IRAQ VP AL-HESHIMI VISITS UAE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 004281 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM AE SUBJECT: IRAQ VP AL-HESHIMI VISITS UAE REF: ABU DHABI 2781 ¶1. (U) Iraqi Vice President Tareq Al-Heshimi made a well-publicized visit to the UAE November 12, in which he met with President Khalifa bin Zayed and Vice President Mohammed bin Rashid. President Khalifa stated, according to press reports, that the UAE would "spare no effort" in supporting and assisting Iraq in achieving "development, stability, and national unity." Khalifa called on the Iraqi people to "work together towards reconstruction" and to "give priority to national interests" over other considerations (such as sectarian interests). President Khalifa was joined in the meeting by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed; the meeting was widely covered in both the English and Arabic-language press. ¶2. (U) Al-Heshimi met separately with Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum (MbR),UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, who was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al-Nahyan. MbR affirmed the need for religious, social, and political unity in Iraq, and re-iterated the UAEG's support for a democratic Iraq. The two parties discussed bilateral relations, emphasizing the UAE's humanitarian assistance to Iraq. ¶3. (SBU) On November 14, the Iraq Desk of the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered no details on topics discussed during the Al-Heshimi visit, noting that the Presidential Court had made the arrangements. The Deputy Chief of Mission of the Iraqi Embassy said the topics were "general" in nature and that the Vice President was meeting November 14 with members of the Iraqi community in the UAE prior to his November 15 departure. ¶4. (SBU) Comment: Statements made during this visit were reminiscent of PM Al-Malaki's visit in July (reftel),during which he was similarly well received by the President and senior UAE officials. The UAE continues to make its public support for Iraqi stability known, with particular stress on the need for internal unity in Iraq. End comment. SISON