REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS CONDEMNING AL-ASKARIYA

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000590 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KPOA PTER IZ SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS CONDEMNING AL-ASKARIYA SHRINE BOMBING DELIVERED REF: STATE 28802 Classified By: Political Counselor Robert Downes for reasons 1.4 (d). ¶1. (SBU) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Third Secretary for North America Robinson Zapata had no substantive response to reftel demarche requesting that host countries issue statements condemning the Al-Askariya shrine bombing. Zapata agreed, however, to pass talking points to Vice Minister for North America Maria Pilar Hernandez for further consideration. ¶2. (C) Comment: Post does not expect any substantive response from the MFA on this issue. The BRV is a staunch critic of the US government's policies in Iraq. On March 8, a group of demonstrators, organized by the government and led by National Assembly deputy Celia Flores, is expected to protest in front of the Embassy against the United States' "occupation" of Iraqi territory. WHITAKER