Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
07LONDON3283 | 2007-08-24 15:24:00 | SECRET | Embassy London |
VZCZCXRO9445 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHLO #3283 2361524 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 241524Z AUG 07 FM AMEMBASSY LONDON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5101 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 0983 |
S E C R E T LONDON 003283 |
1. (S) Two of the names on Ref E's proposed listings to the UN's 1518 Committee "might be promising" participants in the Iraq Reconciliation process, according to the FCO's James Smith, Desk Officer Iraq Directorate, and Sarah Bennett, Sanctions Team, International Organizations Department. The FCO learned from their embassy in Baghdad that the two Yunis Al-Ahmad brothers might be in the early stages of participating in the process of reconciling the Sunni tribes back into the Iraq government. Smith and Bennett had no further information on the brothers' participation, but asked whether the USG was aware of and had considered this information in its decision to list them to the 1518 Committee. The FCO had forwarded our initial request to the Minister for approval, but pulled it back when this information surfaced. They are seeking more time with these two in order to confirm the report. Smith and Bennett suggested we could move forward with the list, excluding these two names at this point pending further investigation, or go forward if all parties (specifically the Multi-National Force) were aware of the Reconciliation angle but decided it was in everyone's interest to list the brothers now. 2. (S) On a separate issue on this listing, Bennett and Smith said the FCO was still concerned about the proposed U.S. text, despite draft revisions by the U.S. (Ref A.) The revised language continues to refer to current activity and also, in many cases, does not show a strong-enough linkage to the former regime, both of which will "sink the proposal" according to James and Bennett. The FCO supports listing all of these names, but fears the current language will be opposed by not only the usual suspects - Russia and China - but also by some allies for not being on point legally. They do not think the listing, as written currently, will make it through the committee. Bennett will draft language she believes will make it through the committee, and we will pass it by e-mail to Erin Crowe at State/International Organizations. 3. (S) The FCO has asked about the USG's motive for listing the individuals using the current text. If our purpose is to weaken the insurgency in Iraq, then the British government is on board with listing, although they believe this effort is merely a "drop in the bucket," said James. If the purpose is to try to test Syria's reaction, the UK would be "less likely" to want to co-sponsor the listings. The UK wants to support listings that have the goal of getting through the committee, not just sending a message, said Bennett. 4. (S) Bennett again asked about the timing of our listing, and inquired about our strategy for rolling out the proposal. Would the French be brought into the early discussions? When will the other P-5 members and other members of the Security Council be notified? Please advise. Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm LeBaron |