IRAQI FM EXPRESSES GRATITUDE, SEES NO PROBLEM WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BRATISLAVA 000763 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2016 TAGS: PREL MOPS IZ LO SUBJECT: IRAQI FM EXPRESSES GRATITUDE, SEES NO PROBLEM WITH DEPARTURE OF SLOVAK TROOPS REF: SEPT 8 HEVIA-VOLK EMAIL Classified By: Ambassador Rodolphe M. Vallee for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d ). ¶1. (C) Summary: The September 8 visit of Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari gave the Slovak government the impression that Iraq has no problem with the withdrawal of Slovak troops, as long as there is some symbolic follow-on presence in the form of training or other cooperation. Zebari thanked the government for all it had done for Iraq, and welcomed Slovakia's continued commitment to democratic transformation in the form of training, scholarships for students, potential business or economic cooperation, and NGO involvement. FM Kubis told media during their joint press briefing that the current troop rotation would be the last, a statement the GOS had never made to us privately, and one that the government has not formally decided yet. Ambassador stressed to Kubis September 13 that this was not in the spirit of consultation and coordination, urged Kubis to put off a final government decision until after his Sept 21-25 visit to Washington, and emphasized that definitive announcements on troop withdrawal should be accompanied by an announcement of what Slovak presence in Iraq will take their place. End summary. ¶2. (SBU) According to officials at the Slovak MFA, the September 8 visit of Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari was open, friendly, and informal, and there was no hint of displeasure over the proposed withdrawal of Slovak troops from Iraq. Zebari met with Minister of Defense Kasicky, Speaker of Parliament Paska, President Gasparovic, Foreign Minister Kubis, Deputy Prime Minister Caplovic, and State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy Zigo. He and Kubis held a press conference between the office call on Kubis and a lunch hosted by Kubis (ref email). Slovak Troops to Leave Iraq -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Kubis informed Zebari that the current rotation of Slovak demining troops in Iraq (which arrived in August and will depart February 2007) is the last. He said Slovakia was committed to continue its presence in other forms, such as training. The Ministry of Defense is preparing a more detailed document on the subject for approval by the cabinet. Zebari responded that Iraq appreciates all that Slovakia has done, and that his visit was a show of gratitude. Apart from military cooperation, many other areas for assistance were open. He also praised Slovakia's support for Iraq's transformation in NATO, the EU, and the UNSC. At the press conference, Kubis announced publicly that the current rotation is the last and that the government would discuss what type of training and technical assistance could be offered to Iraq in the future. Zebari responded that Iraq appreciates all that the Slovak troops have done, and that now Iraqis are taking control of their own territory. He added that the sector where Slovak troops are operating should come under Iraqi control by the end of the year. Zebari emphasized the withdrawal of Slovak troops would be done in coordination with Iraq, and was Slovakia's right. He said Iraq evaluates the contribution not just on quantity, but on quality and symbolism. Iraq to Open Embassy in Bratislava -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Zebari said Iraq plans to open an embassy in Bratislava by the end of the year. (Note: Currently the Iraqi embassy in Vienna covers Slovakia. Slovakia has two diplomats at its embassy in Baghdad.) Kubis said Slovakia would very much welcome an Iraqi embassy. Commitment to Democratic Transformation -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Much of the time during lunch was spent in a general discussion of Iraq's democratic progress as well as problems throughout the broader Middle East region. Zebari emphasized to all his interlocutors that the transitional period in Iraq is over. Not only is the legitimately-elected government in full control, there are at least 45 draft laws ready for parliament to address open issues. Zebari also emphasized that problems such as the Israel-Lebanon conflict and the Iran nuclear issue have a negative impact on Iraq. He also stressed that while the Baghdad security plan is undergoing implementation to address the horrific security situation in Baghdad, 17 other provinces are fine with just local crime. BRATISLAVA 00000763 002 OF 002 The portrayal by media that the country is in a civil war is simply not true. Future Measures -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Zebari was critical of some Arab countries that had made generous promises of financial assistance but never delivered. Kubis suggested that Slovakia and Iraq might set up a joint business commission. When reporters asked about possible opportunities for Slovak businesses in Iraq, Zebari said companies are chosen according to what they produce, but that Iraq would not forget who its partners are. Slovakia will continue providing stipends for university students (currently four per year) and support the work of Slovak NGO's helping strengthen Iraqi civil society. Slovakia reconfirmed its invitation to host a visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister. ¶7. (C) DCM ran into Zebari informally the afternoon of Sept 8 and asked about his visit. Zebari considered it positive, and said it was intended to thank Slovakia for its involvement and keep the country engaged despite the planned withdrawal of demining troops. Zebari said he asked the Slovaks "not to be in a hurry" and to provide other training and assistance. However, he also told the DCM that he considered the Slovak presence primarily symbolic. Comment -------------- ¶8. (C) Kubis' announcement at the press conference that the current Slovak troop rotation (August 2006-February 2007) would be the last was not previewed with us. Our previous discussions both at the political and working level at the ministries of defense and foreign affairs had at least theoretically left open the possibility of a rotation beyond February 2007, and included assurances that alternative options would be discussed privately with us prior to any public announcement. The Ambassador made the points to Kubis on September 13 that hearing such things via the press was not in the spirit of full cooperation and consultation, and that announcements about troop withdrawal should be made in tandem with announcements of what contributions will take their place. The Ambassador urged Kubis to delay any final government decision on the issue until after his consultations in Washington and New York Sept 21-25. Kubis replied that he believed that to be a good idea and would advocate such a position with the government. VALLEE