C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000288

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/18/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON IZ EU SW
SUBJECT: FM BILDT ON U.S. HELP TO MAKE THE ICI A SUCCESS

REF: STOCKHOLM 278

Classified By: DCM Robert Silverman for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) On April 17, Ambassador met with FM Bildt in
anticipation of Sweden's hosting the May 29 International
Compact with Iraq (ICI) conference. Bildt was joined by MFA
State Secretary Belfrage, Ambassador Christer Kumlin (in
charge of conference logistics), Chief of Staff Karin
Olofsdotter, Americas Director Hakan Malmqvist, and Middle
East Deputy Director Dag Juhlin-Dannfeldt; DCM and Polcouns
accompanied the Ambassador. Bildt's main points:

-- Sweden would like assistance in making sure the Iraqi
delegation was broad and representative; Bildt was
particularly concerned with getting the right high-level
Sunni Arab representation. He noted FM Zebari has relatives
in Sweden.

-- Relatedly, Sweden wanted to ensure there is a good
representation of Gulf Arab states, especially Saudi Arabia
and Kuwait.

-- The hydrocarbon bill needs a push, and UN representative
Staffan di Mistura told Bildt the U.S. was the only one able
to do it. Sweden hopes progress on this can be made before
the conference.

-- Sweden also hoped that the Iraqi government would approve
the budgetary expenditure for the provincial election to be
held in the fall.


2. (C) Bildt said Sweden is planning a May 30 bilateral
program for Maliki and the Iraqi delegation. This will
include an audience with the King, meetings with
Parliamentarians and Swedish business leaders, and meetings
with the Iraqi community.


3. (C) Belfrage, who is handling the substantive side of
conference preparations, said there could be a "meeting of
high officials" on May 28 to work out any remaining issues on
the conference documents.
WOOD