Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAGHDAD3425
2008-10-27 14:42:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Baghdad
Cable title:
PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON
how-toVZCZCXRO5674 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHGB #3425 3011442 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 271442Z OCT 08 FM AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0106 INFO RUCNRAQ/IRAQ COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL IMMEDIATE RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003425
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM KIRF IZ
SUBJECT: PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON
CHRISTIANS IN MOSUL MAY BLAME KURDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia, Reasons 1.4 (B)
and (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003425
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM KIRF IZ
SUBJECT: PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON
CHRISTIANS IN MOSUL MAY BLAME KURDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia, Reasons 1.4 (B)
and (D)
1. (C) In an October 27 meeting with poloffs, Gorges Bakoos,
Political Advisor for Christian Affairs to Prime Minister
Maliki, intimated that Kurdish politics lay behind the
attacks on Christians in Mosul earlier this month. He
provided no specific evidence, but cited the interest of
"political entities" (in context, this was a clear reference
to the KRG, although Bakoos was not more specific) in
creating conditions that could lead to an autonomous
Christian zone in northern Iraq as the primary motivating
factor for the attacks. In response to a question about
allegations of possible AQI or associated groups'
responsibility, Bakoos noted that AQI has publicly denied
involvement. Bakoos said he does not think that a letter
purportedly from Ansar al-Islam, warning Iraqi Christians and
"infidels" to depart Iraq or face the same consequences as
Christians in Mosul, is credible.
2. (C) Bakoos stressed Maliki's intention to punish those
responsible, whatever the political consequences. He said
provincial authorities in Ninewa had failed to do their jobs,
and said that was why these attacks could occur. There are
three GOI committees currently investigating the attacks, one
on behalf of the Iraqi Security Forces, one by Iraqi
intelligence agencies, and one led by Defense Minister Abdul
Qadir on behalf of the cabinet. Bakoos said he would welcome
any information the USG could provide. He also said UNAMI's
involvement would be welcome.
3. (C) Comment: Embassy Baghdad will continue to track
available evidence and the various allegations while working
to ensure sustained GoI action to ameliorate the situation of
Christian IDPs and facilitate their return. We will attempt
to find out more about the work of the three GOI
investigative committees and the timeline of their
investigations. There are many politically motivated
allegations swirling publicly, backed by (so far) little hard
evidence but plenty of political animus. The conversation
with Bakoos suggests that some in the GoI already have a
preferred conclusion and are now looking for the right,
convenient "facts" in support. Bakoos, although he requested
the meeting, repeatedly framed the encounter as an
opportunity for the USG to share with the Prime Minister's
Office our own investigative leads. End comment.
CROCKER
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM KDEM KIRF IZ
SUBJECT: PM'S COMMISSIONS TO INVESTIGATE ATTACKS ON
CHRISTIANS IN MOSUL MAY BLAME KURDS
Classified By: Deputy Political Counselor Greg D'Elia, Reasons 1.4 (B)
and (D)
1. (C) In an October 27 meeting with poloffs, Gorges Bakoos,
Political Advisor for Christian Affairs to Prime Minister
Maliki, intimated that Kurdish politics lay behind the
attacks on Christians in Mosul earlier this month. He
provided no specific evidence, but cited the interest of
"political entities" (in context, this was a clear reference
to the KRG, although Bakoos was not more specific) in
creating conditions that could lead to an autonomous
Christian zone in northern Iraq as the primary motivating
factor for the attacks. In response to a question about
allegations of possible AQI or associated groups'
responsibility, Bakoos noted that AQI has publicly denied
involvement. Bakoos said he does not think that a letter
purportedly from Ansar al-Islam, warning Iraqi Christians and
"infidels" to depart Iraq or face the same consequences as
Christians in Mosul, is credible.
2. (C) Bakoos stressed Maliki's intention to punish those
responsible, whatever the political consequences. He said
provincial authorities in Ninewa had failed to do their jobs,
and said that was why these attacks could occur. There are
three GOI committees currently investigating the attacks, one
on behalf of the Iraqi Security Forces, one by Iraqi
intelligence agencies, and one led by Defense Minister Abdul
Qadir on behalf of the cabinet. Bakoos said he would welcome
any information the USG could provide. He also said UNAMI's
involvement would be welcome.
3. (C) Comment: Embassy Baghdad will continue to track
available evidence and the various allegations while working
to ensure sustained GoI action to ameliorate the situation of
Christian IDPs and facilitate their return. We will attempt
to find out more about the work of the three GOI
investigative committees and the timeline of their
investigations. There are many politically motivated
allegations swirling publicly, backed by (so far) little hard
evidence but plenty of political animus. The conversation
with Bakoos suggests that some in the GoI already have a
preferred conclusion and are now looking for the right,
convenient "facts" in support. Bakoos, although he requested
the meeting, repeatedly framed the encounter as an
opportunity for the USG to share with the Prime Minister's
Office our own investigative leads. End comment.
CROCKER