IRAQ: EGYPT AND ARAB LEAGUE WELCOME FINAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 000971 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS PTER KPAO OPRC EG IZ SUBJECT: IRAQ: EGYPT AND ARAB LEAGUE WELCOME FINAL ELECTION RESULTS, URGE RAPID GOVERNMENT FORMATION. STILL NO IRAQI AMBASSADOR IN CAIRO REF: STATE 23668 Classified by ECPO Counselor Michael Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (U) Following the public release February 17 of final election results by the Independent Electoral Commission of Iraq (IECI),both the Government of Egypt and Arab League publicly welcomed the conclusion of Iraq's electoral process and called for the rapid formation of a government of national unity. According to Egyptian state media, Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit during a tour of African states publicly welcomed the IECI announcement, voicing hope that the Iraqi elections would be a "step on the road to build a better future for the Iraqis and mark a new era in the history of the war-torn country." Aboul Gheit also highlighted the need for rapid government formation in Iraq. Similarly, Arab League Assistant Secretary General Ahmed Binhelli on February 11 told reporters that the League welcomed the IECI's election results and hoped Iraqi political parties would form a unity government. The League's Secretary General is expected to send his envoy, former Sudanese FM Ismail, to Baghdad shortly to discuss AL plans to organize a reconciliation conference in Iraq after a government is formed. ¶2. (C) According to the Iraqi Charge, Saad Ridha, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry recently conveyed Egypt's oral reply to two Iraqi Government letters delivered in December, one requesting agrement for Baghdad's prospective ambassadorial nominee, Dr. Mohamed al Haj al Hamoud, and the other inviting Egypt to resume full, normal diplomatic relations (cut by Iraq in 1991). He said that MFA Chef du Cabinet Wafaa Bassim called him to share that Hamoud was welcome in Cairo, but that he would be afforded only Charge d'Affaires protocol status, signifying Egypt's decision to delay resumption of full diplomatic relations. Asked if Bassim's call was the reason for Hamoud's failure to show in Cairo, Ridha said that there were several Iraqi ambassadorial nominees for posts in the region had been held up by the Prime Minister's office in Baghdad, and that Hamoud would not arrive until the official paperwork was signed by the Prime Minister and the President. Those signatures, Ridha speculated, would likely not come before the formation of a new Iraqi government. The Egyptians, he further surmised, would likely await a new government in Baghdad before making any move toward resumption of full diplomatic relations with Iraq. ¶3. (C) Comment. A decision to resume normal diplomatic relations with Iraq can only be taken by President Mubarak. The kidnapping and murder of Egyptian Ambassador Ihab Sherif last June continues to haunt senior GOE officials, and will make a decision to send a replacement envoy to Baghdad complicated. While the Egyptians tell us in private that they are not thrilled by the prospect of Jafari continuing as Prime Minister, once a new government in Baghdad is formed, it should be easier for the Egyptians to take the necessary steps to resume full ties with Iraq. End comment. RICCIARDONE