Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
08STATE78542 | 2008-07-22 15:13:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Secretary of State |
VZCZCXRO3401 PP RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK DE RUEHC #8542 2041517 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 221513Z JUL 08 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 9797 INFO IRAQ COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 2541 |
C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 078542 |
1. (C) Summary: The mandate for the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) was reauthorized and expanded by UN Security Council Resolution 1770 (2007) and will expire on August 10, 2008. According to Special Representative for the Secretary-General (SRSG) Staffan de Mistura, UNAMI is satisfied with its current mandate and would like the UNSC to extend it for another twelve months. We support this recommendation and will pursue a UNSC resolution to this effect. Post is requested to consult with appropriate officials in the Government of Iraq (GOI) on a letter reaffirming Iraq's support of UNAMI and its desire to see UNAMI,s mandate extended. End summary. OBJECTIVES 2. (C) Drawing from the information in the summary paragraph and the suggested text in paragraph 4, Post is requested to begin consultations with the GOI on a letter to the Security Council reaffirming Iraq's support for the UNAMI mandate, as set out in UNSCR 1770. Post is also requested to consult and coordinate with the UK mission as appropriate. REPORTING DEADLINE 3. (SBU) Post is requested to keep IO/UNP informed on the progress of discussions and seek further guidance as needed. Discussions should result in a letter signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and transmitted to New York no later than Monday, August 4. (Note: As a point of reference, in 2007, the GOI transmitted its letter on Monday, August 6, and the UNAMI resolution was adopted on Friday, August 10. End note.) IO/UNP POC is Bridget Lines at LinesBM@state.gov or 202-647-7142. POINTS FOR GOI LETTER 4. (C) Post should encourage the GOI to draw from the following points in its letter to the UNSC: -- Support for the extension of UNAMI,s mandate for another twelve months, recognizing the importance of the role it has played in implementing its full mandate pursuant to UNSC resolutions 1500, 1546, 1557, 1619, 1700, and as expanded in resolution 1770. -- Appreciation of UNAMI,s expanded role in humanitarian, economic, and political assistance, at home and in the region. -- Support for the presence of the specialized UN agencies, funds, and programs, in their reconstruction and stabilization efforts and in their contributions to the coordination and delivery of humanitarian assistance. -- Support for the leadership of SRSG de Mistura in encouraging political dialogue and national reconciliation. -- Appreciation for UNAMI,s partnership in implementing the International Compact with Iraq and its continuing role in facilitating regional dialogue through the Expanded Neighbors Process. -- Encouragement of UNAMI,s plans to expand its footprint in Iraq beyond its current presence in Baghdad, Erbil, and Basrah. RICE |