IRAQI PLANS TO FACILITATE NAVIGATION IN THE KHOR

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BAGHDAD 002137 SIPDIS CENTCOM PLEASE PASS TO NAVCENT E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/08/2028 TAGS: PBTS PREL MARR MOPS IZ KU IR SUBJECT: IRAQI PLANS TO FACILITATE NAVIGATION IN THE KHOR ABDULLAH AND SHATT AL-ARAB BAGHDAD 00002137 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Classified By: Pol-Mil Minister-Counselor Marcie B. Ries , Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C/REL MNFI) A proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) on improving navigation in the Khor Abdullah waterway is awaiting Prime Ministerial approval, Deputy Foreign Minister Hamoud told us on July 7. Citing the importance of the waterway, Hamoud expressed confidence the Prime Minister will give him a green light so that he can present the MOU to the Government of Kuwait (GOK). Hamoud also outlined extensive discussions with the Iranian government on the Shatt al-Arab, which he described as more sensitive. He requested U.S. and UK assistance for both Iraqi endeavors. End summary. -------------- Khor Abdullah -------------- ¶2. (C/REL MNFI) In a July 7 meeting with Pol-Mil Counselor Ries (who was accompanied by Deputy Commanding General Cooper, Senior Advisor Gray, and LTG Cooper,s political advisor),Deputy Foreign Minister Hamoud said that the Foreign Minister had approved the draft MOU on the Khor Abdullah waterway; the MOU is now awaiting the Prime Minister,s approval. Once received, Hamoud would seek a meeting with the GOK &with your participation.8 He was confident that the Prime Minister would give him a &green light8 (a term he used twice) due to the importance of the waterway to the economic development of southern Iraq. ¶3. (C/REL MNFI) Continuing, Hamoud said that &in certain aspects, the Kuwaitis are sensitive, but we did not have any problems on the land border or Khor Zubayr.8 He said that Iraq had &certain differences with the UN8 regarding the Khor Abdullah waterway, but he did not elaborate. The approach in the MOU, Hamoud explained, was to proceed with clearing the waterway without prejudice. (Article Six of the latest draft we have seen reads &neither the Articles of the Memo nor the required technical operations to improve navigation and remove sunken ships in the Khor Abdullah contain any statement that can be construed as including any demarcation of the Iraqi-Kuwaiti maritime limits.8) ¶4. (C/REL MNFI) In reply to Ambassador Ries,s question, Hamoud cited meetings with the Kuwaiti leadership as the basis for his belief that the GOK agrees that this course of action is in Kuwait,s interest. (Comment: We defer to Embassy Kuwait, but are concerned that Hamoud was overly optimistic about the prospects for Kuwaiti buy-in. End comment.) ¶5. (C/REL MNFI) LTG Cooper asked if Iraq sees the costs being shared with Kuwait; Hamoud answered in the affirmative. A lawyer by training, Hamoud went on to cite his experience with the Shatt al-Arab and the importance of establishing legal ownership of the wrecks. The MFA asked for an Iraqi judicial ruling to avoid any potential legal issues. The court advised the MFA to warn ship owners (through advertisements in international newspapers) that salvage operations would begin after a month,s time, so that they would have the opportunity to claim their wrecks. (In fact, Hamoud said, three did so, cutting up the wrecks to sell the scrap metal.) LTG Cooper explained that the concept for the Khor Abdullah would be to hire an international consultant, who would be responsible for contacting owners to avoid any complications in the future. -------------- Shatt al-Arab -------------- ¶6. (C/REL MNFI) Hamoud disclosed that the Iraqis and Iranians have agreed in principle to survey the Shatt al-Arab, which also has several wrecked ships. The survey is part of a broader Iraqi initiative with Iran to revert to the previous demarcation of the maritime boundary. Elaborating, BAGHDAD 00002137 002.2 OF 002 Hamoud noted that Iraq had surveyed the Shatt al-Arab &a few years back from our side (i.e., unilaterally),but we want to do it jointly as the Iranians are a difficult people.8 The demarcation is important, he said, because it affects Iraq,s territorial waters adding that the Iraqis would be interested in the USG sharing its expertise with the GOI as it prepares for the joint survey with the Iranians. Later in the conversation, Hamoud said that the Iranians agreed to this course of action after the Prime Minister,s visit and two joint technical committees had already been established. He opined that they have a &clear willingness to proceed,8 citing a recent visit to him by the Iranian ambassador, who indicated Tehran,s eagerness to begin work. That being said, Hamoud observed that &the Iranians agree but could change their minds the day after.8 ¶7. (C/REL MNFI) Hamoud said that he &needs to go to Tehran for a few days to arrange the technical committees,8 but he cannot travel now due to his involvement with the status of forces agreement discussions with the USG. He expects that the Iraqi-Iranian technical committee experts would work area-by-area to demarcate the Shatt al-Arab, and would then address the issue of wrecks and unexploded ordinance. CROCKER