MALAYSIAN PM URGES IRAQI RECONCILIATION, NATIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000356 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2016 TAGS: PREL KISL IZ MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIAN PM URGES IRAQI RECONCILIATION, NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT Classified By: PolCouns Thomas F. Daughton for reasons 1.4b, d. ¶1. (U) On March 1, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi issued the following statement on the current situation in Iraq: BEGIN TEXT I am extremely and gravely concerned with the latest developments in Iraq because the increasing scale of violence is dangerously escalating into a situation which could become beyond control. In my capacity as the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and on behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I would like to appeal to the people of Iraq, particularly the ethnic and sectarian leaders in Iraq, to do everything possible and constructive to put an end to all violence, engage in peaceful discussions and earnestly establish a process of national reconciliation. In my capacity as Chairman of the Summit Conference of the Organization of the Islamic Conference, and on behalf of the member countries of the Organization, I would like to extend this same appeal to the Iraqi Transitional Government. I sincerely believe that it is not impossible for the people of Iraq to achieve a genuine and workable national accord. I hope the people of Iraq would consider it beneficial to establish a government of national unity. I have no doubt that the power to do so lies in the hands of the people of Iraq. I pray that the people of Iraq will not look upon compromises in negotiations only as a last resort but apply that approach as the first preference in their deliberations. I have great faith that the vast majority of the people of Iraq do not wish their country to be divided and their people fragmented along ethnic and sectarian lines. The people of Malaysia fully support these sentiments. Living in a multi-racial and multi-religious society, Malaysians understand the imperative for mutual respect between racial groups and harmonious co-existence between religions. The people of Malaysia have no other wish but to see the early dawning of peace, stability and prosperity for the people of Iraq. We wish to see Iraq take its rightful place in the international community of nations with the confidence and dignity that it deserves. Malaysia would like to engage Iraq in cordial and cooperative relations for mutual benefit. Malaysia stands ready to assist in whatever way deemed appropriate by the leaders of Iraq. The international community too has an urgent responsibility to help preserve the territorial integrity of Iraq for the sake of the people of Iraq. END TEXT ¶2. (C) COMMENT: We have consistently urged the Malaysian foreign ministry to issue statements supporting the Iraqi government and condemning terrorist violence in Iraq, but the Malaysians have generally been hesitant to do so. Abdullah's statement is thus doubly welcome. It was likely prompted by the prime minister's personal concern about the scale of recent communal violence in Iraq. It also tracks with past private comments from him and Foreign Minister Hamid about the importance of heading off sectarian divisions there. LAFLEUR