IRAQI GOVERNMENT REQUESTS AUSTRALIA, ROMANIA, EL SALVADOR AND ESTONIA PROVIDE "NON-COMBAT ASSISTANCE" BEYOND 31 DECEMBER

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003630 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/14/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR MOPS IZ ES RO AS EN SUBJECT: IRAQI GOVERNMENT REQUESTS AUSTRALIA, ROMANIA, EL SALVADOR AND ESTONIA PROVIDE "NON-COMBAT ASSISTANCE" BEYOND 31 DECEMBER Classified By: Political-Military Minister-Counselor Michael H. Corbin for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On November 13, Iraqi National Security Advisor (NSA) Dr. Mowaffaq Rubaie issued invitation letters to Australia, El Salvador, Estonia and Romania, thanking them for their "selfless sacrifices in assisting Iraq in establishing itself as a democracy" and inviting their continued support and presence in Iraq beyond December 31. The letters state that the future role of these Coalition partners will be in a "non-combat assistance" capacity. This is consistent with earlier discussions and an exchange of letters between the U.S. and GOI. The invitation letters state that more detailed information will follow. As of November 15, the GOI had delivered each of the letters to the embassies of the respective Coalition partners or to their senior military representative in country. ¶2. (C) Comment: As Post anticipated, the letters do not set forth the details of specific arrangements between the GOI and the respective Coalition partners, but rather serve as an official notice to the partners that their continued support in Iraq is necessary and welcome. The GOI will likely not engage in detailed discussions with these Coalition partners until after conclusion of the U.S. - GOI agreement on the status of U.S. forces. Post will continue to engage the GOI at senior levels to press for continued attention to the status of Coalition personnel. End Comment. CROCKER