SAG DEMARCHED ON U.S.-IRAQ BILATERAL RELATIONS MOU

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 002382 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/02/2017 TAGS: MARR MOPS PREL PGOV SA SUBJECT: SAG DEMARCHED ON U.S.-IRAQ BILATERAL RELATIONS MOU SIGNING REF: SECSTATE 159862 Classified By: Political Counselor David Rundell for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Post delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Western Department Head Dr. Riyadh Krimley on December 1. Dr. Krimley said that he had heard of this agreement between the Government of Iraq and the USG in the media and was very pleased that the USG was officially sharing this news with the SAG. ¶2. (C) Dr. Krimley also commented on the positive steps in security that the SAG witnessed in Iraq. He stated that the security situation is the primary issue in delaying the Saudi Embassy in Baghdad from opening-- with logistical issues coming in at a close second. He said that there are no more political concerns with opening an Embassy-- though he personally disagrees with opening an Embassy at this time-- and said that the SAG is only waiting for the security situation to improve a bit further. FRAKER