulf Division's subsequent comment that it
was unlikely the GOI would issue a formal statement
congratulating the new government (Reftel). In the context
of continuing hesitation about Iraq among India's political
parties, the Prime Minister's move toward Al-Jaafari can also
be viewed as a positive gesture toward the US. End Comment.


3. (U) Begin GOI text:

Press Statement on the Formation of the Iraqi Transitional
Government (7 May 2005)

The Government of India welcomes the formation of a new
transitional government in Iraq headed by Prime Minister Dr.
Ibrahim Al Jaafari.

The Prime Minister has sent a message of congratulations to
Dr. Jafaari, wishing the people of Iraq success in their
efforts towards building a peaceful, stable and prosperous
Iraq. In keeping with India's long tradition of close
political, economic and cultural ties with Iraq, the Prime
Minister conveyed that India values and would like to further
strengthen the bonds of friendship between our two countries
and peoples, and would be happy to assist in the
reconstruction of Iraq and cooperate in areas of mutual
interest. End GOI text.


4. (U) Minimize considered.
BLAKE