ARMENIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL IRAQI

C O N F I D E N T I A L YEREVAN 002183

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/16/2015
TAGS: KDEM KPAO PREL PGOV IZ AM
SUBJECT: ARMENIAN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF SUCCESSFUL IRAQI
ELECTIONS UNLIKELY

REF: A) STATE 225860 B) YEREVAN 2157

Classified By: CDA A.F. Godfrey for reasons 1.4 (b,d).


1. (C) We delivered reftel points to Armenian MFA Americas'
Desk Head Lilit Toutkhalian who told us she was not aware of
GOAM plans to issue a statement commending Iraqi success on
the December 15 Council of Representatives elections.
Toutkhalian speculated that, because Foreign Minister Vartan
Oskanian had accompanied Kocharian to Sochi to meet with
Russian President Vladimir Putin, the MFA would "not likely
take action" before he returned. Toutkhalian did not mention
-- though we confirmed through a separate source at the MFA
-- that Oskanian is scheduled to return the evening of
December 16.


2. (C) Comment: We suspect that asking the Armenians to
recognize the success of Iraqi elections, while still
stinging from international criticism of their own failed
attempt at a free and fair constitutional referendum, is an
embarrassing proposition. To commend another nation on
successful elections, even while under international scrutiny
for wide-spread voting irregularities (ref B),would be a
bolder move than we expect from the GOAM at this point.
Nevertheless, we will continue to press ahead to get
statements of support through less traditional channels --
including by providing ref A material directly to GOAM
spokespeople.
GODFREY