VP HASHIMI ON TAWAFUQ'S RETURN: THE PROBLEM IS

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 000854

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/19/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ
SUBJECT: VP HASHIMI ON TAWAFUQ'S RETURN: THE PROBLEM IS
NOT WITH US

Classified By: Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Summary: VP Tariq al-Hashimi told the Ambassador on
March 16 "the problem is not with us" with respect to
negotiations for Tawafuq's return to the GOI. Other parties
also fed up with PM Maliki, he said, include Iraqiyya, the
Kurds, the Sadrists, and the Fadhila Party. On the Strategic
Framework Agreement (SFA),Hashimi would like to see
scientific and cultural elements added during the
negotiations. Hashimi discussed at great length the need for
Iraq's Arab neighbors to increase their diplomatic presence
in Baghdad, particularly at the ambassadorial level. Hashimi
does not think Saudi Arabia will fulfill its promise to open
an embassy or appoint an ambassador anytime soon. End
summary.

NEGOTIATIONS ON TAWAFUQ'S RETURN IN STALL MODE
-------------- -


2. (C) In VP Hashimi's usual fashion, he deflected blame
regarding the stalled negotiations between the GOI and
Tawafuq claiming "the problem is not with us (Tawafuq)." He
said Iraqiyya, the Kurds, the Sadrists, and the Fadhila Party
are also fed up with PM Maliki. In response, the Ambassador
emphasized that a serious effort is needed for Tawafuq's
return to the GOI, and suggested the Presidency Council can
take a constructive role to move negotiations forward.
Hashimi then complained that PM Maliki does not "acknowledge
that things need to be done in a better way." Hashimi
summarized the demands raised with Maliki in the latest
meetings between Tawafuq and the PMO, highlighting power
sharing, especially among the ministries handling security,
as the most important item. He said unless there is
consensus on a long-term agreement on this issue, there will
be problems. The Ambassador emphasized the USG is
encouraging both sides (Tawafuq and PM Maliki) to resolve
their differences.

STATUS OF SOFA/SFA NEGOTIATIONS
--------------


3. (C) The Ambassador discussed the SFA and SOFA with VP
Hashimi at length, stressing that the political leadership
should deal with the SFA on a parallel track to the technical
negotiations on the SOFA (led by Deputy Foreign Minister Haj
Hamoud). The Ambassador highlighted the Executive Council
(plus one - KRG President Massoud Barzani) as a good
mechanism to ensure agreement during the negotiations.
Hashimi remarked that he submitted a letter to PM Maliki
suggesting scientific and cultural elements be added to the
SFA; however, he did not see any reference to it in the
latest drafts.

VIEWS ON OIC MEETING AND RELATIONS WITH ARAB NEIGHBORS
-------------- --------------


4. (C) Hashimi shared his impressions of the 11th Session of
the Summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference
(OIC) in Dakar, Senegal (March 13-14),saying "Islamaphobia"
was one of the biggest topics. He added, "The extremists are
causing people to link Islam with terrorism." Hashimi also
talked about the controversy generated from some Danish
cartoons in some Islamic countries, highlighting Pakistan in
particular. In discussing Iraq's bilateral relations with
Arab neighbors, VP Hashimi stressed that Iraq needs an Arab
Ambassador in Baghdad. "Iraq is a founding member of the
Arab League," said Hashimi, "but not a single Arab minister
has visited." VP Hashimi added he met with Arab leaders from
Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar at the OIC conference to convince
them to establish stronger diplomatic ties with Iraq.
Hashimi is doubtful that Saudi Arabia will establish a
diplomatic mission or fulfill its promise to name an
ambassador to Iraq.
CROCKER