CZECH FM LIKELY TO VISIT IRAQ IN SPRING 2006, DEF

S E C R E T PRAGUE 001285 SIPDIS NOFORN EUR/NCE FOR FICHTE E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/01/2015 TAGS: PGOV PREL EZ IZ SUBJECT: CZECH FM LIKELY TO VISIT IRAQ IN SPRING 2006, DEF MIN THIS NOVEMBER Classified By: Political-Military Officer Brian Greaney for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) 1) (S) Miloslav Stasek, Czech MFA Director for the Middle East told Pol-Mil Off Aug 31 that FM Svoboda would like to visit Iraq in the Spring of 2006. Svoboda had considered a visit in the Fall, but had been persuaded by internal GOCR arguments that it would be better to meet with a newly elected government that was itself the result of the ongoing constitutional process. Stasek predicted that the GOCR would request logistical support from the United States in order to allow this visit to take place in spite of the difficult security situation. Contrary to some media reports, Stasek believed that PM Jiri Paroubek had no plans to travel to Iraq. 2) (S/NF) Post has passed to OSD the request from Czech Defense Minister Karel Kuehnl for air transportation from Basra to Baghdad in early November 2005. Kuehnl would like to fly via Czech Air Force transport to Basra to visit his troops stationed there and then proceed to Baghdad. 3) (C) Comment: Post believes these visits would provide a visible manifestation of a Coalition ally's support for the future Iraqi government. We look forward to working closely with all concerned to make the visits a successful reality. End comment. CABANISS