GOL TO CONSIDER CONGRATULATING IRAQ; DISCUSSING

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000932

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/NB AND EUR/PPD

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ LH
SUBJECT: GOL TO CONSIDER CONGRATULATING IRAQ; DISCUSSING
DIPLOMATIC TIES

REF: SECSTATE 158420

We delivered reftel points on the Iraqi constitution to
Vaclovas Salkauskas, the new Head of the MFA's Africa and
Middle East Division, on September 7, and urged him to
recommend that the GOL issue a congratulatory statement to
the Iraqi people. Salkauskas said that he is still gathering
the information he needs to be able to present such a
recommendation to GOL leadership. He said the Secretary's
statement and the fact sheet on the constitution will be of
great use in his efforts. Salkauskas offered that the
successful completion of the October referendum may be an
opportune time for the GOL to make a new statement of support
for the Iraqi people. He also told us that the GOL is
currently in discussion with the Iraqi government to
establish diplomatic relations.
MULL