Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD2174
2008-07-13 08:11:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:  

SWEDISH AMBASSADOR TO IRAQ ON T-WALLS, PROGRESS OF

Tags:  PREL PGOV PREF SW IZ ASEC 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHGB #2174/01 1950811
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 130811Z JUL 08
FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8286
INFO RUEHSM/AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM PRIORITY 0035
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).

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