DFM NOMAN'S REACTION TO IRAQI ELECTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000202

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/01/2015
TAGS: PREL PTER KDEM IZ YM
SUBJECT: DFM NOMAN'S REACTION TO IRAQI ELECTION

Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury for reasons 1.5 b and d.


1. (C) Summary and Comment. Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa
Noman discussed the results of the Iraqi election with DCM
and Pol/Econ Chief on February 1. Noman shared his personal
feelings on the election process, calling it a "great
success." In previous conversations, Noman had expressed his
personal views on violence and the political process in Iraq,
carefully drawing a distinction between his opinions and ROYG
official policy. Noman confided his support for sticking to
the election timetable in the weeks leading up to January 30,
saying that to do otherwise would hand a victory to the
terrorists. The DFM had tried to convince senior ROYG
officials that insurgents in Iraq were not "resistance
fighters," but to no avail. President Saleh, who advised
visiting General Abi Zaid on January 4 to postpone Iraqi
elections, has not made a statement since the polls closed.
Official media coverage on the day of the elections focused
heavily on a "violence marred election day." End Summary and
Comment.

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"A Great Success"
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2. (C) Noman said he was pleased with the Iraqi elections,
pointing to less than anticipated violence and 60 percent
participation of the Iraqi people. "Personally," said the
DFM, "the elections represent a big step forward," adding
that it will be important and interesting to watch what shape
the new government takes and at what level Sunnis will
participate in the drafting of the new constitution. As the
likelihood will be a significant Shia majority, "I don't find
it frightening, it's only natural...so what?" DCM pressed
Noman for a ROYG demonstration of support for the Iraqi
people, suggesting that President Saleh or Foreign Minister
Qirbi issue a statement of congratulations. Noman nodded,
but gave no indication that an official statement would be
forthcoming any time soon.

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Saleh's Pre-Election Statement
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3. (SBU) Speaking to a crowd in the southern Governorate of
al-Bayda on January 30, President Saleh said "We hope the
Iraqi people will democratically elect a new leadership"
including all ethnic and sectarian groups, adding, a "limp
election would be a catastrophe." Saleh has yet to comment
further since the polls closed. The official media limited
its coverage to photos and headlines focusing on violent
incidents around the country January 30. On February 2
government-owned "al-Thawra" daily conceded that the mere
fact that elections were held "left hope for the success of
attempts to create a common ground" among the Iraqi people.
Krajeski