FM READOUT OF TRIP TO IRAN, TURKEY

S E C R E T BAGHDAD 001438 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/29/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ SUBJECT: FM READOUT OF TRIP TO IRAN, TURKEY Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Summary. In an April 27 meeting with the Ambassador and PolCouns, FM Zebari described his April 25-26 meetings in Tehran as producing "good, constructive results," and expressed confidence that Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki will attend the Sharm el-Sheikh conference. Zebari stated he had equally productive meetings in Turkey on April 26 resulting in Turkey's decision to send a Minister to lead their delegation since FM Gul will be unavailable. As for Syria, Zebari maintained they will send a ministerial-level representative now that Turkey has decided to do so. End Summary -------------- -------------- IRAN: NON-COMMITTAL, BUT ZEBARI CONFIDENT MOTTAKI WILL ATTEND -------------- -------------- ¶2. (S) While in Iran, Zebari met with a number of people, including President Ahmadinejad. Zebari said Ahmadinejad pledged Iran's support to the GOI while remaining non-committal as to who would lead Iran's delegation at the Sharm el-Sheik conference. Ahmadinejad told Zebari that "we are going to help you to the extent we are prepared to talk to our enemies for the sake of Iraq." In separate meetings, Iranian FM Mottaki raised Iranian concerns and lingering questions about the conference, including confusion as to why the conference venue changed from Turkey to Egypt and uncertainty about the desired outcomes. While noting that Iran's National Security Council will determine on April 28 whether Iran will participate at the conference, who will represent it, and whether it should pursue bi-lateral meetings with other attendees, Mottaki stated that Zebari's visit will help Iran decide about its level of participation. ¶3. (S) Mottaki argued, however, that it will be difficult for Iran to send a high-level representative due to the continued detention of five Iranians arrested in a January 11 raid by MNF-I. Zebari cautioned against linking Iranian participation at the conference with the status of the detainees' cases. Zebari reiterated the GOI's desire for Iranian support and requested again that Iran send a ministerial-level representative to lead its delegation. ¶4. (S) According to Zebari, Mottaki then asked "what does the US want from Iran?" Zebari responded that it is not only what the US wants, but also what the GOI needs: an end to Iran's "meddling" in Iraqi affairs, including transporting arms and supporting militias; a concerted effort by Iran to channel its support to the GOI instead of individuals and organizations; and an end to the "harassment" of Coalition Forces (CF). Mottaki then noted, according to Zebari, that perceptions that Iran wants a quick withdrawal of CF are erroneous; Iran feels, Zebari said, that a quick departure would "lead to chaos" in the region. Despite the lack of a definitive response as to who will represent Iran in Sharm, Zebari told the Ambassador that he is confident Mottaki will attend. -------------- -------------- TURKEY TO SEND A MINISTER TO LEAD DELEGATION; GUL RAISES PKK -------------- -------------- ¶5. (S) Following his trip to Iran, Zebari visited briefly with Turkish FM Gul on April 26. He characterized this meeting as equally positive. While Gul is unable to attend the conference, Zebari obtained Turkish assurances that a Minister will lead the delegation. Zebari asked Gul to speak with the Syrian FM about this decision and persuade the Syrians to send a Minister as well. Zebari was convinced that Syria will follow Turkey's lead and send a Minister, particularly since he had spoken to his Syrian counterpart who was ready to attend pending Turkish decisions. On PKK issues, Zebari said he tried to soothe Turkish concerns about Barzani's statements, but he also cited Turkey's slow response to requests for trilateral discussions. Gul agreed but commented that it is difficult for Turkey to move forward given various inflammatory statements coming from Kurdish leaders. Zebari told the Ambassador that while these statements must be tempered, Turkey needs to more actively engage Kurdish leadership. CROCKER