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