ITALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 001871 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/02/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER KDEM KISL IZ IT SUBJECT: ITALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER TO VISIT IRAQ Classified By: AMBASSADOR KHALILZAD FOR REASONS 1.4 (A),(B),AND (D). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On June 1, Italian Ambassador Maruizio Melani reported to the Ambassador that Italian Deputy Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema (who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs) plans to visit Iraq on June 7. The purpose of the visit is to discuss Italy's future Iraq assistance plan with Prime Minister Maliki, President Talabani, and Parliament Speaker Mashhadani. Melani also conveyed his government's keen interest in expanding multilateral institutions in Iraq and also asked for the Ambassador's reaction to the Iranian Foreign Minister's rejection of the USG's offer to directly engage Iranian leadership over its nuclear program. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Italian Ambassador Melani reported that Italian MinDef Parisi's May 30 trip to Iraq was successful and that Italian DPM (and Minister of Foreign Affairs) D'Alema plans to visit Iraq on June 7. The purpose of the visit is to discuss the Italian government's plans for continued assistance to Iraq and to gain Iraqi senior leadership support. While Melani confirmed that his government has not formally agreed on a specific plan, he believes that the progressive withdrawal of troops -- 1000 in July and most by the end of 2006 -- remains on track. Such a reduction would leave a 700-plus contingent for protection for the Italian PRT in Dhi Qar and Italy's training mission. The Ambassador assured Melani that Post stands ready to assist with the upcoming visit. ¶3. (C) Melani conveyed that Rome is very interested in strengthening the role of multilateral institutions in Iraq. He said he believes that organizations such as NATO should work with Iraqi and Coalition governments to identify needs and develop strategies to address them. The Italian government is most keen on seeing a NATO-like transition based on the Balkans and Afghanistan models take place in Iraq, Melani noted. While the Ambassador agreed that the concept is worth exploring, he also warned that it may take some time to garner the necessary support. NATO members are likely to resist expansion given their level of commitment around the world at this time, Ambassador cautioned. ¶4. (C) Melani asked for the Ambassador's thoughts on the Iranian Foreign Minister's rejection of the USG offer to speak directly with Iranian leaders about its nuclear program. Ambassador replied one must wait for Iran's considered response after the Vienna meeting. However, Ambassador added that if Iran ultimately rejects the approach provided by the international community, all key countries, including China and Russia, would cooperate to further isolate and pressure the regime in Tehran. Melani questioned whether Iraq is concerned with the ongoing Iranian struggle with the USG over the nuclear issue. Ambassador said that he believes the Iraqi leadership, along with other regional leaders, recognize -- especially with the USG's latest gesture -- that the USG is interested in solving our differences through diplomatic means. Already, the United Arab Emirates have spoken out in support of our strategy, Ambassador noted. KHALILZAD