IRAQI MFA SUPPORTIVE ON LEBANON, GUATEMALA UNSC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003299 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/06/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL IZ LE SU IS UN SUBJECT: IRAQI MFA SUPPORTIVE ON LEBANON, GUATEMALA UNSC SEAT, SUDAN REF: STATE 145279 Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL COUNSELOR MICHAEL J. ADLER, FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) On September 3, Post made reftel points to Qusay al-Kubaysi, Special Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Kubaysi responded that he would convey the points to the Minister as soon as he was available. On September 5, we reviewed the points with Deputy FM Bidan. Bidan said that Iraq would reiterate support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 at the Arab League conference. Bidan acknowledged that some in Iraq, including SCIRI members and Sadrists, sympathize with Hizbollah. However, he maintained that the GOI opposes those who send arms to the group. ¶2. (C) Bidan said that the Iraqi delegation has been instructed to support Guatemala in its bid for a UNSC seat. He said he would contact the Iraqi delegation at the Arab League Ministerial and tell them to urge Sudan to accept the transition to a UN force and publicly reiterate GOI support for UNSCR 1706. Bidan also agreed that the GOI should press this issue with fellow Arab states at the Arab League conference. KHALILZAD