SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ ON T-WALLS, PROGRESS OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 002174 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/05/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV PREF SW IZ ASEC SUBJECT: SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ ON T-WALLS, PROGRESS OF THE BAGHDAD EMBASSY, AND COOPERATION ON SECURITY ISSUES REF: A. (A) STOCKHOLM 482 ¶B. (B) BAGHDAD 01852 Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: In a July 5 meeting, Swedish Ambassador to Iraq (resident in Amman) Niclas Trouve accepted Ambassador Crocker,s apology for the manner in which the transportation of a generator through the Swedish Embassy,s construction site in Baghdad was handled. He provided an update on ongoing construction there, predicting completion of the project in the spring, with a possible first occupancy of part of the compound by the end of 2008. Because of this construction progress, additional convoy movements of large equipment past the compound seem very unlikely, according to Ambassador Trouve. He welcomed future cooperation on security issues. End Summary. Event at the barriers of the Swedish Compound -------------- ¶2. (C) Ambassador Crocker apologized for the event on June 28 when two sets of barrier walls that were part of the Swedish Embassy perimeter barrier were removed to allow for the passage of a convoy (ref A). The convoy was carrying several very large generators that had transited the International Zone (IZ) as part of a Ministry of Electricity contract to provide power generation capability outside of Baghdad. Ambassador Trouve accepted the apology and noted that the Swedes should have informed us that the site was under construction. He noted that he would meet with the GOIQzr8Q7xQQYQp they know that construction has started, that it is Swedish Embassy property, and that under the Vienna conventions is inviolable. ¶3. (C) Ambassador Trouve said that future changes to the perimeter walls, and even temporary access, would be difficult as they were part of the overall security for the building site to give as much setback as possible, and particularly important since the site is outside of the IZ. He noted that if they needed to move the perimeter for later convoy movements, it would likely stall completion of the construction project by 6 months. He also suggested other routes might be possible, including around the compound or through the adjoining park. Finally, he pointed out that the GOS wanted to appear neutral here and does not want to be seen by Iraqis as too closely related to U.S. moves. ¶4. (C) In response, Ambassador Crocker described the substantial logistical hurdles we have faced in trying to move the generators. We will need to continue working on a solution that will allow us to move the remaining generators to their destination. Swedish Embassy Update -------------- ¶5. (C) Ambassador Trouve provided an update on the status of construction of the Swedish Embassy compound located adjacent to the Baghdad Zoo. Under the supervision of a German architect, they are still on track to complete the project in early spring 2009. In order to provide as much set back as possible, they have now installed, or are in the process of installing, new T-walls that further reduce the width of the street and a chicane to slow incoming traffic in order to protect the entrance to the property. He promised that when the security situation improves, the street will eventually be reopened. ¶6. (C) There are three main buildings planned for the compound: a chancery, a residence, and a guard force building. Eventually this third building will be used for a consular section, commercial section, or some other use. If renovation of the first building is complete by the end of the year, they may move in then. The GOS already has an arrangement for use of office space inside the IZ with the UK Control Risk Group that provides them security, so they can say that they have a permanent office here already. Completion of the larger compound outside the IZ not only will allow them to increase their staff on the ground, but is also setting an example for other countries. Sweden may offer space there to the Norwegian and Finnish representatives to Baghdad. Request for Security Support -------------- ¶7. (C) As a follow-on to the request reported in Ref B, Ambassador Trouve was very thankful for our offer of support for Quick Reaction Force (QRF),medevac, and other security assistance. Noting that Sweden will take over EU presidency from the Czechs starting on July 1, 2009, it is likely that all of these EU members will want to meet at the new Swedish embassy in Baghdad. Also including high ranking Iraqis at this and other meetings might be a very tempting target. ¶8. (C) Ambassador Crocker offered options for coordination on QRF, saying that JASG can coordinate with the battle space owner to establish a plan. He also offered that the Embassy has its own assets that may be able to assist in emergencies in much the same way we did when the Polish Ambassador,s convoy was attacked, saying that we would continue to make every effort to support the GOS through military and diplomatic security efforts. This might include security assessments, use of our Tactical Operations Center as a type of 911 service, and a communications network among security officers of partner diplomatic missions. ¶9. (C) When asked for a point of contact to continue work on these issues and to put them in touch with the Surgeon General at the Combat Support Hospital to help facilitate a future MOA, Ambassador Trouve suggested his deputy. However, since she is not resident in Baghdad, he instead requested a follow-on program and meetings to work through the specifics. Ambassador Crocker agreed and asked for enough advance notice to set this up. In the meantime, the Embassy will provide something in writing that more specifically delineates the type of assistance we might be able to provide. CROCKER