SHARING DRAFT IRAQ UNSCR TEXT WITH RUSSIA

UNCLAS MOSCOW 005802 SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y ((ADDING SENSITIVE CAPTION)) SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PARM PREL UNSC EFIN MARR IZ RS SUBJECT: SHARING DRAFT IRAQ UNSCR TEXT WITH RUSSIA REF: STATE 165490 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff and UK Emboff jointly delivered draft Iraq UNSCR text and reftel points to MFA Counselor for International Organizations Yuriy Rudakov on December 13. Rudakov said that the MFA had received a copy of the draft from the Russian Mission in New York, and that the GOR had no major objections to the text. He offered, unofficially, that the GOR would approve the resolution with some modifications. ¶2. (SBU) Rudakov said the GOR appreciated that the draft UNSCR extended the mandate of the Multinational Force-Iraq for only twelve months, which presented a timeframe for ending the current multilateral framework. He expressed strong Russian support for U.S. efforts in Iraq, while reiterating that the GOR considered it important to establish a timeframe for withdrawing Coalition Forces. Rudakov argued that Iraqis currently feel that they live under occupation, which hindered attempts to end factional fighting. He reiterated GOR arguments that a timeframe for withdrawing foreign troops could change the attitude of Iraqis and help foster national reconciliation. BURNS