GERMAN NEXT STEPS O SUPPORT FOR IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 001833 SIPDIS FOR S/I, NEA, AD EUR/AGS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2016 TAGS: REL PGOV EAID IZ SUBJECT: GERMAN NEXT STEPS O SUPPORT FOR IRAQ REF: A. 05 BERLIN 4083 ¶B. USUN 1237 Classified By: Minister-Counselor fr Economic Affairs Robert F. Cekuta for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) German officials said German steps to mark the inauguration of the Maliki Government included inviting Foreign Minister Zebari to Berlin and considering expansion of training programs outside Iraq. Global Affairs and Political Officers discussed German plans June 29 with incoming MFA Iraq Team Director Dr. Ruediger Lotz and MFA Iraq desk officer Florian Laudi. Senior Level Interaction; Ambassador Turnover -------------- ¶2. (C) Lotz reported German Foreign Minister Steinmeier had invited FM Zebari to visit Germany when the two ministers met earlier in June in Luxembourg. Zebari had also invited Steinmeier to Baghdad; Steinmeier had replied he was prepared to go when the security situation allowed it. Laudi reported working level staff had discussed the possibility of a French-German joint delegation going to Baghdad (ref B),but the idea had languished and has not been moved up to the decision-making levels. The MFA officials also reported Germany's Ambassador in Baghdad had met with some of the new Iraqi ministers, including Interior Minister Al-Bolani, within the last few days. Lotz called the new minister a huge improvement over his predecessor in that he was not affiliated with any militias. Berlin's Ambassador, however, departed post June 29, Lotz reported. He will be replaced in August by the current German Ambassador in Cairo, Martin Kobler. Iraq Compact -------------- ¶3. (C) Iraqi ownership and authorship of the Iraq Compact is vital, according to Lotz. He said Germany is still studying it and has not yet formed a position. However, there are questions over whether a new structure might overlap with or complicate other structures, e.g., IRFFI. Lotz also asked whether the Compact would cover all aspects of Iraqi needs -- security, reconstruction, political reform -- or only some. German Assistance -------------- ¶4. (C) Lotz said the most likely tangible German reaction to the new Iraqi government would be to broaden training assistance, including training for civil servants. As to security training, Lotz confirmed the German preference for continuing programs in cooperation with the UAE rather than moving its program to the center in Jordan. Lotz reported the German Ambassador presented Interior Minister Al-Bolani with a proposal for continued German police training, and Germany now awaited a response. Lotz reiterated the German "no boots on the ground" stance, which he said would preclude German personnel participating in the NATO training mission. Other U.S. Priorities for Aiding Iraq's Reconstruction -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) Global Affairs Officer reviewed the list S/I Ambassador Jeffrey had presented German officials in December 2005 (ref A) and the steps Germany had taken subsequently. Germany has moved on some items (i.e., bilateral debt agreement, IRFFI contribution, public statements of support for new Iraqi government),is working on others (visits, training, per above),and could not do some (e.g., NATO per above). As to the remaining items, Laudi reported the German Defense Ministry had thoroughly reviewed and considered the proposal to station an officer at Camp Doha in Kuwait. However, the MOD ultimately decided against doing so because it felt there were insufficient grounds to justify stationing a German military officer at a facility which Laudi said the MOD determined was primarily engaged in logistics. As to airlift for the UN, Lotz reported his understanding was that another European country had addressed the UN's needs. Lotz and Laudi pledged to review the remaining items on S/I Amb. Jeffrey's list (i.e., partnering with an Iraqi ministry, southern city infrastructure, Siemens support) and determine whether and how Germany could engage. TIMKEN JR