IRAQ COALITION CONFERENCE PROPOSED LOCATION

					  C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 014577 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018 
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS IZ AE ECON EFIN
SUBJECT: IRAQ COALITION CONFERENCE PROPOSED LOCATION 
 
REF: BAGHDAD 122 
 
Classified By: Acting DAS Richard Schmierer for Reasons 1.4 (b) & (d). 
 
					

1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph
three.

SUMMARY


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2. (C) Summary: Multi-National Force - Iraq and Embassy
Baghdad have proposed Abu Dhabi as the location for the next
Iraq Coalition Conference which will convene within the first
two weeks of May, 2008. Abu Dhabi is the preferred site due
to its central location in the Middle East, extensive airline
connections, and conference facilities. The Coalition
Conference presents an opportunity to raise economic issues
as a way to encourage Coalition countries to increase their
economic involvement in and support for Iraq. End Summary.

OBJECTIVE


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3. (C) Drawing on the above background, apprise UAE of
MNF-I's and Embassy Baghdad,s desire to hold the next Iraq
Coalition Conference in Abu Dhabi sometime in late May
(likely to be May 26-28), and seek UAE concurrence.

BACKGROUND


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4. (U) MNF-I hosts a Coalition Conference twice a year, in
order to meet with Coalition partners in
Iraq to review the past six month's events as well as look
ahead. The three previous conferences were
held in Manama, Warsaw and Tampa (MacDill AFB). This two-day
conference brings together senior military leaders and
appropriate civilian officials from the 25 Iraq Coalition
contributing countries. Typically, countries in the region
are invited to send observers.



5. (U) Given its location, extensive airline connections and
conference and accommodation facilities, Abu Dhabi would be
an ideal venue for the next conference.



6. (SBU) One of the core themes of the next conference will
be economic opportunities in Iraq. We believe that with the
improved security situation in Iraq, there will be more
opportunities for investment and commercial activity.
Embassy Baghdad and/or NEA/I will provide the form and
substance of the economic component of the conference.

REPORTING DEADLINE


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7. (U) Embassy should report results of efforts by cable
before February 22.

POINT OF CONTACT


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8. (U) Contact David Capezza (NEA/I-PM) at (202)647-6350 or
capezzadm@state.sgov.gov for further
background information if needed.
RICE