DCM URGES FIJIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE COALITION

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 003761 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2016 TAGS: IZ FJ MOPS PREL PGOV SUBJECT: DCM URGES FIJIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE COALITION REF: A. SUVA 392 ¶B. SUVA 352 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Speckhard for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: During his October 6 meeting with Fijian Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola, DCM urged Fiji to join the Multinational Coalition in Iraq. When Vosanibola asked about the possibility of a visit to Fiji by President Bush, the DCM promised to refer the question to Washington. The DCM provided Vosanibola with an overview of the political and security situation in Iraq. In response to a question by Vosanibola, the DCM said that that the UN was an enthusiastic participant in and co-chair of the International Compact for Iraq and that those assigned to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) had a strong belief that the international community had a responsibility to assist Iraq. END SUMMARY -------------- The Coalition -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) During his October 6 meeting with DCM, Fijian Home Affairs Minister Vosanibola said that Suva was reviewing its earlier decision not to join the Coalition. The DCM strongly urged Fijian participation in the Coalition, noting that Fijian peacekeepers have an excellent international reputation. He argued that while most Iraqis eventually want the Coalition to leave, they understand that it is necessary that it stay for now. He said that the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are not ready to assume responsibility for the country; moreover, the ISF lacks the public's trust. Acting Deputy Pol-Mil Counselor added that the Coalition and GOI are actively working to develop the ISF capabilities necessary for Iraqi security self-reliance, but that this process will take time. Until then, any assistance Fiji could give the Coalition would be greatly appreciated. Vosanibola said that he would also discuss this issue with Australia and the UK. -------------- Request for a POTUS Visit -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Vosanibola asked the DCM whether President Bush might visit Fiji during any upcoming trips to the region, such as to Australia. The DCM said that he was not the right person to ask, but that he would be happy to pass the question back to Washington. -------------- Political and Security Briefing -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) Vosanibola asked the DCM for an overview of the political and security situation in Iraq. The DCM said that Iraq's political leadership was working to achieve movement on a number of important issues, such as a hydrocarbon law, before the end of the year. He said that PM Maliki had shown himself to be a good administrator; nevertheless, his government was new and would need time to fully establish itself. The DCM said Maliki faced the challenge of needing to keep his Shia political base happy. ¶5. (S/NF) The DCM briefed Vosanibola on the Baghdad Security Plan (BSP),while noting that it would take up to six months before we would be able to fully assess the plan's effectiveness. The DCM reiterated that the ISF, and particularly the police, did not yet have the capabilities and professionalism they needed. The DCM said that the GOI was concerned about interference from Iran and Syria, but had improved relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States. -------------- UN Support -------------- ¶6. (S/NF) Vosanibola asked about UN support for Iraq. The DCM said that while he saw some nervousness coming out of New York about the security situation, those assigned to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) had a very strong belief that the international community has a responsibility to assist Iraq. The DCM also said that the UN was enthusiastic about the prospects for the International Compact for Iraq; BAGHDAD 00003761 002 OF 002 the Compact would be co-chaired by the UN and Iraq. Vosanibola said that morale among Fijian troops assigned to UNAMI was high; the DCM offered his condolences for the recent death in Iraq of Gunner Samuela Vanua (ref a). KHALILZAD