SUPPORT FOR UNAMI BAGHDAD PEACE INITIATIVE

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 073557 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/07/2016 TAGS: IZ KDEM PGOV PREL SUBJECT: SUPPORT FOR UNAMI BAGHDAD PEACE INITIATIVE REF: BAGHDAD 1491 Classified By: NEA DEPUTY ASSISTANT SECRETARY ROBERT GODEC FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D) ¶1. (C) Department welcomes an expanded United Nations role in Iraq, including a possible UNAMI-sponsored peace initiative. There are a number of Iraqi, U.S. and international initiatives, including the formation of a national unity government, intended to promote a reduction in internal tensions and reconciliation. The UNAMI initiative may indeed be worth exploring as an element in a broader effort, as noted in reftel. ¶2. (C) Baghdad should approach appropriate UNAMI representatives at the earliest opportunity to underline our interest using the points in paragraph 3. S/I Jeffrey will be in New York on May 9 for UN consultations and will use the same points with Qazi and U/S Gambari. ¶2. (C) Begin points: -- UNAMI has an important role in Iraq. We welcome its efforts, as well as an expanded role for the United Nations there. We agree that efforts to help Iraqis overcome division and violence are important endeavors at this time. -- The Baghdad Peace Accord that the UN has begun to conceptualize and explore with Iraqi leaders is worth pursuing as an element in the broader effort to encourage national reconciliation between Iraq's diverse religious and ethnic groups. We are eager to learn more about the UNAMI-sponsored plan so that we can provide a more complete and definitive reaction to the proposal. -- A number of other groups, including the Arab League, the Coalition and bilateral partners, are also engaged in outreach efforts to bring about peace, stability and national reconciliation in Iraq. We would be interested in hearing how a Baghdad Peace Accord would be coordinated and integrated with these other ongoing efforts. -- It is also important that Iraqis take the leading role in driving all reconciliation efforts. For this reason, the center of discussion on this initiative should remain in Baghdad. The Embassy looks forward to exploring this possible effort further with UNAMI. -- The primary mechanism for achieving national reconciliation continues to be the formation of an effective government of national unity responsive to all Iraqis based upon free, fair, democratic elections with wide participation. The UN and other efforts above that must build on, and above all, not undercut, the democratic effort. We hope that the United Nations will continue to encourage the Iraqi leadership to move forward with government formation as quickly as possible and to find ways to help that government demonstrate its effectiveness in serving all Iraqis. RICE