Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05ROME858
2005-03-14 16:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

U.S.-ITALY INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF ITALIAN OFFICIAL CALIPARI IN IRAQ

Tags:  PREL MOPS IT IZ IRAQI FREEDOM PHUM 
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UNCLAS ROME 000858 

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MOPS IT IZ PHAM IRAQI FREEDOM
SUBJECT: U.S.-ITALY INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF ITALIAN
OFFICIAL CALIPARI IN IRAQ

REF: BAGHDAD 1082 (NOTAL)

UNCLAS ROME 000858

SIPDIS


SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MOPS IT IZ PHAM IRAQI FREEDOM
SUBJECT: U.S.-ITALY INVESTIGATION INTO DEATH OF ITALIAN
OFFICIAL CALIPARI IN IRAQ

REF: BAGHDAD 1082 (NOTAL)


1. (SBU) By exchange of letters dated March 12, the Embassy
concurred with the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the subject
investigation as proposed by the GOI. The Italian letter
containing the proposed TOR follows the text reported in para
7 of reftel and was signed by Undersecretary in the Prime
Minister,s Office Letta (a more precise translation of
Letta's letter is in para 2). Based on telephonic and e-mail
instructions from Department, Embassy responded with the
following letter from the Ambassador:

Dear Undersecretary Letta:

We have read the Italian proposal for Terms of Reference for
the investigation, presented in your letter of March 12, and
have consulted with our military investigating authorities.
We concur with your proposal.

With best regards,

/s/ Mel Sembler, Ambassador


2. (SBU) Following is English text of Letta's incoming letter
to Ambassador as translated by U.S. Sending State Office Rome.

Mr. Ambassador,

As there is the desire to jointly ascertain the dynamics of
the episode which took place in Baghdad on 4 March 2005, in
which the SISMI officer Nicola Calipari died and both the
Italian journalist Giuliana Sgrena and another official of
SISMI were injured, I propose the following method of work:


A. The participation of officials designated by the United
States Government and by the Government of the Italian
Republic to jointly ascertain the dynamics of the episode
which happened in Baghdad on 4 March 2005, in which the SISMI
officer Nicola Calipari died and both the Italian journalists
Giuliana Sgrena and another official of SISMI were injured,
is foreseen.


B. Documentary, testimonial and technical investigations will
be carried out with reference to the previous paragraph.


C. The officials mentioned in paragraph D will have the duty
to participate in all the investigative fact-finding and to
preserve all the relevant documentation.


D. The officials representing Italy are:

Brigadier General Pierluigi Campregher
Minister Plenipotentiary Cesare Maria Ragaglini


E. Respective national regulations for protecting classified
information will apply.


F. For execution of their functions, these officials can make
use of the support of their respective diplomatic and
military delegates we well as their competent government
authorities.


G. The officials will be required to keep sec ret all the
gained classified information.


H. A final joint report will be presented on the
investigative results of the aforesaid officials.

End Text of Letter


3. (SBU) Based on this exchange of letters and following USG
requests for rapid Italian involvement in the investigation,
GOI officials Ragaglini and BG Campregher were to have
departed for Baghdad at 0600 on Sunday March 13.


4. (SBU) Embassy delivered courtesy copies of BG Vangjel,s
questions for survivors Carpani and Srgena (contained in
paras 9 and 10 of reftel) to Ragaglini,s home and
Campregher,s office the evening of Saturday March 12, before
their departure for Baghdad.

minimize considered

SEMBLER


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2005ROME00858 - Classification: UNCLASSIFIED