SCIRI LEADER AL-HAKIM'S SON ISSUES INVITATION FOR U.S./IRAN

S E C R E T HILLAH 000050 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/26/2016 TAGS: PGOV PREL EAIR IZ SUBJECT: SCIRI LEADER AL-HAKIM'S SON ISSUES INVITATION FOR U.S./IRAN TALKS IN IRAQ CLASSIFIED BY: GARY ANDERSON, ACTING REGIONAL COORDINATOR, REO, AL-HILLAH, STATE. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (S/NF) Summary. The son of SCIRI leader Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, Sheikh Ammar Al Hakim petitioned the Regional Embassy Office, Al Hillah staff for a dialogue between the United States and Iran. He noted that this dialogue should be at the highest levels possible within Iraq and that SCIRI would facilitate these meetings. Further, Al Hakim noted, "we do not want Iraq to be the battleground for a conflict between our two friends." Finally, Al Hakim asserted that what is missing in Iraq's current political situation is tolerance and that is what SCIRI has been working to promote. End Summary. ¶2. (S/NF) On March 23, the Deputy Regional Coordinator from Regional Embassy Office, Al Hillah met with Najaf Governor Assad Al Taee, Deputy Governor Hassan Abtan and Sheikh Ammar Al Hakim. The meeting touched on an array of topics. Chief among the matters discussed was SCIRI's view that a "conversation" between the USG and Iran would be advantageous for the future of Iraq. Ammar Al Hakim noted that even the hint of willingness to talk from Iranian officials was an indication that Tehran was changing and becoming more open. Al Hakim asserted these talks could begin with a trip by Ambassador Khalilzad to Najaf to meet with provincial political leaders, clerics and local SCIRI officials. Meetings between the Ambassador and the Iranian Ambassador to Iraq would follow. ¶3. (S/NF) In discussing perceived Iranian influence in Iraq, Al Hakim was adamant that the real influence in the relationship between Iraq and Iran flows easterly. He noted that the "heart" of the Shia is in Najaf; that more people in Iran identify with the Ayatollah Al Sistani than with any cleric in their own country. The lead for the lives of Shia throughout the region comes from Najaf and any thought to the contrary was wrong, Al Hakim claimed. The Shia region, he offered, has built a relationship of cooperation and strong ties with Turkey, Kuwait, Jordan and Qatar. When asked about the relationship with Iran, Al Hakim said, "There is no special relationship with Iran. We are trying to forge strong relationships with all of our neighbors." ¶4. (S/NF) One of Al Hakim's present concerns is the opening of the Najaf Airport. The local government has been working to open the airport for some time. Their hope is that an airport in Najaf will bolster an already strong tourism industry. At this time local officials are hopeful that a new airport would bring in 100 tourists a day from Tehran, with variations on that theme from other regional neighbors. Al Hakim pressed REO staff to help facilitate the necessary clearances so that that could begin very quickly to utilize their "airport". Note: The Deputy Regional Coordinator informed Al Hakim and Governor Al Taee that they would need to work with ICAO and IATA to receive the appropriate clearances. End note. ¶5. (S/NF) Comment. Abdul Aziz Al Hakim, Ammar's father, was in Najaf on March 20 and the elder Al Hakim requested a meeting with SET Najaf. This approach may be part of SCIRI's drive to open up a more intensive dialogue with the U.S. mission in Iraq. The combination of the airport project and the call for discussions with Iran represent a new tactic in this SCIRI effort. There is a good, effective relationship between the local government and SET Najaf. It's likely that SCIRI, with its governor in Najaf, would like to capitalize on this good will. It appears that local SCIRI officials are hoping to strengthen their relationship with the USG and may now be prepared to act as a liaison between the U.S. and senior clerics in Najaf with SCIRI affiliation or relationships. ANDERSON