Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BAGHDAD2231
2006-06-26 11:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

JAPANESE PROPOSES MOVING SLOWLY ON IRAQ COMPACT

Tags:  PINS PGOV MARR MOPS PREL EAID PINR IZ JA UK 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO0377
PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHGB #2231 1771138
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 261138Z JUN 06
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5375
INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RHEHAAA/WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002231 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2016
TAGS: PINS PGOV MARR MOPS PREL EAID PINR IZ JA UK
SUBJECT: JAPANESE PROPOSES MOVING SLOWLY ON IRAQ COMPACT
CONFERENCE

Classified By: CHARGE D,AFFAIRES, A.I., DANIEL V. SPECKHARD
FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002231

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/25/2016
TAGS: PINS PGOV MARR MOPS PREL EAID PINR IZ JA UK
SUBJECT: JAPANESE PROPOSES MOVING SLOWLY ON IRAQ COMPACT
CONFERENCE

Classified By: CHARGE D,AFFAIRES, A.I., DANIEL V. SPECKHARD
FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D).


1. (C) SUMMARY: On June 22 with, in a meeting with Charge,
Japanese Ambassador Yamaguchi expressed concern about
"significant gaps" in the U.S. and U.K approach to the
International Compact. Yamaguchi acknowledged that the U.S.
sees the fall conference as a major event in "sealing" the
compact, with implementation to follow, while the Brits
prefer to think of the compact as a pronouncement with more
front-end work with Iraqis to leverage reform. Yamaguchi
questioned whether two months is enough time for the Iraqis
to produce a competent program for the conference and for
Europeans and Gulf states to be galvanized to contribute.
Charge responded that the new Government could not afford to
wait nine months to adopt an economic program; we should move
ahead quickly. Yamaguchi also reaffirmed that Japanese air
support and economic assistance to Iraq would expand after
Japanese ground forces withdraw. END SUMMARY.

--------------
INTERNATIONAL COMPACT CONFERENCE
--------------


2. (C) In a June 22 meeting, Japanese Ambassador Hisao
Yamaguchi told Charge that it is good that Iraqis were taking
the initiative on the International Compact Conference by
sending out preparatory letters. Charge said it is likely
Japan will receive a request to send a representative from
Tokyo to attend the Conference's Steering Committee.


3. (C) Yamaguchi suggested that we need to ensure the U.S.
and UK speak with one voice before moving forward. Yamaguchi
said that he understands that the U.S. sees the fall
conference as the major event to "seal" the compact, with
only implementation to follow, whereas the UK sees it merely
as launching the process, with the compact to be finalized in
April 2007. PM Maliki is moving on the economic front as
demanded by Iraqis, and the international community needs to
support him in this effort, Charge responded. Yamaguchi
pressed whether the U.S. thinks the Iraqis could produce a
competent paper for the conference within two months, which
he said may not be enough time to galvanize the Germans,
French, and richer Arab countries to contribute. Charge
responded that the Iraqis could, with help.


4. (C) Yamaguchi cautioned against limiting or predetermining
Steering Committee membership to the U.S., UK, Japan, Arab
Gulf states, and the EU. Perhaps the EU could represent all
the major EU countries, Yamaguchi proposed. Charge responded
that the Steering Committee needs to focus on the main
players and be small enough to be effective.

--------------
JAPANESE ASSISTANCE TO IRAQ
--------------


5. (SBU) Yamaguchi reaffirmed that Japanese air support and
economic assistance to Iraq would expand after the Japanese
Ground Self Defense Force (GSDF) withdraws. According to
Yamaguchi, the GOJ characterized the change as "mission
completed" rather than as a withdrawal. To date, Yamaguchi
explained, the GOJ has disbursed $1.5 billion in grants. It
would now move to phase two: $3 billion in loans, of which
$700 million has been allocated for four projects.


6. (SBU) The GOJ would keep five military personnel at Camp
Victory to manage air support, Yamaguchi added. He then
introduced Takahiro Nakamae, a minister-counselor who would
represent Japan on assistance and serve as liaison to IRMO.
Nakamae will be dual-hatted as Japan's representative to the
U.S. Embassy's National Coordination Team in charge of PRTs.
Charge again pressed for Japan to send a SBIC official to
Baghdad or a diplomat to join the Baghdad PRT. Nakamae
answered that PM Koizumi had directed that Japan's economic
assistance should be given "in coordination with" the PRTs.
Yamaguchi noted he would report Charge's request to Tokyo.
KHALILZAD