ARAB LEAGUE CONDEMNS AMERICAN ACTIONS IN HADITHA,

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 003508 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/06/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS EG IZ SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE CONDEMNS AMERICAN ACTIONS IN HADITHA, TERRORIST ATTACKS IN BASRA REF: NEA/RA-ECPO E-MAILS Classified by ECPO Counselor Catherine Hill-Herndon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Following the June 4 issuance by the Arab League of a condemnatory statement (text below) regarding the actions of American soldiers in Haditha, Iraq, emboff complained to Arab League Spokesman Alaa Rushdy June 6 about the content of the statement, particularly since the incident was still under investigation. Emboff also questioned why the Arab League did not routinely condemn terrorist attacks against civilians in Iraq carried out by Al Qaida and other insurgents, or routinely condemn Iran for its role in sponsoring terrorist attacks in Iraq that result in civilian deaths. Rushdy reacted defensively, pointing out that the League had issued many statements in the past condemning attacks on civilians and on Islamic holy sites in Iraq. To illustrate the League's attempt at balance, Rushdy said, the AL Secretariat had also issued a second statement June 4 regarding the deteriorating security situation in Basrah (text below). Emboff requested that Rushdy register Washington's disappointment with the AL statement on Haditha with the Secretary General. SIPDIS ¶2. (U) Text of Arab League statement on Haditha killings: Title: The Arab League Expresses Its Condemnation on the Crimes Committed by American Forces Against Iraqi Civilians. The Arab League Secretariat expresses its condemnation and denouncement of the crimes committed by American Forces against Iraqi civilians which resulted in the death of several innocent, unarmed civilians, among which were a number of children and women. The Arab League supports the ongoing investigations requested by the Iraqi Government. The Arab League is also following closely those investigations and its upcoming results that will be announced by the American Government, reflecting legal and criminal responsibility and the importance of avoiding the recurrence of such inhuman and heinous practices again. End text. ¶3. (U) Text of Arab League statement on Basrah: Title: The Arab League Condemns the Terrorist Explosions in Basra City And Calls for Calming the Situation and Stopping Violence. The Arab League Secretariat is following anxiously the escalation of violence that targeted Basra City recently which resulted in the deaths of more innocent civilians. The Arab League expresses its condemnation and calls for self-restraint, in addition to calling on all concerned parties to halt immediately those acts and avoid further tension and the fanning of sectarian strife. The Arab League trusts that the Iraqi Government will exert all efforts to contain the situation and calls upon all Iraqi factions to maintain the social texture of the Iraqi people and its national unity. End text. JONES