Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06HILLAH46
2006-03-20 16:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
REO Hillah
Cable title:
SISTANI CALLS FOR END TO SECTARIAN VIOLENCE AND FORMATION OF
how-toVZCZCXRO5449 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUEHIHL #0046 0791601 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 201601Z MAR 06 FM REO HILLAH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0577 INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0563 RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE RUEHIHL/REO HILLAH 0626
C O N F I D E N T I A L HILLAH 000046
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREF PTER KIRF KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI CALLS FOR END TO SECTARIAN VIOLENCE AND FORMATION OF
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN MEETING WITH SCIRI LEADER AL-HAKIM
CLASSIFIED BY: GARY ANDERSON, ACTING REGIONAL COORDINATOR, REO,
AL-HILLAH, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L HILLAH 000046
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREF PTER KIRF KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI CALLS FOR END TO SECTARIAN VIOLENCE AND FORMATION OF
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN MEETING WITH SCIRI LEADER AL-HAKIM
CLASSIFIED BY: GARY ANDERSON, ACTING REGIONAL COORDINATOR, REO,
AL-HILLAH, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (U) This is a SET Najaf cable.
2. (C) SUMMARY: In a March 20 meeting with SCIRI (Supreme
Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq) leader Abdul Aziz
Al-Hakim, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani called for an end to
sectarian violence. A participant related the substance of the
conversation immediately afterwards to SET Najaf local staff.
Sistani indicated support for relief efforts for displaced Shi'a
families arriving in Najaf from mixed Shi'a-Sunni or
predominantly Sunni regions due to violence there. Sistani made
the point that the formation of a national government would help
ease sectarian strife. The meeting occurred at Sistani's
residence in Najaf's Old City. Al-Hakim was in Najaf to meet
with SCIRI officials. END SUMMARY.
3. (C) Sistani welcomed Al-Hakim into his home for a meeting on
a wide range of subjects. The conversation concentrated on the
political situation in Iraq. In particular, Sistani spoke about
his desire to heal the Shi'a-Sunni rift. Most important to
Sistani in tamping down the sectarian strife is the formation of
a national government. He noted that this vital step would
"pour water on the burning ethnic conflict." Sistani also
suggested a conference of scholars. He asserted that this
meeting of both Sunni and Shia academics would be able to talk
openly about the ethnic problems in Iraq and supply solutions.
4. (C) Sistani told Al-Hakim that it is important to find
support and resources for the people who have traveled from the
northern parts of Iraq to the southern provinces (due to
sectarian fighting or intimidation). They should receive all
the assistance possible from local governments and aid
organizations, Sistani urged. He noted, however, that this
effort should include a plan to return these families to the
homes. The way to do that, Sistani said, is to ensure their
safety and security in the northern provinces.
5. (C) COMMENT: After the bombing of the Al-Askariyah shrine
in Samarra, Sistani called publicly for calm. In this private
meeting with SCIRI leader Al-Hakim, he continued that appeal.
At this point in time, it seems Sistani is restricting his
efforts to affect the national political climate to privately
entreating Shi'a politicians. In the absence of a major event,
he appears unlikely to issue any statements regarding national
issues. END COMMENT.
ANDERSON
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREF PTER KIRF KISL IZ
SUBJECT: SISTANI CALLS FOR END TO SECTARIAN VIOLENCE AND FORMATION OF
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT IN MEETING WITH SCIRI LEADER AL-HAKIM
CLASSIFIED BY: GARY ANDERSON, ACTING REGIONAL COORDINATOR, REO,
AL-HILLAH, STATE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)
1. (U) This is a SET Najaf cable.
2. (C) SUMMARY: In a March 20 meeting with SCIRI (Supreme
Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq) leader Abdul Aziz
Al-Hakim, Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani called for an end to
sectarian violence. A participant related the substance of the
conversation immediately afterwards to SET Najaf local staff.
Sistani indicated support for relief efforts for displaced Shi'a
families arriving in Najaf from mixed Shi'a-Sunni or
predominantly Sunni regions due to violence there. Sistani made
the point that the formation of a national government would help
ease sectarian strife. The meeting occurred at Sistani's
residence in Najaf's Old City. Al-Hakim was in Najaf to meet
with SCIRI officials. END SUMMARY.
3. (C) Sistani welcomed Al-Hakim into his home for a meeting on
a wide range of subjects. The conversation concentrated on the
political situation in Iraq. In particular, Sistani spoke about
his desire to heal the Shi'a-Sunni rift. Most important to
Sistani in tamping down the sectarian strife is the formation of
a national government. He noted that this vital step would
"pour water on the burning ethnic conflict." Sistani also
suggested a conference of scholars. He asserted that this
meeting of both Sunni and Shia academics would be able to talk
openly about the ethnic problems in Iraq and supply solutions.
4. (C) Sistani told Al-Hakim that it is important to find
support and resources for the people who have traveled from the
northern parts of Iraq to the southern provinces (due to
sectarian fighting or intimidation). They should receive all
the assistance possible from local governments and aid
organizations, Sistani urged. He noted, however, that this
effort should include a plan to return these families to the
homes. The way to do that, Sistani said, is to ensure their
safety and security in the northern provinces.
5. (C) COMMENT: After the bombing of the Al-Askariyah shrine
in Samarra, Sistani called publicly for calm. In this private
meeting with SCIRI leader Al-Hakim, he continued that appeal.
At this point in time, it seems Sistani is restricting his
efforts to affect the national political climate to privately
entreating Shi'a politicians. In the absence of a major event,
he appears unlikely to issue any statements regarding national
issues. END COMMENT.
ANDERSON